{"id":10341,"date":"2020-11-03T15:57:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-03T05:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auzi.com\/portal\/?p=10341"},"modified":"2025-04-30T11:35:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T01:35:55","slug":"how-to-start-a-candle-making-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auzi.com\/portal\/small-business\/how-to-start-a-candle-making-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Start A Candle Making Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

How to start a Candle Making Business<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Handmade businesses<\/a> are becoming the fastest growing in Australia.\u00a0 With the perks of being your own boss, choosing your own hours, being able to work with children and get as creative as you like, there is no wonder many of you have chosen to make this hobby your business.<\/p>

It\u2019s not as simple as creating your gorgeous candles, selling them to people on Facebook and calling it a day. There are several steps you need to get through before truly launching your dream candle business. At AUZi<\/a>, we get to chat with some pretty awesome candle makers on the daily. So, we put together this little guide on how to start a candle making business.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Product\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Do some Research into Candle Making<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whether you\u2019re a seasoned candle maker or recently discovered a passion for the craft, running a successful business requires thorough research and careful planning.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Candle making Rules and regulations <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

There are so many aspects that go into a business of any kind. Without understanding the rules, regulations and the general gist of the industry you are heading into, your dream may be over before it\u2019s even started.<\/p>

The candle industry although not strictly regulated at present, still has many regulations and rules to follow. Candle Safety and labelling is always a hot topic for Candle Makers. It should always be done in accordance with the law. It is best practice for every single candle you sell to be accompanied by a care card. Plus there are strict standards regarding the fragrance load allowed… It\u2019s all the little things like this that could land you in hot water if missed.<\/p>

Using your home as a place of business means you need to comply with particular state, territory and local government regulations. The registrations and licences you need for your business will vary depending on your industry. Check with local councils to ensure you are even able to run a business or manufacture from your home.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Make sure your Home & Contents Insurer and Landlord are aware of your business if you are running it from your home. Please also check with any other relevant Insurer you have. Your products must also comply with the Australian Consumer Law so the ACCC<\/a> will be a pool of information for you on the do\u2019s and dont\u2019s.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Your competitors <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Before you go in all wicks blazing, remember that the candle making industry in Australia is vast and competitive. Are your products identical to someone else\u2019s? Do they align with the current expectations of your target market? You have permission to go nuts on an Instagram stalk. Take note of what is trending \u2013 what jars are people using? What scents? Novelties? Consider all of this and compare it to your idea and vision. Do you have a unique point of difference yet still align with industry trends?<\/p>

Another way to research here is to create a survey on SurveyMonkey<\/a>. Fill it with questions like \u2018do you expect candles to be made with cruelty-free ingredients?\u2019 \u2018Vegan?\u2019 \u2018Sizes?\u2019 And everything you want to know. Simply join one of the huge business groups on Facebook and ask the members to fill it out for you. There you have some free feedback already! Now work your magic and take it on board.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Experimenting and testing <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If you\u2019ve been perfecting your candles for years then this step might be a brief one. Perfecting a product that is worthy of your local gift shops shelves can take years. On the other hand, it could take a few weeks\u2026if you\u2019re very lucky. If you are thinking of having something ready to go tomorrow, this might not be the line of business for you. Like they say practice makes perfect.<\/p>

With a plethora of different waxes, oils, wicks, containers and dyes out there, you\u2019re going to want to try out several recipes, modifying and tweaking until you and your guinea pigs have simply fallen in love. Remember, this isn\u2019t a one-time thing. You can continue to experiment and improve on your product in the years to come.<\/p>

You have a duty to ensure the products you make and sell are safe<\/a>. You will be batch testing over and over, trying new wax blends, new wick bands and sizes, new containers, new oils and new colours. Keeping batch records of your testing is crucial.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Melting\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Photo by Fi Bell on Unsplash<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Tick off these Candle Making Business Essentials<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

What does your business plan look like?<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Oops, you don\u2019t have one yet, do you? Sometimes you need more than just a whim to embark on your journey. Planning is crucial. Business plans<\/a> should be implemented for all small businesses. Plans help with estimates for turnover, budgeting, compliance, disaster recovery, workplace health and safety and the general outcomes and expectations of the business.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Crunch the numbers \u2013 put on that accounting hat<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

It\u2019s time to throw it back to that year 10 math class. Channel your inner Cady Heron, what on earth was on the blackboard behind that cute jock’s head?<\/p>

Sort out your cash flow, accounting and payroll. That does sound scary. But, the chances are you may not even need to remember much from year 10. Today, we\u2019re lucky enough to have access to several free or cheap software including Xero<\/a> and Quickbooks<\/a> (starting at just $7\/month) that will help you crunch those numbers.<\/p>

Plus the trustee old government, have come through with the goods here, with a free calculator<\/a> to help you work out the start-up cost and an ongoing budget.\u00a0<\/p>

Don\u2019t forget the Tax Man! Home-based businesses have specific tax obligations that you need to know. You\u2019ll need to know what expenses you can claim and whether you have to pay capital gains tax when you sell your home \u2013 what? Yes, we said it before, research is so important.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Candle Makers Insurance<\/a><\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You can perfect your care card with clear instructions on when those beautiful gems, botanicals and other pretties need to be removed. But, unfortunately, this doesn\u2019t always mean the customer will follow them.<\/p>

You\u2019re creating a product that is literally lit on fire and placed among your customer’s most dearest home possessions. So\u2026candle making insurance<\/a> is super important as a candle maker. It is not mandatory, though considering the many risks involved between perfecting every order, dealing with the general public and the lit candle itself, the benefits of having insurance truly outweigh the costs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Establish your marketing and branding<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Many business owners underestimate the power of impeccable branding and a solid marketing strategy. We could go on forever here but we will keep it simples<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Your business name<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

To have a brand, you need a business name! Create a name that you fall in love with and that resonates with you but also reflects your mission and products. Don\u2019t forget to check that the name isn\u2019t trademarked and that no other business on social media is trading under it in a relevant industry. Go ahead and create that fancy business email! Yes, a new one with your business name.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Placing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Photo by Fi Bell on Unsplash<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We\u2019re keeping it professional here, your hotstuff@hotmail.com<\/a> address does not make the cut. If you can\u2019t pay for your own just yet, at least jump onto Gmail and create an account with your business name.<\/p>

If you are really struggling with naming your new baby, check out our other blog, Tips for Naming Your Business.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>

Time to connect with your favourite designer to work on your logo and branding! By joining your local business groups on Facebook, you can easily find a branding specialist that aligns with your business.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Getting online<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If you\u2019ve already done a bit of a Google for marketing tips<\/a>, you will know that in our online world, there are 1001 things that you apparently must be doing as a business. But, we come with good news! It\u2019s best to keep it simple. Do some research to establish what social media platforms, selling channels and advertising is best for you.<\/p>

Selling online<\/strong><\/em><\/span> \u2013 Opening an online store is the best way to get your candles out there. It doesn\u2019t require you to be a web designer to do it. Check out Shopify<\/a> or Wix to easily create your own shop. Or Etsy<\/a> for a website alternative. All three of these apps take the hard work out of it and allow you to sell your candles online quickly.<\/p>

Social media<\/em><\/span> \u2013 <\/strong>Your beautiful candles are likely to be a hit mainly on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. So, just start there. Make sure you keep an active presence on there, post aesthetic photos, connect them to your selling platform and keep it professional. We have a few tips for using Instagram for business<\/a> and ideas for posts<\/a> in previous blog posts.<\/p>

Start off with these two steps first, once you have that down pat you can explore paid advertising, collaborating with other handmade businesses and other marketing activities as you grow.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Find places to sell your Candles<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Other than making sure you are selling online, there are a few other options you can try to increase sales and get your name out there.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The weekend markets<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The markets have been hailed the old stomping ground for many renowned companies around Australia. They\u2019ve proved a valuable platform for not only businesses finding their feet, but for long term traders as well. The cost of a stall at your local market and public liability insurance<\/a> is all you will need to pay for a full day of sales. Just make sure you let people know on your social media when and where you will be trading.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Acquiring stockists <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You know that caf\u00e9 down the road that stocks those beautiful handmade soaps? Wouldn\u2019t your candles look beautiful stocked next to them? Even your local hair dresser might be interested in stocking your products. The opportunities here really are endless!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

A word from the candle making veterans <\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

For many candeliers, transitioning from a hobby to a business can be a smooth ride. This may be more about tidying up paperwork and legalities to do so. So, we took to the Facebook group \u2018Candle Concepts Australia\u2019 to ask the pros for some tips.<\/p>

Larisa from Sherwood Garden Home Fragrances<\/em> <\/strong>says \u201cEven if you are starting out small, make sure you have systems and processes in place like you are a big business, it makes it a lot easier as your business grows\u201d.<\/p>

Tracey From ForthnFlames Candles and Soap <\/strong><\/em>says \u201cMake sure you set up a costing program, set up safety data register for all the chemicals\/oils you will be using & set up quality control processes\u201d.<\/p>

Tracey also makes another great point here – \u201cdo not compete with anyone, run your own race. Work on self-improvement do not copy someone else. If you are a copy business, you can never be in control of your own direction you will always be following others.\u201d<\/p>

Aleesha from Immerse & Co \u2013 Bath Witch<\/strong><\/em> says \u201cIt’s not as easy as melt wax, add oil, pour. There\u2019s a lot of science, and math to learn.\u201d<\/p>

Facebook will become your best friend. With various Candle Making groups and forums online, endless information is at your fingertips to help kick-start your dream business. There are long-time candle makers who are always willing to offer tips and advice and guide you down the right path for your candle-making business. Don\u2019t ever be afraid to ask for help.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If your passion really is all things handmade, you\u2019re motivated and have the initiative to constantly learn, pivot and get creative, then your candle making business is set to an awesome start.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFacebook\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTwitter\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLinkedIn\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPinterest\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Click\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Flow<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTips for Naming your Business\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"\"<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Best Point of Sale (POS) Solutions for Small Business\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"office<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSustainable Business Practices: What to do when starting a Small Business\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Tealight<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCandle Making Regulations in Australia: All things Compliance\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t