I find myself struggling with my bills, and I have some extra time this semester since I'm only taking 3 classes. I would like to try to make candles to sell. I would like to know if people would buy them if I made them.
I am going to buy some supplies when I get my loan money, and the first candles I'm going to make will be for Christmas gifts for my family. After that, I will try and sell the remainder. I've spent all evening researching costs of supplies from different places and figured out where I will buy what from where (unfortunately, not one supplier has the best deal for all supplies). I'm also thinking of making tarts.
Here's the sizes of candles I would sell and the cost of each:
8 oz tureen candle- $8
3 oz tureen candle- $4.50
4 oz tin candle- $5
1 oz tarts- $.75
I've also been researching different scents I would like to try, and here's just a few (I'm looking at a lot of fall scents, such as pumpkin and hazelnut...and I also love bases of coconut and pineapple):
Autumn Harvest: orange, grapefruit, and clove
Butternut Pumpkin: butternut squash, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla
Cappuccino Brulee: vanilla beans, coffee beans, and cocoa beans
Coconut Hibiscus: hibiscus, violet, and peony with a base of vanilla and coconut
Hazelnut Coffee: hazelnut and cream
Maple Pecan: pecans with maple syrup and vanilla
Pina Colada: coconut and fruity top notes with a sweet musky background
These are just some scents that I'm interested in, with the list continuing to grow. I would like to know if this a feasible thing to do, sell candles. I know many people love candles, and I would add personal touches to them as well to make them even better. I would hold contests for free product, the ability to choose a scent, free shipping, etc. Speaking of shipping, that is something I have not yet calculated. Depending on the number of tarts one buys, the shipping for that would be about $3, because I know how much it would cost to ship those. Other than that, I am not sure.
So please, would you let me know honestly if you would buy candles if I sold them? Do you have any suggestions? As far as payment, I would accept PayPal, and *possibly* cash/check/money orders...however, it would take longer to get your product. Please let me know!!! :D
Oh, and I forgot to mention, they would be soy candles =]
Comments (28)
I don't have a pay-pal account, but I would buy the butternut pumpkin one. it sounds wonderful.
COFFEE SMELLS! :D
Shipping internationally can be a bitch so I don't think I'd buy them. Seriously, even I dread international orders haha. But if I was still here, I'd definitely get candles :D
If i had the extra money and a paypal account, I would buy one :)
i would if i could afford luxury items right now
i'm sure many others would
and we don't do candles
good luck :)
@Erika_Steele - Doesn't it though! XD
@Cestovatelka - If you put in a big enough order I *might* make an exception for you and an international order :P But seriously, international orders do suck :(
@xdeelynnx - Right, not everyone has PayPal, so that's why I'm thinking I might accept people sending me cash and such =] And you could always just get a few tarts for a few bucks :D
I love your scent ideas.
Well, I think it is a fantastic idea!
Yeah, I would! Once my finances are a little better, which should be soon, I could see myself buying one. I don't have paypal, but I certainly don't mind waiting a little longer.
@bonmots - Thanks dear =]
@ShimmerBodyCream - Right?? Don't they just sound divine? :O
Haha. Maybe I can get a bulk order from my friends and you can stuff a box full of them. And I might have a request for a box or two of Kraft Mac N Cheese lmao. I know it's not the best, but damn that cheap blue box can be a perfect treat haha
Erm, anyway... lol
Speaking of international orders, I've noticed that a lot of UK people like dream catchers. I don't know why I find that amusing and strange haha.
@Megabyyte - Yay!! XD
@Cestovatelka - Haha! You so silly, mac n cheese :P Nom, though XD
What was funny is that before my second trip to Prague, Paul and his Brooklyn roomie requested some Kraft MnC. As soon as I arrived at their flat, they made me cook it for them and they said it was the best meal they had eaten all year haha.
Oh, and Oreos. Sweet jeebus, I will miss Oreos...
Sorry, I'm super hungry but it's too late to eat anything... I should just shut up and try to fall asleep now xD lol
@Cestovatelka - lol, I'm hungry too...over half the scents I wrote down in my notebook smell like some kind of food :P
If I had some extra money I would buy one. But I'm trying to start my own business selling Dreamcatchers and stuff, so I've been buying supplies too.. If you sell any, I will recommend your post though to try and help you get some sales.
Have you ever looked into making incense? It seems like it'd require less money spent, and if you make really good one you can charge a decent amount I feel. I vaguely have read about how to make them, it seems pretty easy. This is a very interesting thing to do, I personally don't know enough people to do something of this nature.
I LOVE candles! But unfortunately I'm using my spare cash for supplies for my gourds, lol! Maybe if I ever sell one since moving to Etsy, I'll use that sale as a treat for myself and get a Cappuccino one - it sounds good enough to eat. :)
Good luck! Let us know how you get on!
best of luck with your sales. I enjoy candles. Your butternut pumpkin one sounds devine. I don't burn them anymore though so I have more than enough currently. I don't have paypal either. Just beware that dollar tree stores sell candles too.I only mention this so you don't invest a lot and then cannot turn a profit. Unique scents and advertizing should help, and church fall festivals/craft fairs would probably be a good place to try to sell them, or perhaps consign them to local shops at a discount and let them find the buyers for you.
All your smells are in the rich/sweet categories. What would be your "clean" smell?
I've heard some good things about the Etsy site. I wonder how your candles would go there. I make candles also, but usually end up giving them all away. :) Good luck with your new endeavor!
You might have to see if you can market them in your area. But that looks like a fun thing to do. Good luck.
Does your area have a farmer's market? I bet you could sell a lot there.
I think the holiday candle business would be a good idea since you have the time and resources available. I'd like to see how it turns out for you.
I would absolutely, positively buy candles from you! :D
I don't see much of a market for candles, but your female readers seem to think differently, so who knows? Maybe some small gift shop would sell them on consignment.
The ability to choose a scent is a great idea! Personally, I've only bought candles once because I wanted a candle lit + wine bubble bath. Call me cheap, but I just wanted the cheapest and non-offensive smelling candles. I know some people are really into aromatherapy but it might be hard to compete with the prices of big box stores like Walmart.