agoodsaid

Hi Tara - Sounds to me like you did just the right thing. If you approach moments like this seeking to serve (in this case, finding out which the customer wants more ... quick service or to find the candle maker) ... how can you go wrong? For all of us, marketing is anchored in our ability to build relationships with people. However you go abour making that genuine connection is a good thing! Andrea

I really like the ceramic ones at Levine Gifts. Just checked their faq page: Q: I have a web site and want to sell your products over the internet. Can I use your pictures? A. Absolutely. Sounds like a go to me Andrea

or even two or three candles Andrea

The question: "How much to spend on packaging?" Came the cryptic reply: "Just enough to get the job done ... and not a penny more" My thinking is that you play around with what looks/feels right to you ... see what sells best (even poll your customers ... they know what they like), then source the hell out of getting the lowest volume price you can. Price your candles *as-if* you were getting that lower packaging price already and enjoy the increased profit margin as your sales sky-rocket and you are able to order those volumes of packaging. And don't forget to figure in the cost per piece of shipping and/or humping around to go fetch them. hth, Andrea

Lol Sara re. the rock living arrangements ... I think it's getting crowded under here ... but ain't it cozy? Actually, what has always worked best for me is to keep focused on my thing (as long as it's working) and not worry so much about what's going on in the world around me. I mean it's good to get the lay of the land ... but no matter what's going on (first as a crafter and now as a distributor) with other individuals, companies and businesses that might *appear* to be competition ... tunnel vision and knowing that what I have to offer people will buy has always served me really well. Know what I mean? Andrea

I make smaller than 1oz tarts (been using the small peanut butter cup sized candy mold) and package them by threes. I'm partial to threes... just feels right for me. My thinking on the more than one marketing of them is that people DO like to buy a 'spare' so they won't run out of most things ... why should candles and tarts be any different? Don't have the smudging problem ... but being plastic wrap challenged also, I LOVE the idea of chopping it into little pieces with a rotary tool Andrea

How much fun is that ??! LOTS!! Andrea

I would charge a flat rate for up to first 6 kids (suplies for 6 at retail ... ie. what they would each have to pay for retail kits) plus en extra $5 (?)per kid after that and an hourly rate for your time ... 2 hours min. Hey now, speaking of kits, why not make up little kits for the kids to beg their Mom's to buy them on the way out? Or perhaps something smaller for the party girl to offer as favors ... maybe added to your cost? your contact info included, of course ;-) Maybe directions for other projects posted on a website? With further info re. your 'craft party' packages?? Oooh, I likin' this idea Andrea

I wonder whether she would be willing to let you be in her studio with her for a weekend or something. An established client base (how many are there?) and website are worth a lot if you can continue to deliver the same product. You DO want to know how the traffic that her site has gets there ... if it's not all free search engine traffic, you'll want to be clear on that too. How much of her business is dependant upon 'her' (forum posts and such), ppc ads (will she train you in this area) and how much is pure search engine ecommerce? The wholesale accounts are promising ... does she have pending orders? Selling to a store once does not mean it happens again ... and here too, will they be cautious with a new manufacturer? It would be more 'real' if she were to sell to you with pending orders. I can feel your excitement! And I'm sure that you can make that amount back if you put your mind to it. There are a lot of parts to weigh, eh? The real value here is in the website and customer list ... imho. The production part and whatever materials that come with it are just details ... one maybe a hump to get over and the other a happy bonus. hth, Andrea

Yeah a "Scents of the Season" open house 4x a year ... what a great way to schedule with hostesses too! A person could schedule several "Scents of the Season" events every 3 months or so ... enough to keep anyone busy. And each person's invite list should need new candles by then ... they'll be lookin for 'ya Andrea

I was just messing with 'ya ;-) Probably more speaking for my own habits ... I wasn't ever really cut out for production. Like variety more than I like schedules. Shelving and storing things as you go along will make it a breeze next year. Having a dedicated building is sweet too. I had a 16' x 32' building when we were doing the glass production and I was in HEAVEN. Focus on efficitent storage paths and how things are supposed to move around the studio and develop your space to suit those paths. Every time you save yourself a trip across the studio to get something, you'll be banking fun time ... (and YE inventory will be easy peasy) yay! Andrea

mycozyaromas.com?

How about cozycandlearomas.com for now and the shorter one when it comes free in April? Andrea

I think late Winter/early Spring is a great time for sales! Narrow down your presentation to leftovers and a taste of spring ... make it a social occasion and think of it as a relationship building event. Plant the seeds early and you will be able to harvest through those "slow" months. Maybe think wedding and graduation marketing too? I like the March idea too ... everyone will be glad to get out of the house. Andrea

Lol ... famous last words <grin>. Andrea PS. YE inventory ... 11 jars, 32 votives ;-)