Saying no to customer wants is a huge lesson!! It cost me a LOT of money to cater to people who asked for something only to say they didnt want it later because their event got cancelled. Now i only offer what i have available. Buying supplies for something special or outside the box is a risk i wont take without payment up front anymore.
Last summer at our first craft fair we spent two 8 hour days and sold one candle. One! I looked at my business partner and asked, "Do we quit or go back to the drawing board?" We're back this summer with a new product line. We now know what doesn't sell :) here's to finding what does.
This was just what I needed! Ready to launch but so hesitant on everything needing to be perfect. You have taught me so much and I have come so far. Thank you!
I’ve recently come across your videos and I’m happy for it. They are educational, comprehensive, honest, realistic and yet encouraging and positive. Thank you for such excellent work and generously sharing them! The challenge is how to find our niche. To begin, if we don’t know who wants what, how will we know our target and what to then choose to make and focus on? So, isn’t it necessary to make a wide(er) variety of samples to reach more potential customers? Thank you in advance! Looking forward to learning much more with you!
I just wanted to say thank you for the past years of videos and information. While I never "got off the ground" officially I still learned a lot and many of your tips help with other businesses. I know these videos also help your business, but still, thank you for these.
I have a successful candle business on Etsy and I do well with my customer base because my Kindles are so unique. Differentiating yourself from your competitors is what it's all about.
Wade, you are the best. Your videos are always so informative, clear and concise, and uplifting. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into making them.
I’m going slow and steady. I’m in the testing phase which is tougher than I thought. Trying to get the right wax and wick and fragrance to work together 😣 thanks for the video
Candle maker for 5 years here...when you legally start your business, don't do what I did and make it a sole proprietorship, make it an LLC I'm still struggling with marketing...I try like hell with all the social medias...it's just not my forte...looking forward to when I'm profitable enough to be able to hire someone to do it for me... Most craft shows will require liability insurance to attend... Family and friends can be the WORST customers 🤣 There's my two cents no one asked for 😉 I should be receiving my 1st order of a few of your scents soon that I'm excited to test! I've been using CS for 5 years, looking forward to trying something new as I work on "re-branding"
Try a mass mailing in your area. Go to the post office and they will walk you through the process. Afterwards, go to a print shop and ask them for the best way to send out a 'WOW' presentation. I did mass mailing for a print shop I worked for and they do work.
Two things - liability insurance isn’t that expensive - I pay $100 year. Second - do you know someone who is good at social media that can help you?? Maybe “pay” them with free candles or something. Don’t necessarily need to pay someone! Good luck!
I wish you could share more on the “triple scented candle” theory. I have more and more people asking about it and I’m really hoping people are not overloading the wax to still this idea to people.
I've been hooked on your content for a while and am looking at starting my own candle business in the UK currently. The one burning question I'm struggling most with is how you pick your scents to make? Do you come up with an idea for a range, and then find scents to fit it, or do you investigate a whole bunch of scents until something inspires you to a range?
19:50 - the beginning is THE BEST time to use accounting software. Write off ALL your expenses to reduce your taxable income from your PRIMARY income when you’re just starting.
…..cost of goods is an obvious expense. But don’t forget mileage for business, rent (even if it’s a portion of your own home), cell phone, office equipment (sell your personally owned computer, printer , desk, office chair, etc to your business and write off that amount), and SO many other great write offs.
I agree with the other commenter about the candle business being saturated is a bad thing. I have been making and selling candles full time for a year and a half. I have done probably 60 shows by now. I've tried all different venues. There are SO MANY other candle makers at these events. Sometimes even out of 30 vendors at a show, 5 of us make candles. With the economy being where people do not have a lot of discretionary income, this creates a very challenging business environment. When people attend a show, they arent going to buy from multiple candle vendors. I cant tell you how many times people walk by my booth exclaim how much they love my scents but they already bought candles. It is absolutely an issue. We do not need more candle making businesses. I know this benefits the manufacturers of the ingredients, but it does not benefit the average candle maker. You got into the big leagues. It is a much different market for new/small makers. So many people after the pandemic switched to these type of businesses. The struggle is real.
I agree it's a struggle, I wasn't suggesting that it isn't tough. Just that an industry being Saturated doesn't mean it can't still be good. What separates new makers that succeed is ones who don't is marketing and other things. There are many new candle businesses that start new and grow to be very successful quickly. I think many just start assuming it will be easy. I also really don't consider craft shows and booths separate from this. Because it's the SHOWS RESPONSIBILITY to limit similar vendors and booths. Having a handful of candle booths at a show doesn't mean something is saturated or that it's not good. Shows simply shouldn't be letting multiple dame vendors up. But consider the jewelery industry. There are dozens and dozens of those a lot every event, that is events fault. My main point wasn't that there aren't a lot of candle businesses.... Just that being saturated doesn't stop success. Takes uniqueness, and very good marketing. Not basic social media marketing but real targeted marketing. It's tough for sure tough. No doubts. But again, regarding shows which is mostly where you are referring to. That is 100% the shows/event's fault. Every industry would look significantly saturated if shows and event's keep letting multiple of the same vendors in. THAT is frustrating for sure
@@BlackTieBarn most shows don't limit (I do all kinds including festivals) and the ones that do have candle makers who have been doing it for years and they get first choice. So they are hard to break into. There are also many juried shows that don't limit like vendors. So applying to juried doesn't mean there won't be 5 other makers there. Most shows are run by folks with their own agendas, usually making money so they don't care to limit because it limits their earnings. I don't just do shows. I have my candles in 2 stores, I have a website. I faithfully advertise. I have grown. Yet when they can buy a bigger candle at Bath and Body for less because BB can create it more cheaply (and with less quality ingredients) they will do so in this economy. I also run sales. I'm doing everything I can possibly do including having my niche in multiple ways. I understand that it may not be inherently a bad sign, but in a bad economy with inflation, it makes it a much tougher mountain to climb.
Here's a rule: nothing is perfect in this world so stop trying to strive for that. Just strive for excellence in everything you do and make sure you are continually doing it better than the last time. Also if you were doing handcrafted candles there will always be some unique issue that might arise. People don't want perfection. They want art.
You actually can compete with the big brands by offering customers something more you need, more artistic, and handmade... Something they cannot get from that company. So is that way yes you are competing with them. I'm talking about the crossover customers who may buy from Yankee today and you tomorrow.
Hi Wade! Fellow candle maker (beginner) here from Portugal, do you have any suggestion for a wax melter that is available here? The one linked can’t be send to me. Is Toauto a brand you know or recommend? Keep up the great work! Love your videos, you’re such a huge help and inspiration 👏👏
I am all about your point: Products Don't Sell Themselves! I've heard from people within the religious community that if your business is something God wants you to do then you won't need to do any marketing or advertising. The sales and customers will just roll in. Guys... don't believe this. Maybe the Lord decided to bless a few people with such a thing but, trust me, being a Christian does not mean you will have a life of leisure or you won't have to work hard. Quite the contrary. Also, if you have to do smart marketing, product design, and advertisement in order to make your business successful, then good. It means you are a hard worker and you are stronger because of it.
I would love to see a video where you go back to the ancient art of candle making. In this world it seems going back to the beginning is truly the best policy for health purposes. I used to make handmade candles at Camp when I was a kid fireside outdoors and I would love to see you explore this in a video. Olive oil lamps would be a great video as well.
Wade, I disagree with #1. I think the candle market IS becoming saturated. I have been in the game for a very long time now and, at least from my perspective, and despite the candle market growing, I don't think demand is outpacing supply. The barrier to entry has become lower over the past 15 years. There's more information and support out there to help make a successful product, and there are mega suppliers like Makesy and CandleScience that have spent tons on marketing and selling the dream. You have to admit, differentiating yourself becomes harder and harder as the sheer number of candle businesses explodes. Many fledgling candle businesses get their start on Etsy, and even Etsy has admitted to having too many shops and not enough buyers (hence their recent advertising campaigns). The idea of niching has less meaning when it's so EASY for bad actors to just swoop in and steal a good idea, and copy everything about your products and business. Also, I hate to say this, because I do respect your experience and position in the industry (you are often the voice of reason and clarity), but I'm not sure people should trust your viewpoint on this one. You are not reliant on candle sales in the same way that other candle brands are, which is evidenced by your ability to shutter your shop for long periods of time. Because of this, you may not feel the impact in the same way. Also, you have a lot to gain by convincing people that the market is not saturated. You're a supplier now. And a candlemaking/biz guru on RUclips. I'm not implying that you're being dishonest, just that you may not be the best person to make this assertion. If you have some hard data, I'd love for you to share it! All of that said, I don't think it's impossible to start a new candle business and be successful. It's just much, much harder now.
I agree with you 100 percent. I've been at it a year and a half and I see the same. The last thing this market needs is more makers. I hustle my tail off yet the struggle is real. Many shows have like 5 other candle vendors there. That makes it impossible to sell enough for this business to be full time. So if folks are hoping for that, reality will be a cold realization.
I'm coming to candle making as an addition to my existing business, resin art being a primary element of my business (at this time) I found what he says and you say both relevant in all handworks businesses. BUT if you find your people, aka customer market, and stick to what works for you you will have repete business and word of mouth business as long as you stay true to your brand and philosophy. In the resin art field, I've been doing it since my mother taught me in the 70's (yes I'm old) but it's only been the last 5ish years that's it's blown up-my job to keep my resin art business going is to not jump on each and every bandwagon/fad but instead to design and offer art in my style and what I'm known for. Folks just know if they're looking for something in my wheelhouse to come to me for it. I don't compete with anyone except myself. I don't worry about others flooding my market, because I have the experience and longevity and reputation to keep me thriving whilst the new makers flounder and fade away.
Saying no to customer wants is a huge lesson!! It cost me a LOT of money to cater to people who asked for something only to say they didnt want it later because their event got cancelled. Now i only offer what i have available. Buying supplies for something special or outside the box is a risk i wont take without payment up front anymore.
The best thing I’ve learned so far is knowing when to fire myself and hire help so I can focus on the business and not do everything myself.
Lol 100%
This is the guy you should watch,he answers any questions you have about candle making,business,problems etc,thanks Wade!always awesome advice 😊
Thanks Elizabeth!
Last summer at our first craft fair we spent two 8 hour days and sold one candle. One! I looked at my business partner and asked, "Do we quit or go back to the drawing board?" We're back this summer with a new product line. We now know what doesn't sell :) here's to finding what does.
This was just what I needed! Ready to launch but so hesitant on everything needing to be perfect. You have taught me so much and I have come so far. Thank you!
You're welcome and thank you!
love your art work on your labels!!! reminds me of my mexican day of the dead oart ofmy culture
how did u think of your artwork?? very manly . i personally notinto girly flowery label design
Would love a candle kit!
There are a lot of chocolate cookies on the market but people still buy them.
I’ve recently come across your videos and I’m happy for it. They are educational, comprehensive, honest, realistic and yet encouraging and positive.
Thank you for such excellent work and generously sharing them!
The challenge is how to find our niche. To begin, if we don’t know who wants what, how will we know our target and what to then choose to make and focus on? So, isn’t it necessary to make a wide(er) variety of samples to reach more potential customers?
Thank you in advance!
Looking forward to learning much more with you!
I just wanted to say thank you for the past years of videos and information. While I never "got off the ground" officially I still learned a lot and many of your tips help with other businesses.
I know these videos also help your business, but still, thank you for these.
That's still time Rose❤
I agree@ :)
I have a successful candle business on Etsy and I do well with my customer base because my Kindles are so unique. Differentiating yourself from your competitors is what it's all about.
Very informative video! I’m experimenting while I work but need to spend more time on it but I do need to sell them now
Your videos are so informative and very helpful. Thank you!
Definitely interested in purching a starter kit from you!
Wondering about that riser you have the wax melter on, I've been looking for something similar!
Wade, you are the best. Your videos are always so informative, clear and concise, and uplifting. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into making them.
Love these ideas! Thank You! Sometimes, it helps to hear some of these things over and over again!!
I feel the same. It's good to remind ourselves things
I’m going slow and steady. I’m in the testing phase which is tougher than I thought. Trying to get the right wax and wick and fragrance to work together 😣 thanks for the video
Same. Good luck!
Great points, Wade. Number 13 was especially spot on and it's refreshing to hear I'm not alone in that regard!
Completely understand and agree. Thanks for watching!
Thank you this is very helpful, I think coming up with a name and marketing is where i am stuck at I am learning alot thank you
You're welcome!
Candle maker for 5 years here...when you legally start your business, don't do what I did and make it a sole proprietorship, make it an LLC
I'm still struggling with marketing...I try like hell with all the social medias...it's just not my forte...looking forward to when I'm profitable enough to be able to hire someone to do it for me...
Most craft shows will require liability insurance to attend...
Family and friends can be the WORST customers 🤣
There's my two cents no one asked for 😉
I should be receiving my 1st order of a few of your scents soon that I'm excited to test! I've been using CS for 5 years, looking forward to trying something new as I work on "re-branding"
Try a mass mailing in your area. Go to the post office and they will walk you through the process. Afterwards, go to a print shop and ask them for the best way to send out a 'WOW' presentation.
I did mass mailing for a print shop I worked for and they do work.
I 100% agree
Two things - liability insurance isn’t that expensive - I pay $100 year. Second - do you know someone who is good at social media that can help you?? Maybe “pay” them with free candles or something. Don’t necessarily need to pay someone! Good luck!
@@jackieblodgett2799
Which company do you use for your business?
@@jackieblodgett2799who do you go thru for insurance for $100 a year??
Thank you for sharing ❤ im a new candle maker so trying to learn as much as a can
❤️
Can anyone tell me what company’s Banana nut fragrance mixed with what company’s Sugar cookie Wade said smelled wonderful? I can’t find that video
😞
Watching Wade's videos and studing in the best candle business school are synonyms. Thanks again, master!
Thanks so much!!
Awesome as ALWAYS Wade! ❤🎉😊 TropiCandle appreciates you.
I think you doing new chandler candle kits would be very helpful for your beginner viewers. 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks!
A candle kit on your site would be awesome essentially especially for beginners! I would be interested!!
I would love a kit from you. I've bought some and did everything they said and they were a flop!
I want 1 successful candle already.
I would also like one of your kits.😮
I wish you could share more on the “triple scented candle” theory. I have more and more people asking about it and I’m really hoping people are not overloading the wax to still this idea to people.
I've been hooked on your content for a while and am looking at starting my own candle business in the UK currently. The one burning question I'm struggling most with is how you pick your scents to make? Do you come up with an idea for a range, and then find scents to fit it, or do you investigate a whole bunch of scents until something inspires you to a range?
Last point was spot on! Ty!
🤗
Thanks Wade- I learned, I was reinforced and have food for thought!
No problem. Glad you enjoyed it
19:50 - the beginning is THE BEST time to use accounting software. Write off ALL your expenses to reduce your taxable income from your PRIMARY income when you’re just starting.
…..cost of goods is an obvious expense. But don’t forget mileage for business, rent (even if it’s a portion of your own home), cell phone, office equipment (sell your personally owned computer, printer , desk, office chair, etc to your business and write off that amount), and SO many other great write offs.
Absolutely!
100% correct
I agree with the other commenter about the candle business being saturated is a bad thing. I have been making and selling candles full time for a year and a half. I have done probably 60 shows by now. I've tried all different venues. There are SO MANY other candle makers at these events. Sometimes even out of 30 vendors at a show, 5 of us make candles. With the economy being where people do not have a lot of discretionary income, this creates a very challenging business environment. When people attend a show, they arent going to buy from multiple candle vendors. I cant tell you how many times people walk by my booth exclaim how much they love my scents but they already bought candles. It is absolutely an issue. We do not need more candle making businesses. I know this benefits the manufacturers of the ingredients, but it does not benefit the average candle maker.
You got into the big leagues. It is a much different market for new/small makers. So many people after the pandemic switched to these type of businesses.
The struggle is real.
I agree it's a struggle, I wasn't suggesting that it isn't tough. Just that an industry being Saturated doesn't mean it can't still be good. What separates new makers that succeed is ones who don't is marketing and other things. There are many new candle businesses that start new and grow to be very successful quickly. I think many just start assuming it will be easy.
I also really don't consider craft shows and booths separate from this. Because it's the SHOWS RESPONSIBILITY to limit similar vendors and booths. Having a handful of candle booths at a show doesn't mean something is saturated or that it's not good. Shows simply shouldn't be letting multiple dame vendors up.
But consider the jewelery industry. There are dozens and dozens of those a lot every event, that is events fault. My main point wasn't that there aren't a lot of candle businesses.... Just that being saturated doesn't stop success. Takes uniqueness, and very good marketing. Not basic social media marketing but real targeted marketing. It's tough for sure tough. No doubts.
But again, regarding shows which is mostly where you are referring to. That is 100% the shows/event's fault. Every industry would look significantly saturated if shows and event's keep letting multiple of the same vendors in. THAT is frustrating for sure
@@BlackTieBarn most shows don't limit (I do all kinds including festivals) and the ones that do have candle makers who have been doing it for years and they get first choice. So they are hard to break into. There are also many juried shows that don't limit like vendors. So applying to juried doesn't mean there won't be 5 other makers there. Most shows are run by folks with their own agendas, usually making money so they don't care to limit because it limits their earnings.
I don't just do shows. I have my candles in 2 stores, I have a website. I faithfully advertise. I have grown. Yet when they can buy a bigger candle at Bath and Body for less because BB can create it more cheaply (and with less quality ingredients) they will do so in this economy. I also run sales. I'm doing everything I can possibly do including having my niche in multiple ways.
I understand that it may not be inherently a bad sign, but in a bad economy with inflation, it makes it a much tougher mountain to climb.
I always learn lots from your videos.
Thank you. That's my goal. :)
Just wondering are you still testing candles for new buisnesses?
Here's a rule: nothing is perfect in this world so stop trying to strive for that. Just strive for excellence in everything you do and make sure you are continually doing it better than the last time. Also if you were doing handcrafted candles there will always be some unique issue that might arise. People don't want perfection. They want art.
You actually can compete with the big brands by offering customers something more you need, more artistic, and handmade... Something they cannot get from that company. So is that way yes you are competing with them. I'm talking about the crossover customers who may buy from Yankee today and you tomorrow.
Hi Wade! Fellow candle maker (beginner) here from Portugal, do you have any suggestion for a wax melter that is available here? The one linked can’t be send to me. Is Toauto a brand you know or recommend? Keep up the great work! Love your videos, you’re such a huge help and inspiration 👏👏
Aaaaaaahaahhhhhh you just mentioned the autoooooooo 😅😂
I am all about your point: Products Don't Sell Themselves! I've heard from people within the religious community that if your business is something God wants you to do then you won't need to do any marketing or advertising. The sales and customers will just roll in. Guys... don't believe this. Maybe the Lord decided to bless a few people with such a thing but, trust me, being a Christian does not mean you will have a life of leisure or you won't have to work hard. Quite the contrary.
Also, if you have to do smart marketing, product design, and advertisement in order to make your business successful, then good. It means you are a hard worker and you are stronger because of it.
Thank you
You're welcome
I would buy a kit from you my good fellow.
👍
Thank you 💖🙏💖
I would love to see a video where you go back to the ancient art of candle making. In this world it seems going back to the beginning is truly the best policy for health purposes.
I used to make handmade candles at Camp when I was a kid fireside outdoors and I would love to see you explore this in a video. Olive oil lamps would be a great video as well.
Wade, I disagree with #1. I think the candle market IS becoming saturated. I have been in the game for a very long time now and, at least from my perspective, and despite the candle market growing, I don't think demand is outpacing supply. The barrier to entry has become lower over the past 15 years. There's more information and support out there to help make a successful product, and there are mega suppliers like Makesy and CandleScience that have spent tons on marketing and selling the dream. You have to admit, differentiating yourself becomes harder and harder as the sheer number of candle businesses explodes. Many fledgling candle businesses get their start on Etsy, and even Etsy has admitted to having too many shops and not enough buyers (hence their recent advertising campaigns). The idea of niching has less meaning when it's so EASY for bad actors to just swoop in and steal a good idea, and copy everything about your products and business. Also, I hate to say this, because I do respect your experience and position in the industry (you are often the voice of reason and clarity), but I'm not sure people should trust your viewpoint on this one. You are not reliant on candle sales in the same way that other candle brands are, which is evidenced by your ability to shutter your shop for long periods of time. Because of this, you may not feel the impact in the same way. Also, you have a lot to gain by convincing people that the market is not saturated. You're a supplier now. And a candlemaking/biz guru on RUclips. I'm not implying that you're being dishonest, just that you may not be the best person to make this assertion. If you have some hard data, I'd love for you to share it! All of that said, I don't think it's impossible to start a new candle business and be successful. It's just much, much harder now.
I agree with you 100 percent. I've been at it a year and a half and I see the same. The last thing this market needs is more makers.
I hustle my tail off yet the struggle is real. Many shows have like 5 other candle vendors there. That makes it impossible to sell enough for this business to be full time. So if folks are hoping for that, reality will be a cold realization.
Realest comment I’ve seen on the candle business 👏👏👏
I'm coming to candle making as an addition to my existing business, resin art being a primary element of my business (at this time) I found what he says and you say both relevant in all handworks businesses. BUT if you find your people, aka customer market, and stick to what works for you you will have repete business and word of mouth business as long as you stay true to your brand and philosophy. In the resin art field, I've been doing it since my mother taught me in the 70's (yes I'm old) but it's only been the last 5ish years that's it's blown up-my job to keep my resin art business going is to not jump on each and every bandwagon/fad but instead to design and offer art in my style and what I'm known for. Folks just know if they're looking for something in my wheelhouse to come to me for it. I don't compete with anyone except myself. I don't worry about others flooding my market, because I have the experience and longevity and reputation to keep me thriving whilst the new makers flounder and fade away.
You just have to find a way to be more unique or better than your competitor. Then it doesn't matter if it's saturated.
For those who don't know Donald Trump will get rid of the IRS. Soon you will not have to worry about income taxes at all.
❤❤❤
😁