Candle Making Business Guides - CandleScience

It’s the perfect time to start a business...

The growing demand for eco-friendly, handmade items has created a huge opportunity for DIY entrepreneurs. Technology platforms like Etsy and Shopify also allow handmade crafters and customers to connect like never before.

Over the years, we’ve seen lots of candle makers successfully transition from hobbyists to small business owners. This section is dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and guiding you as you build and grow your business.

How to start your own candle business

Our complete guide to get your candle making business up and running.

Creating your first candle product line

Learn the keys to building a great candle product line.

How to price your candles

Ensure your candle business makes a profit by knowing your cost.

How to grow your candle and soap business with subscriptions

Learn about popular subscription models and get tips to successfully start your own.

2024 Holiday Product and Shopping Trends Report

Sign up for this report that will help you navigate ever-evolving consumer behaviors and market dynamics.

Use this glossary to familiarize yourself with a variety of general business, marketing, product, and selling terms.

The candle maker’s guide to a successful fall and holiday season

How to plan, prep for, and pull off your best sales season yet.

Using social proof to grow your candle business

Boost your brand’s credibility (and sales) with product reviews, media features, and recommendations.

Sales tax exemption for your candle or soap business

Learn how to set up sales tax exemption do you don't unnecessarily pay sales tax on your supply orders!

How to scale your handmade candle business

Five proven strategies for makers focused on sustainable scaling.

Insurance for candle makers

An overview of insurance options for your business and how to tell when you need coverage.

Product photography: how to shoot shiny or reflective candle containers

Tips for highlighting the brilliance of your iridescent, shimmery, and electroplated candles!

How to evaluate fragrance oils

Learn the three ways to evaluate fragrance oils so that you can get the most out of each and every one.

How long do fragrance oils last?

Plus tips for storing and managing your fragrance oil collection, and how to properly dispose of expired fragrances.

How to build and grow an email list: email marketing for makers

Learn why email marketing can help your business flourish and how to get started now.

The essential emails to send: email marketing for makers

Learn about the five must-send emails to grow your business.

Understanding performance metrics: email marketing for makers

The five rates to watch so you can determine how your emails are performing.

Segmentation and next-level emails: email marketing for makers

An introduction to segmentation strategies and ideas for targeted emails to send to your list for better engagement—and more sales.

Candle photography challenge: a look at styling and branding

We turned to the pros—our in-house photographers—to demonstrate how product styling, branding, and photography can determine the overall vibe of your candles and convey different moods.

How to select fragrance oils for luxury candles

Learn about luxury marketing and discover how to curate fragrance oils for luxury candle collections.

Should your business be a sole proprietorship or LLC?

A look at two popular ways to legally organize your candle or soap business.

Time-saving tips, tools, and strategies for candle makers & candle businesses

Discover how to save time, increase efficiency, and achieve greater productivity.

Promoting your brand: Get started on social media

Get started on social media.

7 Social Media Content Ideas for Your Small Business

Social media is an important avenue for marketing your products, spreading awareness about your business, and ultimately gaining new customers

Selling online: tips & resources to get started

Learn how to setup an online business.

Guide to selling candles at markets and craft shows

Tips for selecting events, display ideas, considerations and marketing strategies for your small candle business.

How to sell candles wholesale

Benefits of wholesale and tips for beginners.

How to create a wholesale line sheet for your candle or soap business

Learn why you need a line sheet for your wholesale products and the key elements of an effective line sheet to generate sales.

How to find potential retailers for your wholesale candle business

A guide to expanding your wholesale candle business by connecting with shops.

How to pitch your candles to retailers

Everything you need to know to build connections with shops and grow your wholesale business.

Where to start selling your candles

Use this helpful guide to decide which sales channel best fits your goals.

Selling on consignment: a guide to selling candles in stores

Exploring the pros and cons of consignment selling for small candle businesses.

Product photography: using natural light

Learn how to photograph your candles in their best light.

Product photography: backdrops & surfaces

Learn how backdrops and surfaces contribute to product photography.

Candle photography challenge: a look at styling and branding

We turned to the pros—our in-house photographers—to demonstrate how product styling, branding, and photography can determine the overall vibe of your candles and convey different moods.

Product photography: focusing and shot composing

Learn the basics of focusing and composing your product image.

The essential guide to candle label requirements

Everything you need to know to properly label your candles and wax melts!

Candle labeling q&a's with Avery WePrint

Do you have questions about how to label your candles? We have answers!

Citronella candles: labeling guidance and marketing tips

Learn what every maker should know about labeling citronella candles, plus marketing tips and inspiration.

Using graphics and images for your business

Before you use images from the web, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind.

Selling on Etsy: an overview of indie candle & soap makers

Learn more about selling on Etsy, the most popular marketplace for makers.

Start your soap business in 5 basic steps

Learn the basics for starting your own melt and pour soap business.

How to ship candles: packaging, shipping, and calculating the cost

We’ll walk you through the logistics of how to ship your candles: the supplies needed, how to package your candles, the most popular shipping services, and how to charge for shipping.

How to make large batches of candles

Let’s take a closer look at what to consider when scaling up your candle production.

Business ideas: how to make a candle sampler set

Create collections, subscription boxes, portfolio packs, and more.

Business ideas: increase sales with unique wax melt projects

Create interactive experiences, fragrance samples, and more.

White label and private label candles

Increase revenue and strengthen customer relationships with these lesser-known business strategies

Keep learning

learn candle making

Black Tumbler Candle on table.

get inspired

Succulent Candle

learn soap making

Handmade soap on display