Chloe Adams
Soy candles are a popular choice for candle makers due to their eco-friendly and natural ingredients, excellent cold throw, long-lasting slow burn, and opaque white finish. With their rising popularity, knowing how to make and sell soy candles can turn a simple hobby into a thriving business. The process of making soy candles is much easier than it seems and only requires a handful of supplies, such as soy wax, fragrance oils, containers, and wicks, which can be sourced from wholesale candle sites and local thrift stores. The steps to make soy candles include melting the wax, adding fragrance, attaching the wick, pouring the wax into containers, and letting it harden. Pricing soy candles for sale involves considering the cost of materials, labour, and overhead expenses, while also taking into account the prices of similar products in the market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax |
| Wax type | Flakes |
| Wax weight | 1.5 cups |
| Container | Glass jar |
| Heat source | Double boiler |
| Heat temperature | 180-190 degrees F |
| Dye | Wax dye |
| Scent | Essential oils |
| Scent quantity | 2 Tablespoons |
| Wick | Cotton wick |
| Wick centering | Centering device |
| Glue | Hot glue gun |
| Cooling time | 1-2 hours |
| Wick trimming length | 1/4 inch |
| Cost of materials | $6 per candle |
| Retail price | $9-$30 |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing materials: Soy wax, jars, wicks, oils, dyes, etc
Soy wax can be purchased from Amazon, although the quantities are limited to 5-25lb. CandleScience is another option, as they ship quickly from North Carolina and offer the option to pick up in person. Other US-based candle supply places should have 45lb+ cases. For those in Australia, The Flaming Candle is an option.
Candle jars and tins can be purchased from Nature's Garden, which offers a wide range of options, including classic mason jars, elegant straight-sided glass jars, and unique hexagon jars. These jars are perfect for displaying the beauty of your candles while providing a sturdy and heat-resistant container. For those who want a lightweight and portable option, candle tins are also available in various sizes, including 2 oz, 4 oz, and 6 oz.
Wicks can be purchased from websites such as CandleWic, which also offers other candle-making supplies such as waxes, oils, and fragrances.
Oils, specifically fragrance oils, can be purchased from The Flaming Candle, which offers a wide variety of high-quality dyes, including dye chips and dye blocks, to help achieve the perfect colour for your candles. Their dyes are specially formulated to give consistent colours and ensure your candles look and smell amazing.
Dyes can also be purchased from The Flaming Candle, which offers a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to bold, vibrant hues, allowing you to create candles that stand out. Candle dye chips are convenient and easy to use, while dye blocks can be cut into smaller pieces for more precise measurements.
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Making the candles: Melting wax, adding scents/colours, pouring, setting
Soy candles are a great DIY project and can be a wonderful business idea. Soy wax is cheaper to buy in bulk and transmits the scent of essential oils very well. Soy candles are also healthier than paraffin candles, which emit several chemicals when burned.
Making the candles:
Melting wax
First, you need to gather your materials. Soy wax usually comes in the form of flakes, which are easy to measure and work with. To melt the wax, you can use a double boiler or hot plate. Place two inches of water in a medium-size pot and put a canning jar ring in the centre of the pot. Set your glass mason jar on top of the ring. You can also melt the wax in a microwave, starting with one-minute intervals, stirring thoroughly each time, and then cutting down to 30-second intervals.
Adding scents/colours
Once the wax has melted, remove the pot from the heat. If you plan to add colour to your candles, heat the wax to between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit and add some wax dye flakes. Stir well until the dye chips are no longer visible. After this, add your chosen essential oils or fragrance oils. Stir well to incorporate.
Pouring
Prepare your containers and wicks. Use a hot glue gun to secure the wick to the bottom centre of the container. Use a wick centering device to hold the wick in place. With a steady hand, pour the melted wax into the jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Reposition the clothespin to ensure the wick is centred.
Setting
Let the wax harden for about 1-2 hours. Remove the clothespin and trim the wick to about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch in length. Your candle is now ready to be lit! Alternatively, you can seal the lid and store the candle in a cool cabinet for later.
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Trimming wicks: Ensuring safety and even burning
Trimming the wick of a candle is an important step in ensuring safety and an even burn. Before lighting a soy candle, it is recommended to trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch in length. This helps to prevent the candle from burning too quickly, increasing its lifespan. A wick that is too long can cause the candle to burn unevenly, leading to wax buildup on one side and wasted wax.
Trimming the wick also helps to prevent soot buildup. A long wick can cause the candle to burn too hot, producing soot that can damage the candle and negatively impact indoor air quality. By trimming the wick, you can maintain a safe flame height and reduce the risk of fire hazards. It is advisable to trim the wick before lighting the candle rather than after, and to ensure that the candle is completely cool before trimming.
Using the right type of wick is also crucial for ensuring even burning and safety. Flat braided cotton wicks are designed to reduce "mushrooming," the buildup of carbon at the tip, and minimize smoke and soot. The ECO series wicks, for example, are flat, coreless cotton wicks braided with thin paper filaments that improve rigidity and reduce "afterglow" and smoke. These wicks are self-trimming and have been treated to curl in a controlled manner, minimizing mushrooming and soot.
Additionally, the choice of wick should consider factors such as wax type, fragrance load, dye type, and container diameter. Testing different wicks through burn tests is recommended to ensure proper wick selection. For example, single-pour paraffin waxes and vegetable-based waxes like soy may require a larger wick size to achieve a proper melt pool. By selecting the appropriate wick and practicing proper wick trimming, you can enhance the overall sensory experience of your soy candles, ensuring a clean, even, and safe burn.
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Cleaning jars: Reusing jars, removing wax, and cleaning
Reusing jars is a great way to save money and reduce waste when making candles. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning and reusing jars for soy candles:
Removing Wax:
Start by removing any remaining wax from the jar. The simplest method is to use a water bath, especially for soy wax, as it has a low melting point. Fill your sink with hot water, ensuring the water level is just above the wax level in the jars. Place the jars in the water bath without getting water inside the jars. Allow the jars to sit in the hot water for about 30 minutes. The heat will soften the wax, and it may even pop out of the jar. Remove the jars from the water and place them on a kitchen towel. Scoop out the softened wax with a spoon and discard it into a disposable container.
Alternatively, you can place the jars on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the oven at 200°F (93.3°C). Leave the jars in the oven until the wax melts completely. Then, carefully remove the tray from the oven and wipe the jars clean with paper towels.
Cleaning the Jars:
Once the wax is removed, you can clean the jars with warm, soapy water to remove any residue or labels. You can also use isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel to wipe out the jars before wicking, ensuring they are ready for your next batch of candles.
Preparing for Reuse:
Before reusing the jars, ensure they are completely dry. You can then prepare the jars for your next batch of candles by securing the wicks with a small amount of glue at the bottom of the jar and centering them with a wick centering device or a clothespin.
Additional Tips:
If you want to remove labels from the jars, try using lemon essential oil. Apply it to the label and rub it with a cloth. This is a great way to give your jars a fresh, new look.
Remember, reusing jars is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, as you won't need to purchase new jars each time you make candles.
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Pricing and selling: Calculating costs, labour, and markup
Pricing your soy candles involves considering your costs, target market, and perceived value. Knowing your costs is crucial for making a profit and growing your business. These costs include supplies, equipment, and overhead. Variable costs refer to the cost of each component of the candle, plus shipping, while fixed costs are those that remain relatively constant, such as rent or utilities.
Calculating your costs can be done by adding up all the expenses involved in creating your soy candles. This includes the cost of materials such as soy wax, jars, wicks, and essential oils, as well as any equipment you may have purchased specifically for candle-making. Overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and marketing expenses, should also be factored in. For example, if you spent \$36 on materials for six 8-ounce candles, your cost per candle is \$6. If you reuse the jars, your cost per candle goes down to \$3.50.
Your target market is the group of consumers most likely to purchase your soy candles. Considering their age, location, and interests will help you determine the price they are willing to pay. For example, if you are selling soy candles made with natural ingredients and essential oils, your target market may be health-conscious consumers who value high-quality, natural products and are willing to pay a premium for them.
Perceived value is the value customers place on your brand and products. Developing a strong brand and creating high-quality soy candles with unique fragrances or designs can increase your profit margin and set your brand apart from competitors. For example, if customers perceive your soy candles as luxurious or premium, you can charge a higher price, even if your total costs remain the same.
Once you have calculated your costs and considered your target market and perceived value, you can set a price for your soy candles that covers your expenses and allows you to make a profit. This price should be in line with your target market's expectations and reflect the quality and uniqueness of your product. Additionally, you can explore wholesaling your products by selling larger quantities to retailers, which can provide more predictable sales and access to an established customer base. However, wholesale products are typically priced lower than direct sales, resulting in slightly lower profits.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need soy wax flakes, candle jars or tins, candle fragrance oil, a heat source, a pouring pot, a large pot of water, a wooden spoon, a thermometer, a glue gun, wicks, and scissors.
First, add 1.5 cups of soy wax flakes to your jar. Next, create a double boiler by placing two inches of water in a medium-size pot and setting your jar on top. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat until the wax completely melts. Remove the jar from the heat, add your chosen fragrance oil, and stir well. Secure a wick to the bottom of the jar with glue and thread the top of the wick through a clothespin before setting it on top of the jar. Let the wax harden for 1-2 hours, then remove the clothespin and trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
As a general rule of thumb, add about 2 tablespoons (1 oz) of fragrance oil to 12 oz of melted wax. However, it is recommended to start with low percentages and always ensure the wax has been removed from the heat before adding scent to prevent it from evaporating.
Once your candle has set for 24 hours, use a heat gun to smooth out any cracks or craters. If you don't have access to a heat gun, simply melt the top surface of the candle with a hairdryer or heat source and let it set again.
The price of your soy candles will depend on various factors such as size, quality, and competition. On Etsy, 8oz hand-poured soy candles range from $12 to $30. It is recommended to charge for materials, labour, and add 10-15% on top. Additionally, consider your shipping costs and any platform fees.
