Jessie Taylor
There are numerous avenues to explore when considering where to sell candles, from online platforms to in-person settings. Online retail has the advantage of low startup costs, wide geographic reach, and flexibility, with platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and social media facilitating global sales. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook can boost sales through product tagging, marketplace features, and targeted ads. For those seeking a more personal approach, local farmers' markets, craft fairs, and festivals provide opportunities to build customer relationships and showcase products directly to buyers. Boutiques, retail stores, and wholesale partnerships with spas, hotels, and gift shops are also viable options, requiring professional presentations and pitches to secure stockists. Ultimately, a combination of these channels may be employed to diversify revenue streams and maximise sales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online | Etsy, Squarespace, Amazon, TikTok Shop, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Shopify, Wix, WordPress |
| Social Media Marketing | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest |
| Local | Farmers' markets, craft fairs, retail stores, boutiques, salons, bookstores, music stores, florists, hardware stores, coffee shops |
| Marketing | Email marketing, influencer partnerships, paid ads |
| Product Features | Fragrance, aesthetics, therapeutic benefits, relaxation, decor, celebration, gifts |
| Legal Requirements | Safety codes, regulations, ingredients, wicks, packaging, fire safety instructions, labelling |
| Pricing | $10-$30 per candle |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces: Etsy, Amazon, and social media
Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Amazon, and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are great places to sell your candles.
Etsy is a popular choice for handmade candle sellers, with a $.20 listing fee and a 6.5% transaction fee. It provides access to a vast audience of over 90 million active buyers and is perfect for crafters. The platform's worldwide market and low listing fees make it an excellent option for those looking to sell their candles quickly and easily.
Amazon Handmade is another option, offering access to millions of Prime customers. However, there may be stricter vendor requirements for selling on this platform.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can also be used to sell candles directly. Facebook Marketplace has zero listing fees and provides access to local customers, making it ideal for testing market demand. Instagram, on the other hand, is visually appealing and allows you to showcase your candles with shopping tags and direct checkout features.
Other options for online marketplaces include Shopify and Squarespace. Shopify offers complete control over your candle business, with powerful e-commerce tools, beautiful themes, and seamless integration with payment gateways. Squarespace, on the other hand, is great for entrepreneurs who want to emphasize aesthetics and visuals.
When selling candles online, it is important to choose the right platform for your business model and target audience. Consider starting with established marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade to build a customer base and then expand to your own website or other platforms as your business grows. Additionally, remember to source quality supplies from reliable wholesale suppliers to maintain competitive pricing and product quality.
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$12.14 $12.74
Local retailers: boutiques, salons, bookstores, etc
Local retailers such as boutiques, salons, bookstores, and other small businesses can be great places to start selling your candles. People love local products, and candles can sell well anywhere there's foot traffic.
First, make a list of friends, family, and acquaintances who might work in or own a retail spot, such as a salon, bookstore, florist, or any other small business. Ask them if they'd be interested in selling your candles or if they know someone who might be. A referral can go a long way.
When reaching out to businesses, do some research on the store. Would your candles be a good fit? Tell the owner why you think so. For example, if you make candles with a literary theme, bookstores might be a great option. If your candles are made from cut beer and liquor bottles, a brewery gift shop could be a perfect fit.
Get some professional-looking photos of your candles. Even if you have to pay for them, they'll help sell your product and make you look more professional.
Create a sampler set, a line sheet or product catalog, order forms, and marketing displays and materials to pitch your product to retailers. It's important to have ""shelf-ready" products and a professional brand when approaching boutiques and other high-end retailers.
You can also try selling your candles at local farmers markets, craft fairs, or festivals to get started and gain experience in wholesaling.
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Farmers' markets and craft fairs
Selling your candles at farmers' markets and craft fairs has many benefits. Firstly, you can build personal rapport with your customers and they can experience the full product experience. Customers can see, touch, and smell your candles before they buy them, and you can answer any questions they may have. This also gives you the opportunity to receive direct feedback and understand your customers' needs, allowing you to improve your products.
Secondly, you can connect with other makers and entrepreneurs, which can be a source of inspiration and problem-solving. You can learn from their experiences and get recommendations for other worthwhile events. It is also a great way to build your online following and grow your social media audience and email list.
To make the most of these opportunities, it is important to be prepared. Make sure you have high-quality product photography to attract customers to your stall and showcase your candles. Have samples and business cards available, and be ready to collect emails to add to your subscriber list.
Selling your candles at farmers' markets and craft fairs is a great way to get started in the candle business and build a personal connection with your customers and community.
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Subscription boxes
There are various candle subscription boxes available, from budget-friendly to luxurious options, catering to all occasions and price points. Some popular candle subscription boxes include Vellabox, TPP Monthly Candle Subscription Box, Brooklyn Candle Studio, and Cratejoy's Vivere Box, Lucerna Box, and Ignis Box.
Vellabox, for example, offers flexible subscription options based on candle size and the candlemaker. TPP Monthly Candle Subscription Box offers fun and sassy candles with unique labels and a variety of scents. Brooklyn Candle Studio provides a standard subscription with a full-sized seasonal candle and long matches, while their deluxe subscription includes a travel-sized candle. Cratejoy's boxes vary in size, with the Ignis Box offering an 8 oz candle for medium-sized spaces.
Some subscription boxes allow customers to choose their candle combo and delivery frequency, while others surprise them with new scents and products each month. Many boxes also include additional items such as travel-sized tins, oil diffusers, and aromatic melts.
Overall, candle subscription boxes are a unique and enjoyable way to sell candles, providing customers with a delightful unboxing experience and the pleasure of discovering new fragrances.
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Wholesale to businesses: spas, hotels, and gift shops
Selling candles wholesale to businesses such as spas, hotels, and gift shops can be a profitable way to grow your candle business. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Research your target market
Before approaching any businesses, it's essential to do your research. Identify potential spas, hotels, and gift shops that you believe would be a good fit for your candles. Consider the type of candles you are selling and whether they align with the style and brand of the businesses you are targeting. For example, if you create candles with literary themes, bookstores might be a better fit than spas.
Develop a sales proposal
Create a sales proposal that showcases your candles and highlights what sets them apart from others in the market. Include details such as the ingredients used, sizes, shapes, scents, and price points for various sizes or quantities. Outline your production capacity and how quickly you can fulfil orders. It's also a good idea to include professional photographs of your candle product line to help potential buyers visualise your products in their space.
Visit local gift shops
If possible, visit local gift shops in person so that potential buyers can meet you, the candle artist, in person. This personal connection can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of success.
Offer bulk discounts
When selling wholesale, it's standard to offer bulk discounts. Ensure your pricing strategy accounts for these discounts while maintaining profitability. Consider the minimum order quantity and price breaks for larger orders.
Attend trade shows and networking events
Consider investing in a vendor booth at a gift trade show to gain exposure and meet gift shop owners and buyers from various retail outlets. If attending as an exhibitor is not feasible, participate in networking events at gift show conventions to make new contacts and potential future sales opportunities.
Leverage online platforms
In today's market, having an online presence is crucial. Develop a website that showcases your candle product line and consider using storytelling in your branding to engage consumers and make them feel connected to your brand. Utilise social media platforms to reach a broader audience and engage with your customers.
By following these steps and focusing on wholesale to businesses such as spas, hotels, and gift shops, you can effectively grow your candle business and increase your sales.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sell your candles on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and TikTok Shop. Alternatively, you can sell them on Amazon, Etsy, or your own website.
Connect your website and Meta account to tag products in Facebook and Instagram posts so that customers can purchase directly through the apps. Alternatively, experiment with Facebook Marketplace, a Craigslist-like mobile interface to buy and sell locally. You can integrate your Shopify store with Pinterest to make direct sales through “Buyable Pins”.
You can sell your candles at farmers' markets, craft fairs, boutiques, retail stores, and shops such as spas, hotels, and gift shops.
Begin by researching retailers that sell candles or products similar to yours. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential stores, reach out to them and ask about stocking your candles. Have information about your candles ready, including pricing, minimum order quantities, and any unique differentiators.
Ensure your candles have professional, luxurious packaging and presentation. You can also differentiate your brand from others with the types of scents you create.
