How To Start a Candle Business and Make Money

Introduction

Starting a candle business can be one of the most rewarding and profitable ventures. With candles being a staple in homes for relaxation, decor, and gifting, the market continues to grow year after year.

The global candle market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2028, with more people looking for handmade, unique, and eco-friendly options.

So, if you enjoy crafting, have a passion for creating products people love, or simply want to start a business from home, selling candles is an excellent choice. Plus, it doesn’t require a massive investment to get started.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start a candle business and make money, including the materials you’ll need, tips for selling, and strategies for growing your business.

Let’s get started!

Why Starting a Candle Business Is a Smart Choice

Candle-making is not only enjoyable but also a low-barrier entry business. You can start with a small budget, make candles from home, and gradually expand as your business grows. Here’s why it’s a great idea:

Low Startup Costs: You don’t need a ton of expensive equipment or space. With as little as $200-$500, you can make high-quality candles.
High Demand: Candles are always in demand, whether for decor, gifts, self-care routines, or special occasions.
Customizable Products: You can create candles in various scents, colours, and styles to appeal to different customers.
Profitable: Depending on your pricing, you can achieve significant profit margins. A candle that costs $3 to make can easily sell for $12-$20.

Plus, if you position your brand well, you can attract a loyal customer base and grow your revenue over time.

What Do I Need to Start My Candle Business?

To make candles, you’ll need some basic supplies. Here’s a list of everything to get you started:

Essential Materials

Wax: Soy wax, paraffin, beeswax, or coconut wax. Soy wax is popular for its eco-friendliness.
Wicks: Choose wicks based on the size of your candle jars. Cotton wicks are common and affordable.
Fragrance Oils: These add scent to your candles. Essential oils are also an option but can be pricier.
Containers or Molds: Glass jars, tins, or silicone molds work great.
Color Dye (optional): To add vibrant colors to your candles.
Double Boiler: To safely melt the wax. If you don’t have one, use a heat-safe bowl over boiling water.
Thermometer: Helps measure the wax temperature for optimal results.
Pouring Pitcher: For pouring melted wax into containers without spills.

Other Items

Labels (for branding)
Packaging (boxes, tissue paper, or custom wrapping)
A workspace (your kitchen counter or a small home studio)

Cost Breakdown

Here’s a quick example of what you might spend initially:

Wax: $50 (for 10 lbs)
Fragrance Oils: $30 (variety of scents)
Wicks and Jars: $50
Miscellaneous (thermometer, dye, packaging): $70

Estimated Total: Around $200-$250

How Do I Make Candles?

Making candles is surprisingly simple, and with practice, you’ll perfect the process. Follow these steps to get started:

Melt the Wax
Use a double boiler to heat the wax. Slowly stir and monitor the temperature using a thermometer. Most waxes melt around 170-180°F.
Prepare the Containers
Place the wick in the centre of the jar or mould. You can use a glue dot or hot glue to hold it in place.
Add Fragrance and Dye
Once the wax is melted, let it cool slightly (to around 140°F) before adding fragrance oil and colour. Use about 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax.
Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared containers, keeping the wick centred. Leave about half an inch of space at the top.
Let It Cure
Allow the candles to cool and set for at least 24 hours. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before use.

That’s it! You’ve made your first batch of candles.

How Do I Price My Candles for Profit?

Pricing your candles correctly is key to making money. Here’s a simple formula to determine your price:

Cost of Materials + Labor + Overhead + Profit = Selling Price

For example:

Materials: $3 per candle
Labour: $2 per candle
Overhead (packaging, utilities): $1 per candle
Profit: $6

Total Selling Price: $12

This ensures you cover your costs while earning a decent profit.

Where Do I Sell My Candles?

Once you’ve made your candles, it’s time to sell them. Here are some of the best places to start:

Online Platforms

Etsy: A popular marketplace for handmade goods. Perfect for candle businesses.
Shopify: Create your online store with Shopify.
Amazon Handmade: Sell alongside other handmade products on Amazon.

Local Markets and Events

Farmers’ markets
Craft fairs
Pop-up shops

Social Media

Instagram and Facebook are great for showcasing your products and reaching a larger audience. Create engaging content like photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes clips.

Wholesale

Partner with local boutiques, gift shops, or spas to sell your candles in bulk.

Tips to Grow Your Candle Business

Once you start selling, you’ll want to grow your business and attract more customers. Here are a few tips:

Focus on Branding: A great logo, attractive labels, and eco-friendly packaging will make your candles stand out.
Offer Unique Scents: Experiment with seasonal or themed scents, like “Pumpkin Spice” for fall or “Lavender Calm” for stress relief.
Use Social Media: Consistent posting, collaborations, and giveaways can boost your reach.
Collect Customer Reviews: Positive reviews help build trust and attract new buyers.
Expand Your Product Line: Consider adding wax melts, room sprays, or candle-making kits.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to start a candle business?

You can start with as little as $200-$500, depending on how many candles you want to make initially.

2. Is a candle business profitable?

Yes! Candles have high profit margins. If a candle costs $3 to make, you can sell it for $12-$20, earning a good return.

3. Where can I learn more about candle-making techniques?

YouTube tutorials, online courses, and blogs are excellent resources for learning candle-making skills.

4. Do I need a license to sell candles?

This depends on your location. Generally, you’ll need a business license, and it’s a good idea to look into product liability insurance as well.

Conclusion

Starting a candle business is an exciting opportunity to turn a creative hobby into a profitable business.

With low startup costs, high demand, and plenty of opportunities to sell both online and offline, it’s a venture that anyone can try. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of creating products that bring warmth, relaxation, and joy to others.

So, are you ready to start making candles and building your own business? What’s the first scent you’d love to create?