One group is paraffin, which is a by-product of petroleum. You can find it in a variety of melting points, depending on what type of candles you are making. For instance, you need a higher melting point for tapers than you do for container candles. [2] X Research source Another type of wax is beeswax. Beeswax is a product that bees make, so it has a natural, light honey smell. Some people prefer this wax because it is all-natural, though others will mix beeswax with other waxes for their candles. [3] X Research source A third category of waxes is vegetable waxes, where soy is probably the most popular. One benefit of soy wax is it is pure white, and it also doesn’t shrink up when you pour it, which means you don’t have to pour wax more than once. Bayberry wax is also in this category. [4] X Research source
You can also check out books from your local library about candle-making.
You’ll file for these structures through your home state. [8] X Research source Most states charge a fee for filing, though it’s usually not too much. A third option is a partnership, which generally acts as sole proprietorship spread among partners. [9] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
The easiest way to apply for an EIN is online on the IRS website. The form only takes a few minutes to fill out, and you get your number quickly. The process is free. [11] X Trustworthy Source Internal Revenue Service U. S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code Go to source
Of course, you can also choose to start your business out of a storefront. In that case, you’ll need to scout a location. In addition, buying or renting a space is a significant investment. [13] X Research source
In some states, you’ll need a certificate of resale to collect sales taxes on products. [19] X Research source Also, it may be easiest to hire an accountant to take care of both your state and federal taxes for you, as accountants will be better versed in what you will owe. [20] X Research source
Consider having complementary items for sale as well as the candles. For example, you could have homemade candle stands and bowls for floating candles for sale at the same time as your candles. A variety of items encourages shoppers to stop and browse.
The easiest stores to get into are ones that offer booth space, as you pay for the space. However, it’s not always easy to make your booth space back. When approaching stores with your wares, have pictures with you, as well as samples. Be professional by being polite and dressing up. In addition, always call first to see when an appropriate time to come in would be. Some stores prefer that you provide photos online. [24] X Research source
The best parts of using a craft website is you don’t have to maintain a website, and you’ve got traffic built in. However, you don’t have as much control over design or policies. [26] X Research source You can also build your own website, but that takes some technical know-how, especially if you want to add in a way to buy on the site.
It’s important to engage with your customers and other people in the industry. If you just throw products at them, you’re likely to turn customers off. However, if you build relationships, you’ll be more likely to gain customers. That means offering value outside of your products (such as tutorials or funny content), talking with customers, and engaging with other people who are in the community. [28] X Research source If you want people to promote your content, you should be promoting others, as well. When someone shares your picture, try sharing something in return. [29] X Research source Share quality content. Quality content will get other people to share it as well. That means taking good pictures and being professional in everything you do. [30] X Research source
The same can be said of hashtags. On certain social media sites, hashtags are used to group pictures and content. By using the right hashtags, you’ll find customers who will connect to your product. For instance, if you make 100 percent pure beeswax candles, you can use the hashtag #purebeeswaxcandles to help others find you.
