How to Start a Candle Making Business

Candles remain a high selling item that almost everyone buys and uses. If you enjoy working with your hands and have space for production, running your own specialty candle company can be a great way to make extra money or even a full-time income. There's a wide array of choices in what kinds of candles to make, including free standing and container candles in different scents and colors. Learn how to start a candle-making business to figure out the creative and practical aspects of getting started. 

Steps:

• Decide what types of candles to make and sell. Some of the choices for making candles include container candles, novelty candles, beeswax and pillar candles. Do some research to find out what types of candles sell well, and decide who your target market will be to narrow down your options. For example, you could make unity candles to market to brides-to-be and wedding supply stores. Beeswax and grunge candles are good choices to market to people who like primitive home decor.
• Set up your work area. If you are working from home only, you'll need to set up areas for making candles and shipping, as well as a computer for managing orders. Keep in mind that making candles can be messy; it's a good idea to have a space separate from your kitchen to melt and pour wax.
  
  
• Perfect your candle making techniques. Experiment with scents, colors and styles. Give your candles away to friends and family and encourage the recipients to give you feedback. Use the candles yourself to test the quality.
• Find out what licenses you need. Apply for local and state licenses, and register your business with the Internal Revenue Service.
• Speak to an attorney, small business adviser or accountant about how to start a candle-making business, including tax structure and insurance coverage. Set up your company as a corporation or sole proprietorship to protect personal assets.
  
  
• Devise a simple marketing plan that includes how to sell and advertise your candles. There are a lot of possibilities for selling, including local boutiques, craft shops, home stores and stores that sell crafts and craft supplies. Essy, eBay and other online storefronts, as well as your own website, are another option. If you produce a specialty item, show your items at stores that sell related items.
  
  
• Build an online presence. Blog, promote your business on social networking sites, and participate in online forums that relate to your product. Create a website, even if it is a simple one that shows your products and contact information. Register with Google Places and online local business directories.
  
  
• Create a logo and printed materials for your candle company. This includes letterhead, business cards and a catalog or brochure of your products. You can do some of this on your own if you have graphic design skills, but make sure you use quality printing and paper.
  
  
• Learn as much as you can about the practical aspects of running a business, including accounting, finance and marketing. Read books, take online courses or classes at a local college.
• Find reliable vendors of candle and craft supplies. Make sure you have enough inventory to reach production goals. Develop a system for ordering supplies and equipment quickly as needed.
  
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