How To Start a Candle Business with No Money At Home

To start your profitable candle business with minimal financial investment, begin by identifying your niche target market and considering if you will create products using existing materials or make them from scratch. Next, build an online presence to market your candles, whether through your own website, social media, or by listing them on popular ecommerce marketplaces. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, eBay, eWorldTrade, and Alibaba connect artisan candle makers to millions of buyers. Utilize word-of-mouth marketing across your personal and professional networks. By combining online visibility with offline connections, you can launch and grow your startup candle brand on a budget.

2 ways to start your candle business

With the rising trend of self-care and home decor, candles have become a popular item that many people love to use. Plus, with the flexibility of starting a candle business from home, you can pursue your passion while still wearing your pajamas.

Print-on-Demand: How to Start a Candle Business with No Money

The print-on-demand option allows you to create and sell your own candle designs online without the need for expensive equipment, supplies, or inventory. Let’s say you design a beautiful floral-themed candle design, you can simply upload the design to a print-on-demand platform, and they’ll handle everything from printing to shipping directly to your customers. Easy, right?

For beginners who have no idea about print on demand, read our article explaining what is print on demand in detail to have a better understanding of this business model, pros and cons.

Pros

• No upfront costs: With print on demand, no material purchase or inventory management is required to get started. Instead, you can trust your print-on-demand provider to make and print your candles without having to spend money upfront.
• Easy to set up and manage: Print-on-demand sellers can easily manage everything online. It’s easy to set up multiple stores on different platforms and manage all orders from one place.
• Low risk: Since you don’t have to invest any money upfront, you won’t be at risk of losing money if your candles don’t sell.

Cons:

• Limited customization: With print-on-demand, you may have fewer options for customization. It’s not easy to adapt new changes to the products. For the sake of production ease, print-on-demand suppliers have to limit customization options to a certain extent.
• Lower profit margins: Since you’re not manufacturing your candles yourself, the product cost might take up a larger proportion of profits.
• Shipping costs: You’ll need to factor in shipping costs when selling your candles online, which can cut down your profits.

Homemade: How to Make Candles at Home to Sell

Are you someone who enjoys getting your hands dirty and experimenting with different scents and designs? If yes, selling homemade candles might be the right option for you.

By creating your candles from scratch, you have complete control over the process, from selecting the waxes and fragrances to finding packaging and labeling your products. You can play around with the art of making candles, show your creativity, and create truly unique products.

Pros:

• Max out your creativity: The entire process is under your control. It’s up to you what designs and scents your candles will have, which allows you to create unique and personalized products.
• Ear more profit: As you are making the candle yourself,  you can cut down on labor, and production costs, hence increasing your profit margin.
• Vary your product range: With homemade products, you are allowed to experiment with various different scents and designs. Who knows, while experimenting, you might discover some interesting candle scents that distinguish your products from the rest.

Cons:

• Require higher upfront costs: To make candles at home, you’ll need to invest in equipment, supplies, and materials. All of these can amount to a considerable number. On top of that, if things do not go according to plan, your initial investment might go wasted.
• Time-consuming: It takes time to make candles, especially if you’re making them in small batches. The time-consuming process might slow down your business and make it slightly harder to scale up your business.
• Compliance with regulations: Candle-making business is classified as highly flammable. There are a lot of regulations regarding the safety requirements that you must follow, which can add an additional layer of complexity to the process.

No matter which method you choose, starting a candle business requires careful planning and execution. In the next section, we’ll outline all steps you should take in order to establish a wildly successful candle business.

Steps to start a candle business

Do market research

Before you jump into the exciting world of candle-making, it’s crucial to conduct some market research. While it may not be the most thrilling task, it’s essential in gaining valuable insights into what types of candles are in high demand, who your target audience is, and what your competitors are offering. By analyzing your competition’s products, pricing, and marketing strategies, you can gain a sense of what works and what doesn’t.

To begin, take a close look at your competition to see what they’re up to. Analyze their products, pricing, and marketing strategies to understand what’s effective and what isn’t. You may also want to survey potential customers to learn about their preferences and needs. Doing so can help you identify gaps in the market and create a unique selling proposition that sets you apart from the competition.

Bear in mind that conducting thorough research is crucial to identifying market opportunities and developing a successful differentiation strategy. So take the time to do it properly because your future success hinges on it!

Find your niche

Once you have decided on the type of candle business you want to start, it’s time to find your niche. To identify the right niche, you need to identify your target market and what makes your candles unique.

One option is to focus on unique scents that aren’t selling all over the place. For example, you could create candles with unconventional scents like bacon, leather, or even gasoline (although we don’t recommend that last one!).

Another approach is to emphasize the aesthetic of your candles. This could involve creating candles with intricate designs, incorporating unique materials like crystals or dried flowers, or experimenting with different shapes and sizes.

1. Candle scent niches

One way to consider the different types of candles that are popular with consumers. According to the National Candle Association, container and jar candles are currently the most popular types of candles among American consumers. Additionally, the fragrance is the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is “extremely important” or “very important” in their selection of a candle.

• Aromatherapy candles:  These candles are designed to promote relaxation, improve mood, and reduce stress. You can create candles with scents like lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and peppermint, which are known for their calming and soothing effects.
• Masculine scent: Masculine scents are another niche that you can consider for your candle business. While traditionally candles have been marketed towards women, there is a growing demand for candles with more masculine scents. These scents could include woodsy and earthy scents, such as cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli, or more spicy scents, like cinnamon and cardamom.
• Pet-friendly scents: Some pets are highly sensitive to scents. Some types of strong scents can be unfavorable or even harmful to our furry friends. By creating candles with pet-friendly scents, you can appeal to this market and offer a safe and enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners. Smells like fresh linen, citrus, eucalyptus, or bamboo are some good options for a pet-friendly candle.

You could consider creating a line of container or jar candles with unique fragrances. You could also consider creating candles with specific scents that cater to different moods or occasions, such as relaxation candles or candles designed to help with stress reduction.

2. Candle design niches

• Special occasions: Weddings, honeymoons, baby showers, birthdays, housewarmings.

According to a survey conducted by the National Candle Association, candle purchasers view candles as an appropriate gift for various occasions. 76% of respondents said they view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays, while 74% said they would give candles as a housewarming gift. Additionally, 66% of respondents said they would give candles as a hostess or dinner party gift, 61% as a thank-you gift, and 58% as an adult birthday gift.

• Religious or spiritual themes: Candles can also be used in meditation or prayer, with scents and designs that promote relaxation and focus. You can dive into this niche and create designs and products that match the demands in this niche.
• Holiday seasons: Christmas, Halloween,  Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving.

Instead of focusing on the scent or the designs alone, you can combine both and create designs that fit the scent or choose a scent that is suitable for a certain design.

By finding your niche, you can create candles that stand out from the competition and appeal to your target market. This will help you build a loyal customer base and increase your chances of success in the candle business.

Create your online store

In today’s digital age, having an online store is essential for any business, including a candle-making business. It not only expands your reach but also makes it easier for customers to find and purchase your products. Here are some steps to follow when creating your online store:

• Choose an e-commerce platform: There are several e-commerce platforms available, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace. Choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
• Create your website: Once you’ve chosen your e-commerce platform, it’s time to create your website. Make sure it is user-friendly, visually appealing, and showcases your candles and their unique features.
• Write product descriptions: Your product descriptions should be detailed and informative, highlighting the scent, design, and other features of your candles. Use high-quality photos that accurately represent your products.
• Take good pictures of your candles: Good product photography is a key to e-commerce success. If you are selling handmade candles, you can take pictures on your own. However, in the case of print-on-demand sellers, as you don’t have the product in hand, you will need to create a mockup that showcases your candle designs to help customers see what they will get.
• Set up payment options: Make it easy for customers to purchase your candles by offering multiple payment options, such as credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
• Set up shipping: Determine your shipping rates and options and clearly communicate them to customers. Consider offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount to encourage larger purchases.
• Optimize for search engines: Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s ranking on search engine result pages. This will help potential customers find your website when searching for candles or related products.

By following these steps, you can create an online store that showcases your candles and makes it easy for customers to purchase them. Don’t forget to promote your store on social media and other channels to drive traffic and increase sales.

Make your candle

Print on demand – How to start a candle business with no money

• Create your designs: Once you’ve chosen your print-on-demand service, it’s time to create your designs. You can use software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create your designs, or you can hire a freelance designer to help you create unique and eye-catching designs.
• Choose your candle supplier: While the print-on-demand service will handle the printing and shipping of your custom candle designs, you still need to source your candles. You can choose to make your candles yourself, or you can partner with a candle supplier to provide pre-made candles for you to customize. 

Homemade – How to make candles at home to sell

Making candles at home is a great way to start a candle-making business with minimal investment. Here are some tips on how to make candles at home to sell:

1. Gather supplies: You’ll need wax, wicks, fragrance oils, dye, and containers to hold the candles. Look for wholesale suppliers to save money on bulk orders.
2. Choose a recipe: There are many different types of candles to make, such as soy, beeswax, or paraffin wax candles. Decide on a recipe and do some test batches to perfect your process.
3. Create a workspace: Set up a dedicated workspace with a double boiler, thermometer, and other candle-making tools. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and free of any flammable materials.
4. Practice safety: Candle making involves working with hot wax, so it’s important to take safety precautions. Wear gloves and protective clothing, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
5. Experiment with scents and colors: Create unique candles by experimenting with different scents and colors. Consider using natural essential oils or botanicals for a more eco-friendly option.
6. Label and package your candles: Once your candles are made, label and package them in an attractive way. Consider using recycled or sustainable packaging materials to appeal to environmentally-conscious customers.

By making candles at home, you can start your candle-making business without the need for expensive equipment or a large investment. As your business grows, you can scale up by investing in additional equipment or outsourcing production.

Promote your candle brands

Creating great candles is only half the battle; you need to get the word out and promote your brand to potential customers. Here are some tips for promoting your candle business:

• Social media marketing: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are great tools for promoting your candle brand. You can post images of your candles, share your brand story, and connect with potential customers. Use relevant hashtags and engaging captions to get your posts noticed.
• Influencer marketing: Partner with influencers in your niche to reach a wider audience. Look for influencers with a large following and an engaged audience. Offer them free candles in exchange for a post about your brand or a review of your products.
• Local events and markets: Participating in local events and markets can help you connect with customers in your area. Set up a booth or table and display your candles. Offer samples and promotional materials to encourage customers to buy from you.
• Email marketing: Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach out to potential customers. Collect email addresses through your website and social media channels and send out regular newsletters or promotional offers to keep your brand top of mind.

• Collaborations with other businesses: Collaborating with other businesses in your niche can help you reach a wider audience. Look for complementary businesses like florists, gift shops, or spas and offer to create custom candles for them or partner on a promotion.

How much does it cost to start a candle business?

Starting a candle business can be a profitable venture, but it’s important to consider the costs involved before getting started. Here are some of the costs you can expect when starting a candle business:

Supplies

If you are planning to make candles at home, you will have to pay for supplies. That includes the materials like wicks, containers, wax, etc, and other equipment like thermometers, boilers, pouring pitchers, scales, etc.

The cost of supplies can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of your business and the type of candles and candle scent you want to make.

In case you want to scale your business size and increase your production capacity, you may also need a dedicated workspace, such as a room in your home or a rented studio, which can be costly. The cost of equipment and workspace can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

If you are selling print-on-demand candles, the supply cost is zero as the suppliers will make the products for you. There is no need to invest your time and labor into making candles. All you need to do is make designs and sell them.

Packaging

Pretty packaging will add a cherry on top to your customer’s experience and strengthen your branding. For a unique unboxing experience, you might have to invest in printing custom packaging boxes, bags, or labels. Packaging can be quite expensive, depending on what type of packaging you choose. It might cost you a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

For print on demand sellers, there are fewer options when it comes to packaging. Still, you can opt to customize your packaging via your supplier. For example, at Merchize, we allow our sellers to create customized packaging for your print-on-demand brand. This special packaging option only includes the brand seal outside as well as the special thank card inside, all customizable up to your designs, costing only $0.6 per product.

This option will help you to grow your brand and deliver a highly satisfying buying experience for your customers.

Marketing

Whether you are making candles from home or selling via print on demand, you still need to market your candles to attract customers. This can involve creating a website, using social media platforms, attending craft fairs or farmer’s markets, and more. The cost of marketing can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on your marketing strategy.

Overall, the cost of starting a candle business can vary widely depending on the scale of the business and the types of candles being made.

It’s possible to start a candle business with minimal investment, but it’s important to carefully consider the costs involved and create a detailed business plan before getting started.

The bottom line

Starting a business seems to be daunting at first. However, with all the step-by-step instructions on how to start a candle business with no money above, you can quickly and smoothly run your own candle e-commerce store from home.

Sign up for a Merchize account and start your successful candle business today