If you’re interested in candle-making and are thinking of turning this hobby into dollars by starting a candle-making business at home, congratulations, you’re not alone. Nowadays, a candle-making business is a welcomed working-at-home job across the country, and still more people are starting it as a side hustle.
To help you easily start your candle-making business, we’ve put together a full guide and answers to the frequently asked questions. You can also check our list of candle making supplies near you.
Let’s dive into the details.
Should I Start a Candle Making Business at Home?
Yes. It is a good idea to start a candle business at home.
- There is a large existing market that is promising to grow. According tothe National Candle Association, nearly 80% of all households in the US use candles either for burning or decoration. And the statistics from Verified Market Research state that the candle market size was valued at 7.15 billion US dollars in 2020, and the data is expected to be 13.38 billion US dollars by 2028.
- Starting a candle-making business at home requires a relatively low entry cost. Generally speaking, the big expenditure for running a candle business is to purchase candle-making equipment. You can start by purchasing candle making kits for beginners, which contain most of the candle-making equipment. Even better, professional candle-making kits like soy candle-making kits or beeswax candle-making kits contain nearly everything you need to make candles at home. The equipment and tools are reusable. Except that the candle-making supplies, like candle waxes, are not expensive.
- It’s easy to get started. There are many resources about how to make candles by yourself. Most of the tutorials are free.
Is Candle Making Profitable?
According to NCA, candle-making is maintaining its hold as a profitable home-based business. The profit margin can be as high as 100% or more. If you work out a creative design, it can be even higher. After all, handmade crafts are unique and rare.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Candle Making Business?
It depends on where you want to sell your handmade candles. A local store near your house? A big retail store in your city? Or an online store?
If you want to sell your handmade candles in a physical store, the rent of the place will be a large expenditure. And it varies based on the real estate rates of your area.
It will save you a lot if you plan to start an eCommerce store.
Either way, the cost of the candle-making business won’t be a big burden to your family finance.
How can I Sell My Handmade Candles Legally? Do I Need Insurance?
In most states, you’re not required to have insurance. BUT, you’re still highly recommended to have some just in case.
Besides, NCA suggests candle makers use a fire safety cautionary label, which includes: Burn within sight, Keep away from things that catch fire, and Keep away from children.
Do I Need a License to Sell My Candles on Etsy?
Etsy is one of the large online stores, especially for handmade crafts. According to Etsy, you needn’t have a license to sell candles on them. However, “when selling on Etsy, you’re required to follow any laws that apply to you as a small business selling online.”
So, you can inquire about the professionals in your area if needed.
How to Start a Candle Making Business at Home?
You can start with a candle-making business lesson. Instead, here is our step-by-step candle-making business plan for you to follow.
Step 1: Decide How to Sell Your Candles, Offline or Online?
According to NCA, Candles are sold in three main places: specialty/gift shops, department or home products stores, and via mass merchandisers such as Amazon and Etsy.
Step 2: Decide What Type of Candles You Want to Make?
There are lots of candle forms, such as container candles, pillar candles, votive candles, tealight candles, and so on. Besides, scented candles are very popular today. You can also think about making scented candles.
Step 3: Choose a Business Name
Brainstorming among your family members may help you choose a special candle business name. If you sell online, usually the business name should be the website domain name.
Step 4: Make Your Candles
If you’re good at designing software, it’s a good idea to design a special candle. Then, you can buy some candle-making supplies and follow the general guide to make candles by yourself.
Step 5: Market Your Candle Business
It’s really important to market your candle business to make it known to customers. If you’re running an eCommerce store, you can create compelling content, run search engine ads, or contact influencers on social networks. For local stores, you can participate in industry fairs, craft shows, etc.
Get Started
Candle-making is not a 100% guaranteed success business. However, with hard work and trial and error, you will be on the way to a profitable home-based business. Just get started.
PS: If you want a candle-making business plan, just feel free to let us know in the comment section. We’re glad to send a copy to you.
