Can You Make Money Selling Candles in 2023 (Complete Guide)
Do you know that you can make $100,000 a year selling candles? Maybe you didn’t know how easy it is to start making candles at home and you could make this a great side hustle of even a business in the future?
In this article we are going to talk about everything that involves the questions; if you can make money selling candles, how to make money selling candles and what you need to do to start your candle making side hustle!
But can you make money selling candles and is it possible to quit your job and work with this full time?
Short answer: Yes you can! The potential profit is $100,000 a year!
What Are Candles and How Do You Make Them
Candles are a type of light source that consists of a wick surrounded by a substance that is capable of burning, such as wax or tallow. Candles have been used for centuries for light, warmth, and as a means of marking special occasions or ceremonies. To make candles, the following materials and equipment are typically needed:
- Wax or tallow: This is the substance that will burn to produce light and heat.
- Wick: The wick is a string or cord that is placed in the center of the candle and provides a pathway for the heat and flames to travel up to the wax or tallow.
- Mold: The mold is a container that is used to shape the candle and hold it in place while it cools and hardens. Molds can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic, and can be shaped like a cylinder, a cube, or any other desired shape.
- Double boiler or melting pot: This is a pot or pan that is used to melt the wax or tallow over a low heat.
- Thermometer: A thermometer is used to monitor the temperature of the wax or tallow as it melts to ensure that it doesn’t get too hot.
- Scent: If desired, a fragrance can be added to the candle to give it a pleasant smell.
To make a candle, the first step is to melt the wax or tallow in a double boiler or melting pot over low heat. Once the wax or tallow is melted, the wick is placed in the center of the mold and the melted wax or tallow is poured over it. The mold is then allowed to cool and harden, which can take several hours or overnight depending on the size of the candle. Once the candle is hardened, it can be removed from the mold and is ready to be used.
Can You Make Money Selling Candles?
Yes you can make money selling candles and it is actually a pretty profitable business.
First thing is to think about what you are expecting of your business. Is it to make a million dollars or is it to just make a small income? The first is probably out of the question and shouldn’t be on the table now.
When you decide to start you have to analyze the market, find out what is in demand and calculate your startup cost before you start. What are your daily and weekly goals and what are your expectations for your business?
If you decide to start this as a side income you should be ready to scale if you want to make big numbers, but as a side business it will make you money even as a low scale side income.
Can You Make Money Selling Candles on Etsy?
Yes! Actually Etsy is one of the best places to sell your homemade candles, but there are other sites like facebook and social media. Etsy is an online marketplace that connects sellers with buyers just like Amazon and others similar sites. It is primarily used for selling vintage items, handmade goods, art, and different kinds of crafts.
How To Make Money Selling Candles
When you have decided that you want to start selling candles to make money you need to establish a work plan. You will need to consider costs and make a budget so you know what to expect.
When you are making your budget there are a few things to think about and some costs to consider but I will present everything here in my budget list.
- Calculator setup costs like equipment and supplies
- How much time does it take to make your product
- What the cost to make your candle
- Where you want to sell your candle and if it will cost shipping cost
Once you have your business plan ready it’s time to figure out how to sell your candles and make money! Now we have to look at what kind of equipment we need and how to make candles.
So let’s start with the candle making equipment you need to make candles.
Equipment and Tools You Need To Make Homemade Candles
So when you are going to start making candles you need to get candle making supplies.
Wax
There are plenty of waxes to pick from but here and the most used ones.
Soy wax – This is cheap and beginner friendly, and it’s vegan. It has a low melting point and no scent for people with picky noses.
Beeswax – This comes from the bees and is made naturally in the wild. The wax has a sweet scent and the melting point is higher compared to the soy wax.
Coconut wax – This wax helps the candle burn slowly and it has a great scent. But the coconut alone is too soft for a candle so you have to mix it with any other wax.
Fragrances
There are loads of different fragrances so the best you can do is to buy a few that you think you like and try your way forward. Usually in the beginning its hard to know how much fragrance you should put into a candle.
Containers
The easiest way to make candles is to use jars of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Or you could go for glass, ceramic, and tin instead of plastic. But remember that they have to be able to handle the heat!
Wicks
There are two types of wicks, cotton or wood wicks and both of them work really well in candles.
Remember the larger the candle the bigger the wick. It is always good to try your way to success.
Tools
Thermometer.
Double boiler to melt the wax.
Scale for accurate measurements.
Wood or silicone spoon to stir the wax.
Clothespins,
Straws or chopsticks to hold the wicks in the right place.
Scissors
Spray bottle with Isopropyl alcohol and paper towels for cleanup.
Now when you know what tools you need
Best Places To Sell Homemade Candles Online and Offline.
When you are looking into selling candles online and offline there are a few places that I can recommend. Selling homemade candles count as crafted products and that’s why you should look into Etsy!
Many people who made a successful candle business started selling their candles there.
Here are a list of the best places to sell your homemade candles online and offline.
- Etsy, the number one place for crafts.
- Facebook Marketplace, a great place to sell stuff locally and without fees.
- Yard Sales, perfect to get to know the neighbors.
- Home Parties, who don’t love to buy candles at a home party.
- Ebay, a great site like Etsy.
- Social media, your friends might be candle addicts like you.
- Your own website, get a homepage and sell your products fee free.
- Farmers markets, great to reach out to potential customers.
- Craft fairs and festivals, people love candles here.
- Shops, ask your local shop if they can sell your candles for a small part of the profit.
- Boutiques, same as shops, ask if they can sell the candles for you or if they want to buy your and sell themselves.
Selling at these places are probably not going to make you a million dollars, but it could be the start on your journey to creating a company and reaching your goals.
So are a candle making business profitable?
Yes it is!
If it wasn’t, people would be doing it!
Like everything you get what you put in on it and that is going to be a red line on whatever side business you decide to start. So there is no question that you can make candle making profitable.
How Much Money Can You Make Selling Candles?
Short answer: In this example the profit of making one candle is $3,05.
When calculating your business startup and profit it is good to do it the proper way.
In this calculator I will be calculating the price from products on Amazon and I will look at prices for 10 pieces so it will not be bulk prices.
So let’s start calculating the costs for how much money you can make selling candles at home!
Example:
5lbs Beeswax – $21.99
10 Containers – $23,69
10 Wicks – $0.80
5oz Fragrance Oil – $12.97
Total Cost $59,45 or $5,945 each.
Now it’s time to price your candles and you should do that by multiplying the cost of making your candle. But most people tend to go under $10 when starting out because when you are new in the business you want to make sales, get your products out there and make a name for yourself.
So if you sell the candle for $9 and it costs you $5,95 to make that gives you a profit of $3,05!
This might not sound as much but remember you are not making one candle, imagine making 100 candles on a weekend.
That is a $305 profit!
Different Kind of Candles
There are many different types of candles available, and the exact types will vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended use of the candle. Here is a list of some common types of candles:
- Taper candles: These are long, thin candles that are often used in candlesticks or candelabras.
- Pillar candles: These are thicker, cylindrical candles that are freestanding and do not require a holder.
- Votive candles: These are small, cup-shaped candles that are often used in religious ceremonies or as part of a decorative display.
- Tea lights: These are small, round candles that are often used in candle holders or as part of a larger candle arrangement.
- Scented candles: These are candles that have been infused with fragrances, such as lavender, vanilla, or peppermint, to create a pleasant aroma when they are burning.
- Floating candles: These are candles that are designed to float on water, such as in a pool or a decorative fountain.
- Birthday candles: These are small, thin candles that are used to celebrate a person’s birthday by placing them on a cake and lighting them.
- Novelty candles: These are candles that are designed in a unique or unusual shape, such as a heart, a star, or a flower.
- Emergency candles: These are candles that are designed to be used in emergency situations, such as power outages or natural disasters. They are often made of beeswax or other materials that burn for a long time.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the different types of candles that are available. There are many other types of candles, including those that are designed for specific purposes, such as candles for meditation, relaxation, or romance.
Is Selling Candles a Good Business Idea?
Whether selling candles is a good business idea will depend on a number of factors, such as the market demand for candles, the competition in the area, and the costs and profits involved in producing and selling candles. Some potential advantages of selling candles as a business include:
- Candles are a relatively low-cost product, so the barrier to entry into the market is relatively low.
- There is a wide range of candles available, from basic utility candles to high-end, decorative candles, so there may be opportunities to cater to different market segments and price points.
- Candles can be produced in a wide range of scents, colors, and sizes, so there is potential for creativity and differentiation in the product line.
- Candles can be sold through a variety of channels, including online, at craft fairs, in retail stores, or through wholesale distributors, so there are many potential avenues for reaching customers.
On the other hand, some potential challenges of selling candles as a business include:
- The market for candles may be saturated, with many competitors offering similar products, which can make it difficult to stand out and attract customers.
- The profit margins on candles may be low, especially if the candles are sold through retail stores that take a cut of the sales price.
- The demand for candles may be seasonal, with higher sales during the holidays and lower sales during other times of the year, which can make it difficult to maintain a consistent income.
- The production of candles can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, which can be a challenge for small businesses with limited resources.
Overall, whether selling candles is a good business idea will depend on the individual circumstances and the market conditions. It may be a worthwhile venture for some, while others may find that it is not a good fit for their goals and resources.
Pros and Cons Making Money With Candles
Whether making money with candles is a good idea will depend on a number of factors, such as the market demand for candles, the competition in the area, and the costs and profits involved in producing and selling candles. Here are some potential advantages and disadvantages of making money with candles:
Advantages:
- Candles are a relatively low-cost product, so the barrier to entry into the market is relatively low.
- There is a wide range of candles available, from basic utility candles to high-end, decorative candles, so there may be opportunities to cater to different market segments and price points.
- Candles can be produced in a wide range of scents, colors, and sizes, so there is potential for creativity and differentiation in the product line.
- Candles can be sold through a variety of channels, including online, at craft fairs, in retail stores, or through wholesale distributors, so there are many potential avenues for reaching customers.
Disadvantages:
- The market for candles may be saturated, with many competitors offering similar products, which can make it difficult to stand out and attract customers.
- The profit margins on candles may be low, especially if the candles are sold through retail stores that take a cut of the sales price.
- The demand for candles may be seasonal, with higher sales during the holidays and lower sales during other times of the year, which can make it difficult to maintain a consistent income.
- The production of candles can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, which can be a challenge for small businesses with limited resources.
Overall, whether making money with candles is a good idea will depend on the individual circumstances and the market conditions. It may be a worthwhile venture for some, while others may find that it is not a good fit for their goals and resources.
FAQ
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Candle Business?
In my example it costs 60$ to start your business with a profit of $30,5.
Can You Start a Candle Business With No Money?
I would say no, you need a few items to start. But you could reuse old candles to make something and sell it. But that probably is not ideal.
Can You Make Money Selling Candles on Amazon?
Yes, in my example you can earn $30,5 by selling 10 candles.
Can You Make Good Money Selling Candles?
I have seen people earning over $100,000 a year. So its definitely a good income for someone who wants to quit and focus on your own business.
How Do You Make Money Selling Scented Candles?
The same way as selling regular candles. Go to Etsy or any other sites that are in the niche of selling crafted items.
Conclusion
Now, can you make money selling candles with this information? I really hope so and I hope that this article helped you on the way of deciding if this is a business idea for you or not. I write a lot of these guides and there is no science behind earning money. The only thing you need to do is to analyze the market, find a niche in the niche you want to start and try to approach it in a unique way.
If you can do that and you stay on track, learning everyday, evolving and don’t give up you will succeed with this or anything you take on. If you have experience or found this article helpful drop a comment below.
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