Starting a Candle Business: Step-By-Step and 101 Tips
Picture this. Your kitchen table is covered in jars, wax, and wicks. You pour a test batch, light a candle, and the whole room fills with a clean, steady scent. A friend walks in and says, “I would buy this.”
Turning that moment into a real business is very different from selling a few candles to friends. You move from hobby to responsibility. You are dealing with product safety, labels, fire risk, and money on the line. That shift is big, and it deserves a clear plan.
In this guide, we will walk through what you need to think about before you launch. You will see the key steps, the equipment, the skills, and the rules that affect a candle business. Use this as a starting point, then dig deeper where you need more detail.
Is This Business Right for You?
Before you think about scents and labels, you need to decide if running any business fits the life you want. Candle work may look calm from the outside, but it still brings long hours, problem solving, and risk. You are the one who takes full responsibility.
A good way to start is to step back from the candle idea itself. Look at what it means to be in charge. You can review a broader checklist, like Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business, to see the bigger picture. It helps you think about money, time, family support, and personal limits.
Next, look at your motivation. Are you building this because you enjoy the craft and business side, or because you want to escape a job you dislike? Passion matters in this trade.
When you face slow sales, safety concerns, or supply problems, it helps to care about more than “just making income.” You can explore this idea more in How Passion Affects Your Business.
- Ask yourself if you are ready to trade a steady paycheck for uncertain income for a while.
- Ask if your family understands what it means when you work nights and weekends during the launch phase.
- Ask if you can handle careful, repetitive work where safety and details matter every day.
- Ask if you can learn what you lack, or if you are willing to hire professionals when needed.
Get an Inside Look Before You Commit
One of the best ways to avoid costly trial and error is to speak with people who already run candle businesses. They deal with wax, fragrance, fire codes, and customer complaints every day. Their experience can save you months of guesswork.
You want more than general encouragement. You need honest details about what sells, what fails, and what can go wrong. Many owners are willing to share if you show respect for their time and do not compete directly in their local area.
For ideas on how to do this well, see How to find critical information from the right people and get an inside look at a business. It shows you how to ask better questions and learn what daily life in the business really looks like.
- Talk to small candle brands that sell in local shops or markets in another city.
- Ask store owners what they like and dislike about working with candle suppliers.
- Speak with your local fire department about common candle-related incidents they see.
- Ask insurance agents what they pay attention to when they look at candle risks.
Understand How a Candle Business Makes Money
Next, you need to understand how money actually moves in this type of business. You are not just selling a “nice smell.” You are selling a physical product with raw materials, packaging, labor, and risk behind every wick.
Your income depends on how you set your business model. You choose where and how you sell, what you sell, and how much you produce at a time. Small changes in those choices can change your cost and profit in a big way.
At the same time, you must deal with strong competition. Large brands, discount stores, and many small candle brands are all in the same space. That is why you need to study supply, demand, and pricing instead of guessing. You can read more about this in this guide to supply and demand.
- Common revenue streams
- Direct sales to customers through your own website or at events.
- Wholesale sales to shops, spas, and other retailers.
- Custom candles for weddings, events, and corporate gifts.
- Private label production for other brands that use your candles under their name.
- Candle-making classes, only if zoning and insurance allow.
- Basic profit test
- List every cost that goes into one candle: wax, wick, container, fragrance, label, box, labor, overhead.
- Compare it to the price people are willing to pay in your target market.
- Make sure there is enough left to pay yourself and cover business expenses.
- Common pros
- You can start small and grow in stages.
- Customers often buy again if they like your scents.
- You can focus on a specific niche, such as eco-friendly or local themes.
- Common challenges
- Intense competition from big and small brands.
- Strict safety and labeling standards.
- Product risk if candles burn poorly or cause damage.
- Shipping heavy and fragile items can be complex.
Decide What You Will Sell and Who You Will Serve
A candle business can be very broad or very focused. Trying to please everyone often leads to a confusing range of scents and products. It is easier to start with a clear group of customers and a focused line of products.
Think about who will use your candles and why. Are they buying for their own homes, as gifts, or for events? Are they drawn to natural ingredients, luxury packaging, or local stories? These answers will guide every other choice.
Once you know your main customers, choose a simple product line that fits them. You can always add more later, but you do not need dozens of scents and styles on day one.
- Example product types
- Container candles in jars or tins.
- Pillar candles, votives, and tealights.
- Wax melts for warmers.
- Unscented candles for décor or religious use.
- Seasonal or holiday collections.
- Gift sets that combine candles with accessories.
- Example customer groups
- Home users who want clean, simple scents.
- Gift shoppers who want ready-made sets and attractive packaging.
- Shops and boutiques that stock home décor and local goods.
- Spas, salons, and wellness centers.
- Event planners and venues that need bulk candles for tables and decor.
Check Your Skills and Fill the Gaps
Running a candle business calls for more than creative scent ideas. You need technical skills, safety knowledge, and basic business skills. You do not need to be strong in every area today, but you should know where you need help.
You can learn many skills through training, books, and practice. For others, it can make sense to bring in support. That might be a part-time employee, a contractor, or a professional advisor, such as an accountant or lawyer.
If you are not sure how to build your advisory group, you can look at this guide to building a team of professional advisors. If you plan to bring staff on later, this resource on how and when to hire can help you plan ahead.
- Core technical skills
- Understanding wax types and how they behave.
- Choosing and testing wicks for safe, steady burns.
- Using fragrance within safe usage rates for candles.
- Conducting and recording burn tests.
- Identifying and fixing problems like tunneling, soot, and overheating.
- Safety and compliance skills
- Basic knowledge of candle fire safety standards.
- Ability to design warning labels that follow current guidance.
- Understanding container safety, especially for glass.
- Business skills
- Simple bookkeeping and recordkeeping.
- Setting basic prices and profit goals.
- Writing clear product descriptions and policies.
- Communicating with suppliers and customers in a professional way.
- Ways to fill gaps
- Take focused courses on candle making and safety.
- Use accounting software and work with a bookkeeper or accountant.
- Hire graphic design help for labels and branding.
- Work with a lawyer when you set up your legal structure or contracts.
Estimate Startup Costs and Plan Your Funding
Next, you need a realistic picture of what it will cost to open. That includes more than wax and jars. You have business registrations, equipment, insurance, and early marketing to consider.
A good approach is to list every item you need before opening, then get price ranges for each one. Your list will change as you refine your plan, but it gives you a solid base. For more help, see this guide to estimating startup costs.
Once you know the amount, you can decide how to fund it. Some people use savings. Others use loans, investors, or support from family. A detailed plan makes those conversations more concrete.
- Common startup cost categories
- Business registration and professional fees.
- Initial wax, wicks, fragrance, containers, and packaging.
- Production tools and equipment.
- Safety gear and fire protection equipment.
- Label design and printing.
- Website setup, hosting, and basic branding.
- Insurance and deposits where required.
- Initial rent and security deposits if you lease a workspace.
- Funding options to consider
- Personal savings and part-time work during the build phase.
- Loans from a bank or credit union.
- Support from friends or family with clear agreements.
- Small business loans where you qualify. You can read more in this guide on how to get a business loan.
Choose Your Business Model, Structure, and Name
Now it is time to decide how your business will be set up on paper. This includes who owns what, who makes decisions, and how profit is shared. It also affects how you handle taxes and risk.
Many small candle businesses start as sole proprietorships. In that case, the business is not separate from the owner, and state formation is not required. As things grow, some owners form a Limited Liability Company for a clearer structure and a separate legal entity. This can help with risk and with banks, partners, or investors.
You also need a name that fits your brand and is available. Make sure it works for your product labels, website, and social accounts. Then check that you can use it legally in your state.
- Decide how you will operate
- Will you operate alone, or with a partner or investor?
- Will you hire staff now, or start by doing most jobs yourself?
- Will you focus on direct sales, wholesale, or a mix?
- Choose a structure
- Talk with a professional about whether a sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, or corporation is best for you.
- Consider how each option affects taxes and liability.
- Use this guide on how to register a business as a starting point, then follow your state’s exact rules.
- Choose and protect your name
- Search your state’s business registry for name conflicts.
- Check domain names and key social platforms.
- Consider checking the federal trademark database if you want stronger protection.
Handle Legal Details, Taxes, and Insurance
Formal registration protects you and makes it easier to work with banks, suppliers, and larger customers. It also helps you meet your tax and licensing duties. This part can feel complex, but you can take it step by step.
You will need to think about federal rules, state rules, and local rules. These cover tax accounts, sales tax, business licenses, zoning, candle safety, labels, and fire safety. If this feels like a lot, you can work with a lawyer or accountant to guide you through it.
You will also need insurance. Even with careful testing, you work with open flames and hot wax. A policy can help protect you if a product fails or if someone is hurt.
- Common steps to discuss with a professional
- Apply for a federal tax identification number if needed.
- Register for state sales tax where this applies.
- Register your business with your city or county, if required.
- Confirm zoning and home-based business rules in your area.
- Check if you need a general business license.
- Ask your local fire department what they require for candle production or retail.
- Ask an insurance agent about product liability and general liability coverage. You can read more in this overview of business insurance.
- Smart questions to ask agencies or professionals
- “What do I need in place before I can start selling candles from my home or shop?”
- “What permits or inspections are needed because I work with wax, fragrance, and open flames?”
- “If I hire employees later, what changes in my tax and insurance duties?”
Plan Your Location and Workspace
Your workspace affects safety, costs, and how much you can produce. Some candle businesses start at home in a dedicated room. Others move straight into a small workshop or store. What matters is that the space is safe, legal, and efficient.
Think about ventilation, fire safety, storage, and how you will move materials through the space. Also think about neighbors and family. Strong scents and deliveries may not fit every location.
If you plan a public shop or studio, you will deal with more rules. You may need a Certificate of Occupancy to show that your space meets building and fire codes. Your city or county can explain what is required. For help thinking about location choices, see this guide to choosing a business location.
- Home-based production
- Check local home occupation rules.
- Confirm whether customers may visit your home or if sales must stay online or off-site.
- Make sure you have proper ventilation and safe storage away from heat and children.
- Commercial workshop or shop
- Check zoning to confirm your use is allowed.
- Confirm you can get a Certificate of Occupancy before signing a lease.
- Ask about required fire protection, exits, and storage for materials.
Equip Your Candle Workshop
Now you can plan the tools and equipment you need to open. Start with a basic list, then adjust it for your scale and product types. The goal is to have enough to produce, test, pack, and ship a safe product.
You do not need the most expensive gear to start. You do need equipment that is safe, heat-rated, and suitable for candle production. Start with what you need to open, and leave room to upgrade as you grow.
The list below covers essential categories. Add or remove items based on your plan, and confirm that all equipment meets any safety or electrical rules in your area.
- Production and melting equipment
- Wax melter or double-boiler-style setup designed for candle wax.
- Heat-resistant pouring pitchers.
- Electric hot plate or induction burner if you are not using a dedicated melter.
- Thermometers for wax and container temperatures.
- Digital scales for measuring wax, fragrance, and dyes.
- Heat-resistant spatulas or stirring tools.
- Molds, containers, and wicking tools
- Heat-rated candle containers such as glass vessels or tins.
- Pillar, votive, or tealight molds if you make those forms.
- Wicks in various sizes and types suited to your wax and container sizes.
- Wick tabs and wick stickers or adhesive.
- Wick centering bars or clips.
- Safety and personal protective gear
- Fire extinguisher suited to your materials.
- Smoke alarms suited to the space.
- Heat-resistant gloves.
- Eye protection for pouring and testing.
- Protective aprons or clothing.
- Metal trays or sheet pans to catch spills.
- Testing and quality tools
- Timers for burn testing.
- Ruler or caliper to measure melt pool and wick length.
- Infrared or probe thermometer for container surface checks.
- Written or digital logs for test results.
- Workspace, storage, and ventilation
- Sturdy work tables.
- Shelving for raw materials and finished candles.
- Storage bins for wicks, dyes, and small tools.
- Ventilation, such as fans or exhaust systems appropriate for the space.
- Finishing, packaging, and labeling
- Heat gun for smoothing surfaces.
- Label printer or access to printed labels.
- Warning labels and product labels that meet current rules.
- Boxes, dividers, tissue, and packing material for orders.
- Tape, label applicators, and shipping supplies.
- Shipping and fulfillment tools (if you ship orders)
- Shipping scale.
- Measuring tape for box sizes.
- Printer or label printer for shipping labels.
- Storage area for outgoing packages.
- Office and software tools
- Computer or tablet with internet access.
- Accounting or bookkeeping software.
- Basic office supplies to organize records and files.
Plan Your Brand, Identity, and Online Presence
Your brand is more than a logo. It includes your name, colors, label style, and the way you speak to customers. A clear identity helps people remember you, especially in a crowded market.
Before you design anything, think about the feeling you want your candles to create. Clean and simple? Warm and cozy? Luxury and bold? That feeling should show up in your labels, website, and packaging.
You do not have to do every design task yourself. You can work with a designer or use ready-made templates, as long as they meet labeling rules. For more guidance on creating a unified look, see this guide to building a corporate identity package.
- Basic brand elements to set up
- Business name and tagline.
- Logo and simple color palette.
- Label style that leaves room for required product details.
- Photography style for product shots.
- Print and physical identity
- Business cards for events and meetings. You can explore options in this guide to business cards.
- Signage for markets, pop-ups, or a shop. See this guide to business signs for key points.
- Simple branded materials, such as thank-you cards or care cards.
- Online presence
- Website with basic pages: home, about, products, contact, policies.
- Product pages with clear photos, scent notes, burn times, and safety details.
- A secure checkout system and clear shipping and return policies.
- You can learn more in this guide on how to build a website.
Set Your Prices, Policies, and Terms
Pricing affects every part of your business. Set prices too low and you struggle to cover your costs. Set them too high without a clear reason and customers may walk away. You need a simple, honest structure that covers your costs and supports your goals.
Policies are just as important. Clear terms on shipping, returns, custom orders, and wholesale accounts help you avoid conflict. They also make you look more professional.
It is useful to work through a structured approach instead of guessing. For that, see this guide to pricing your products and services. Then adapt the method to your candle line.
- Pricing steps
- List your full cost for each product, including a fair amount for your time.
- Look at competing candles with similar quality and size.
- Set a retail price that fits the market and covers costs and profit.
- If you plan to sell wholesale, set a wholesale price that still gives you profit after discounts.
- Policies and terms to define
- Payment methods you accept.
- Shipping areas and shipping charges.
- Return or exchange rules, especially for damaged products.
- Lead times for custom or bulk orders.
- Minimums and terms for wholesale customers.
Write Your Business Plan and Organize Your Finances
A written plan does not have to be long to be useful. It pulls together your ideas about products, customers, costs, and marketing. It also helps you track what needs to happen and when.
Even if you are not seeking funding, a plan helps you stay on course. When you feel stuck, you can look back and see what you decided about your niche, pricing, and goals.
You can use this guide on how to write a business plan as a starting point. Adjust the level of detail to what you need.
- Key points to cover in your plan
- What you sell and who you serve.
- How you will produce, test, and package your candles.
- How much money you need to start and where it will come from.
- How you will set prices and reach customers.
- Basic projections for sales and expenses for the first year.
- Financial setup before launch
- Open a business bank account.
- Set up simple accounting software.
- Decide how you will track inventory and batches.
Plan How You Will Reach Customers
No matter how good your candles are, they do not sell themselves. You need a simple plan for how people will find you, try your products, and come back for more. Start small and clear instead of trying to do everything at once.
Think about where your customers spend their time. That could be online, at local shops, or at events. Then choose a few methods that fit your budget and skills.
To organize your ideas, you can use this guide to creating a marketing plan. It helps you put structure around your efforts instead of guessing week by week.
- Ways to spread the word
- Set up a simple email list where customers can sign up for updates.
- Use social media to show behind-the-scenes work and new releases.
- Join local markets or fairs where your customers already shop.
- Approach local shops that match your style and target customer.
- Bring people to your space or events
- If you have a shop or studio, read this guide on how to get customers through the door.
- If you plan a formal opening, this resource on planning a grand opening can help you outline your event.
Pre-Launch Readiness and Go-Live Checklist
By this stage, you should have a clear product line, a basic brand, your legal registrations, and your workspace ready. Now you need to make sure everything works together before you open to the public.
Run through a structured checklist. It helps you catch gaps while you still have time to fix them. It is also a good moment to look at common early errors so you can avoid them. You can review this guide on mistakes to avoid when starting a small business for more ideas.
You do not have to do all of this alone. If you feel overloaded, remember that you can bring in professionals for accounting, legal work, branding, and even shop layout. What matters is that the work is done correctly, not that you personally handle every task.
- Product and safety
- All scent and color formulas documented with batch numbers.
- Burn tests completed for each wax, wick, and container combination.
- Warning labels in place and easy to read.
- Fire extinguisher and safety equipment installed and checked.
- Legal and financial
- Business structure and name registered as planned.
- Required tax accounts set up.
- Business licenses and permits approved, where needed.
- Insurance coverage active.
- Business bank account and accounting software ready.
- Brand and customer experience
- Website tested, including checkout and confirmation emails.
- Product pages complete with scent notes, sizes, and care instructions.
- Packaging tested for both in-person sales and shipping.
- Policies posted and easy to find.
- Marketing kickoff
- Basic marketing plan for the first three months.
- Introductory content ready for email and social media.
- Plans for markets, pop-ups, or a formal opening event.
Launching a candle business is a serious step. It combines craft, safety, and business discipline. When you move through these steps in order, you give yourself a better chance to open with confidence. You will still learn as you go, but you will not be starting from guesswork.
101 Tips for Running Your Candle Business
Running a candle business is exciting, but it also means managing safety, quality, and money all at once.
These tips give you practical steps you can apply in real life instead of vague ideas.
Use them to think ahead, avoid unnecessary problems, and build a business that can grow over time.
What to Do Before Starting
- Clarify why you want to run a candle business so you can decide if you are chasing a real goal or trying to escape a job.
- Test your interest by making several small batches on a schedule to see if you still enjoy the work when it feels like a job.
- Write a short statement describing your ideal customer and why they choose your candles instead of a generic brand.
- Visit local stores and markets to count how many candle brands they carry and what price ranges they use.
- Calculate the full cost of one candle, including wax, wick, vessel, fragrance, labels, and your time, to see whether typical retail prices leave room for profit.
- Check your local city or county for rules on home-based businesses before you invest in large amounts of wax and equipment.
- Walk through your home or potential workspace and decide where you can safely melt wax, store supplies, and cure candles without blocking exits.
- Schedule a short conversation with at least two established candle business owners to ask what they wish they had known before starting.
- Decide whether you plan to sell online, at events, wholesale, or in a shop, because your channel mix will change your costs and legal duties.
- Create a simple starter budget that covers your first equipment purchase, raw materials, labels, packaging, and early marketing.
- Talk with an accountant or tax professional about the most suitable business structure for your situation before you start taking orders.
- Check whether anyone in your household has fragrance sensitivities, since pouring and curing scented candles in a shared space can affect their health.
What Successful Candle Business Owners Do
- Keep a batch log for every pour that lists wax type, fragrance load, wick size, vessel, and pour temperature so you can repeat good results.
- Run structured burn tests on each new combination of wax, wick, and container and record flame height, melt pool, and container temperature.
- Set written safety rules for your workspace, such as never leaving melting wax unattended and keeping flammable clutter away from heat sources.
- Create standard recipes for each candle line and resist changing ingredients without running fresh tests.
- Track which scents, sizes, and containers sell fastest so you can focus on products that actually move instead of guessing.
- Build simple checklists for pouring, labeling, and packing so that you or future staff can follow the same steps every time.
- Review your pricing a few times a year to make sure rising costs for wax, fragrance, and shipping have not silently erased your profit.
- Maintain relationships with more than one supplier for core materials in case a favorite wax or vessel goes out of stock.
- Set aside time each week to handle bookkeeping, inventory updates, and order review instead of pushing these tasks to the side.
- Invest in basic education on candle safety standards and labeling rules so your products align with current best practices.
Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)
- Organize your workspace into clear zones for melting, pouring, curing, testing, storage, and packing to reduce mistakes and accidents.
- Store wax, fragrance, and dyes in labeled containers with dates so you can track age and rotate older stock first.
- Use a simple inventory system to track how many units of each scent and size you have finished and how many are in progress.
- Set reorder points for wax, wicks, fragrance, and vessels so you place new orders before running out during busy periods.
- Create a daily startup routine that includes checking equipment, reviewing orders, and confirming which batches you will pour.
- Write a short procedure for cleaning equipment and spills safely so you do not wash large amounts of wax into household drains.
- Label each finished candle with a batch code that ties back to your production log in case you ever need to investigate an issue.
- If you bring in help, train them on your safety rules, recipes, and labeling procedures before they pour a single batch.
- Use time blocks for production, admin work, and marketing so each part of the business receives attention during the week.
- Keep key documents such as insurance policies, permits, and supplier contracts in one secure place that you can access quickly.
- Review your packaging process to make sure candles do not shift or strike each other in transit, especially for glass containers.
- Build a basic cash flow forecast that shows expected inflows and outflows for at least the next three months so you can spot shortfalls early.
- Schedule regular equipment checks for melters, scales, and thermometers to confirm they are accurate and safe to use.
What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)
- Understand that candle demand often spikes in the final months of the year due to holidays and gift giving, which can strain your production and cash flow.
- Learn the basics of U.S. candle fire safety standards, including ASTM F2417 for candle design and performance, so you know what testers and large retailers expect.
- Study ASTM F2058 fire safety labeling guidance so your candles carry clear burn warnings that match industry norms.
- If you use glass containers, read about ASTM F2179 so you know what properties well-designed candle glass is expected to meet.
- Confirm that none of your wicks contain metal cores such as lead, which are banned in candles sold in the United States.
- Recognize that fragrance ingredients can be subject to cosmetic or allergen rules if you position your candles as having skin or wellness benefits.
- Expect wax and fragrance supply to fluctuate with global oil, agriculture, and shipping conditions, and plan your inventory approach accordingly.
- Know that big brand competition is strong at mass retailers, so small candle businesses often win by focusing on niche scent stories or local appeal.
- Remember that unattended candles are a known cause of home fires, so safety education is not just a legal issue but an important part of your reputation.
- Keep in mind that some craft fairs and retail partners require proof of product liability insurance before they will let you sell.
- Be aware that lab testing for candle performance and emissions is available through independent labs if you plan to scale into larger retail channels.
Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)
- Start with a simple brand story that explains why you make candles and what makes your line different, then repeat that story consistently across your channels.
- Take clear photos that show the candle, packaging, and flame so customers can see how it looks in real use, not just on a shelf.
- Offer small sample sizes or wax melt versions of your scents so new customers can test your fragrances before committing to full-size candles.
- Build an email list from day one and send short, useful messages such as care tips, new scent releases, and limited runs rather than only sales pitches.
- Use social media to showcase pouring days, behind-the-scenes testing, and packaging, which helps customers feel connected to your process.
- Create seasonal collections that launch a few weeks before major holidays so customers have time to purchase for gifts and events.
- Approach local boutiques, florists, and gift shops with a clear wholesale sheet that lists minimums, lead times, and suggested retail prices.
- Set up a simple, mobile-friendly website where customers can read scent descriptions, see ingredients, and order without confusion.
- Join local markets or pop-up events where your target customers already shop, and track which venues bring in repeat business.
- Collaborate with nearby businesses such as spas or cafés to create co-branded candles that match their atmosphere and extend your reach.
- Use storytelling in your scent names and product descriptions so each candle feels tied to a place, memory, or mood rather than just a list of notes.
- Offer occasional limited editions or retired-scent returns to create urgency without relying on constant discounting.
- Track which marketing efforts actually lead to sales by asking new customers how they found you and recording the answers.
Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)
- Explain how to burn candles safely on every product card or care insert so customers know how to trim wicks, place candles, and extinguish them.
- Use plain language to describe your ingredients, such as the type of wax and the fragrance style, so customers can make informed choices.
- Be honest about burn time estimates and base them on real test results instead of guessing from container size.
- When a customer has a problem like tunneling or soot, ask for details about how they burned the candle before you respond, then offer clear steps to improve results.
- Keep a simple scent reference chart that helps people pick fragrances based on what they already like, such as citrus, floral, or warm aromas.
- Follow up with large orders for events or wholesale clients to confirm delivery, performance, and satisfaction, not just payment.
- Offer helpful add-ons such as wick trimmers or snuffers alongside an explanation of how these tools improve safety and candle life.
- Share honest behind-the-scenes content, including the testing work you do, to build trust that you care about safety and quality.
- Keep promises on ship dates and restocks, and notify customers early if a delay is unavoidable.
- Create a simple way for repeat customers to reorder favorite scents, such as a reorder card in the box or a saved list in their account.
Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)
- Write a clear return and exchange policy that explains what you accept, in what condition, and within what time frame.
- Decide how you will handle issues such as cracked glass or damaged packaging during shipping, and include that in your policy so there is no confusion.
- Offer a reasonable satisfaction promise on first purchases, such as a one-time exchange of an unused candle when the scent is not a good fit.
- Ask customers for reviews after they have had time to burn the candle, and make it easy for them to leave honest feedback.
- Treat every complaint as a chance to improve your process by tracing whether the problem started in production, packaging, or shipping.
- Train anyone who answers messages to respond calmly, thank the customer for reaching out, and offer a specific next step instead of a vague apology.
- Keep records of customer issues and resolutions so you can spot patterns that might reveal a recurring quality or shipping problem.
- Use a simple ticket or labeling system to make sure no complaint or warranty request is forgotten when your workload is heavy.
- Review your policies at least once a year to align them with your current scale, costs, and risk level rather than leaving them frozen from your first month.
Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)
- Choose waxes, wicks, and fragrances from suppliers that publish safety data and ingredient details so you can answer customer questions with confidence.
- Design your packaging to use only as much material as needed to protect the candle while still looking professional.
- Offer refills or vessel reuse options where local rules and your testing support them, and clearly explain how refilled products are tested for safety.
- Encourage customers to reuse or recycle glass containers once they finish the candle, and give them simple tips for cleaning out leftover wax.
- Consolidate shipments when possible instead of sending multiple small parcels to the same customer, which reduces packaging use and shipping impact.
- Monitor how much wax, fragrance, and packaging you waste during production and look for process improvements that cut down on off-spec batches.
- Consider long-term supplier relationships with companies that share your focus on responsible sourcing and honest product data.
Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)
- Subscribe to updates from the National Candle Association or similar trade bodies so you hear about safety standard changes early.
- Check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission site a few times a year for any new guidance or recalls involving candles and related products.
- Review ASTM International updates on candle standards at least annually, even if you do not read the full technical documents.
- Follow a small set of trusted business and inventory management sources to learn better ways to handle stock, cash flow, and production scheduling.
- Set a recurring reminder to review your compliance with labeling, warnings, and ingredient rules so you do not drift away from best practice as you grow.
- Attend at least one trade show, online seminar, or workshop related to candles, fragrance, or small product businesses each year to broaden your view.
Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)
- Plan your production calendar around seasonal demand by starting holiday pours several months before your busiest selling period.
- Develop a backup plan for key materials such as wax or vessels so you can substitute tested alternatives if a supplier has shortages.
- Watch which scents slow down in sales and be willing to retire or rework them instead of holding large amounts of unsold stock.
- Test new tools such as better pouring equipment or simple inventory software when they solve a clear problem, not just because they are new.
- Pay attention to shifts in customer interest, such as increased demand for unscented or low-soot candles, and adjust your line based on real sales data.
- After any major disruption, such as a supply shock or sudden order surge, debrief what happened and adjust your processes so you are better prepared next time.
What Not to Do
- Do not skip burn testing on a new combination of wax, wick, fragrance, and container just because a supplier claims it will work.
- Do not copy another brand’s warning label or ingredient list without checking whether it actually matches your product and current rules.
- Do not ignore small quality issues such as minor sooting or hairline cracks in glass, because they can signal deeper safety or formulation problems.
- Do not grow into wholesale or large retail channels before you can consistently meet orders, document batches, and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, National Candle Association, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ASTM International, CandleScience, Shopify, Internal Revenue Service, Georgia Department of Revenue