Fabricate

Making and creativeEvenings and weekendsA kitchen table and supplies

Start a candle business

To start a candle business, test a small range of scents until each one burns evenly and safely, add the warning labels your country requires, and decide whether you sell at markets, online or both. Then show your range with photos and take orders for custom sets and gifts.

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At a glance

You start with
A kitchen table and supplies
Time
Evenings and weekends
Where you work
At home, then markets, shops and online
Who pays
Gift buyers, local shops and people who come back for a favourite scent
Check first
Safety and warning labels, product liability insurance, and fragrance supplier safety sheets

How to start a candle business

  1. 1

    Test before you sell

    Burn every candle you plan to sell, start to finish, and note how it burns. Fix the wick or wax before anything goes on sale.

  2. 2

    Start with five scents

    A small range is easier to make well and to photograph. Add a seasonal scent later.

  3. 3

    Label every candle

    Name, scent, weight and the safety warnings your country requires.

  4. 4

    Sell at one market first

    People smell candles before they buy. A stall shows which scents sell and gets you repeat buyers.

  5. 5

    Offer custom sets

    Wedding favours, gift boxes and shop stock are larger orders worth a request form.

The app that runs it

A scent catalogue, custom order requests and stock. Fabricate builds it from the words below; change any of them first.

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Questions about starting a candle business

Can I make candles at home to sell?
Many candle makers start at home. Check local rules on home businesses and your insurance, and keep the work area safe for open heat and hot wax.
Do candles need warning labels?
In many countries yes, with fire safety warnings and sometimes allergen information from the fragrance. Check your country’s product safety rules.

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