Home Based Business Candlemaking

Candles are a popular item for the home. They are used during holiday seasons, on special occasions, and to create a mood. This can be a profitable home based business for unique items as well as simple designs.

The products you use to create your candles should be of the best quality. Soy-based waxes burn cleaner and take scent well. This is becoming the most popular because it is biodegradable and can be melted in the microwave. Paraffin waxes are petroleum based and give off smoke and soot when burning. Beeswax is made from the wax from beehives and is available in various forms. It is naturally aromatic. Bayberry candle wax comes from the bayberry shrub and is expensive and naturally aromatic. Gel wax is made from processed mineral oil and a gelling agent. It is clear and has a rubbery texture.

Fragrance for candles come in a variety of flavor, such as almond extract, amber romance, autumn spice cake, baby powder, Banana Cream Pie, black cherry, coffee mocha, and so on. Scented candles create a mood or complement an occasion. They can be decorated to fit an occasion with embellishments such as ribbons, glass beads, and strings of jewels.

Candles are made of dangerous materials. You will want to have product liability insurance. You also have to put warning labels on your candles about how they burn and remind the user to never leave a burning candle unattended.

Your hobby can become a profitable home based business.

What does it take for this business?

The materials you work with in this home based business are dangerous. Take classes in candlemaking. If you plan to learn on your own, purchase a book or use Internet resources to learn the craft. Make sure you understand the safety issues involved in creating your product, such as correct temperature to melt the various waxes and handling hot wax.

What do I need to operate this business?

You need a space in which you can melt your wax and pour your melted wax without bumping into objects that may cause you to spill the wax.

Home Based Business Candlemaking You should set up a separate space for your home based business office which could also double as your work space.

The start-up costs for this business can be moderately expensive depending on whether you already have some of the supplies and equipment needed.

Basic equipment and supplies include:

Wax
Stearin
Wax dyes
Fragrances
Wick holders
Wicks
Thermometer
Wax additives
Molds
Pouring pots
Wax heater
Dipping tank

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

Candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes:

Tealight - filled candle usually 1.5 inches (38mm) in diameter and .75 inches (19mm) in height. Can be used as a food warmer or in a holder.
Pillar - stand-alone candle with one or more wicks, usually square and thick but can be round or hexagonal.
Novelty - various shapes like food.
Taper - or dinner candles. Slender candle that thins toward the burn end and used in a holder.
Votive - candle to be used within a votive holder, 2 1/2 inches high, square or cylindrical in shape.
Molded - candles made by sculpting, molding, pouring into a shaped mold.
Floating - candle with convex bottom designed to float on water.
Container - non-flammable, heat resistant containers filled with wax and a wick.

What are my potential earnings?

$45,000 + annually. Your earnings can increase if you use a sales representative to market your products at retail stores.

How much do I charge for my services?

The amount you charge depends on the materials and scents used and the size of the candles. Prices range from $10 to $25 for simple candles. Unique and elaborate candles range from $40 to $200.

How do I bill for my services?

Home Based Business Candlemaking You sell direct to customers and collect at the time of purchase. If you sell to retail outlets, you may ship quantity and invoice the store for payment. Make sure you specify your credit terms, payable when received, 30 days credit, and so forth.

How do I market my business?

Offline

List your home based business company in the Yellow Pages.
Place a classified ad in your local and community newspapers.
Give away samples.
Distribute brochures, flyers, and business cards.
Place brochures in gift shops and other specialty shops.
Sell or consign your candles to local gift and specialty shops.
Donate candles as prizes or gifts.
Sell at craft shows, local fairs, and flea markets.
Purchase ads in trade publications such as Giftware News and Gift and Decorative Accessories.