emilyspoppy

I can tell from your comments that you are a very nice person. Good luck and best wishes for a simple and least costly seperation from someone who does not deserve to be your friend! Dave

Take a DEEP breath and try to focus on the business first. That is how your "personal" relationship originated. PUT THE BUSINESS FIRST. Talk with her. Explain how you feel. Ask her if there was something wrong (in her opinion) with your product or a concern on her part that you were not able to provide her with a product she wanted. (eco-friendly?) Ascertain if she was now considering or establishing herself as a professional chandler. Unless she acts in accordance with what YOU feel is appropriate, advise her you are removing your product from her shop and tell her a "settlement" of her account is expected immediately. I suspect that you do not have a written or verbal contract with her which prevents her from selling anyone else's (which includes her own) candles in her shop. If you do have a contract with her, advise her she is in violation of it and take the appropriate action necessary. If your labeling and business name(s) are not protected, well.....! I'm sorry to write this, but my guess is the best you will get from this is a recovery of your product and the realization that you need to "legal-up" in advance of future wholesale and even retail sales. I suppose you already realize that she was not your "friend". I'm not sure how it works in your state, but if she orders you to leave her shop, you most likely need to promptly comply, otherwise YOU will be breaking a criminal law. You will have to resort to taking a civil action in order to recover your property or monies due you. You may have to return with a law officer(s) to collect your property. I hope for your sake, you have everthing well documented. If you do this business long enough, you will most likely have a wholesale account "go sour" if you conduct business in that arena. I've been "stuck" myself! Like it or not it does happen. I've been selling candles foir over 30 years. Virtually EVERY wholesale account I have ever had, has at some point, been a "PITA" at times. I've been taken advantage of more times than I like to admit. I will NEVER do a consignment wholesale arrangement again; EVER! Not even with a "loving" family member! Good luck! JMO'HTH Dave UPDATE: I composed the above post before there were any replies to the original thread posting. Dave

WOW! You're good!

I like "Clean Pine" from Gemlite. I use it straight and in blends. It does not smell to me like most other pines. It's very refreshing and unlike Pinesol, ect. It has a light but noticable throw. I have a woodworking shop. When I sniff the bottle it "transports" me there. You might not be able to access the site, depening on your browser, but Robin Cheng (He's a guy.) is the owner of the company and will be glad to take your order by phone and email a list of his products. Robin sells many essential oils too along with soaper supplies, but I'm not sure if the Clean Pine FO is body safe or not. I only produce candles. Please remember that fragrance preferences are VERY subjective. Gemlite has several woody-type fragrances, but Clean Pine is my favorite. I think the $3.00 per pound price might be an unfair influencing factor. That was the price I have been paying for it for years! The last I bought was November 2012. As long as your shopping there, don't hesitate to get the following; These sell VERY well for us both straight and on blends; The prices on these are as low as $7.00 per pound!!! Pina Colada Sugar Cookie Fresh Air (AWESOME Throw!!!) Fresh & Clean (SUPERB!!!) Neroli (Out if Stock during my last order???) Cherry Orange Juice Sweat Pea Lilac Lavender Green Apple There are other fragrances I buy from this seller, but I have had some dissapointments too. I won't be buying Mulberry, French Vanilla or Cinnamon-based oils from there again. They do sell sample size bottles. They also sell "DPG" ($3.00 Lb.) and the very usefull "DPM" -Dowanol it was either $4 or $5 per lb. on my last order. Link to Gemlite: http://www.ipmiplc.com/gemlite/index.html JMO/HTH Dave @ Charlotte Hall Country Candles JMO/HTH Dave @ Charlotte Hall Country Candles

http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/PlasticTubeBottles.html HTH Dave @ Charlotte Hall Country Candles

COOL! literally; COOL!

OH! NO! It's HIM again! Sorry, but I have to ask; What type of closure does the lid provide? I wonder how tight fitting it is? There appears to be no threads on the jar, so my guess is that there would be some sort of plastic in the lid that expands and contracts a bit to allow the jid to attach. It might also have a tempered metal spring-type band. I've been in the YC shop in Williamsburg, VA. and watched (actually heard) several jars crash to the floor and break, because REAL MORONS picked them up by the lids rather than by the jar while supporting them with their free hand. I'd hate for two nice women like you to commit to cases of containers that you might regret buying. If you decide the Emma jar is for you, I wonder if AH will allow a sample purchase or tell you where you might be able to see one up close and personal? JMO Curious Dave PS: I never pour wax in a room that is not at least 75%F. I prefer 80%F, but my DW would leave me stranded and all alone, if I would try to heat things up a bit! She can literally be a frigid b**** sometimes. She likes to blame it on menopause. I tell her it's mentalpause. Menopause only last's for a limited period. Mentalpause last's a lifetime!

When we bought our home 20 years ago, my wife was more interested in a "split foyer" style house in the same neighboorhood. I really liked (And still do.) the layout of this house. I told her that not only was this house about $10K cheaper, it only had 4 shallow steps to enter and exit and none inside. I cited that someday we would be getting older. We were moving from a very large multi-level and wonderful colonial-style rental home. The four steps we have to negotiate, seem like a mountain, now that I'm in a wheelchair. The split foyer would have meant prison for me. May the good Lord bless and keep you and may all of your candle wax never be brittle again. Dave

You're blessed that you're able to pick up your wax. I seem to be stuck in "No-Man's Land" when it comes to candle suppliers. I can assure you that if I had picked up those 10 cases of wax in person, they would be getting 10 cases less one slab back! That one episode has changed the way I order, stock and test wax, ever since I bought it. I'm still upset with that supplier, even though I know it was IGI's mistake. I hate rude! I was treated very rudely. I'm sure I wasn't the first customer to call them about the wax, and they seemed to be waiting on my call. I won't repeat what I was told. My mom told me to act like a gentlemen as much as possible. I remember the avatar from that "other" board, but I don't go there anymore, so I can't comment if it was you or another with the cute "Cat in the Hat"! Thanks for replying! Have a great weekend; At least what's left of it! Dave

Im really nervous offering advice (I prefer an OPINION) to someone as obviously talented and experienced as you are. I'm not famililiar with that wax, but if it's dry and brittle, it sounds like what I experienced with 10 cases of 4630. They almost had to commit me to a mental rehab center before it was used up. It sounds like an inadequate amount of petrolatum was added to the batch. I understand it's one of the pricier components in candle wax. I "eased" my issues by adding a fair amount of IGI-4627 to my 4630. I was not only concerned about repours and topping off, but I didn't want my customers to experience tunneling if they burned them too long and had deeper than ideal melt pools. I need to do some research, but I am planning on stocking up on some petrolatum for future similar issues if they crop up in the future. I've never ran into a supplier who will accept returns on wax that I didn't have to pay the return shipping on, regardless of the problem. I wish (not actually) I could treat my customers like that and get away with it. Good luck! Please ignore responding if you like, but I've noticed your avatar on another candle board in the past. Could that have been you? Dave

As I mentioned earlier, "Youse' guy's" (A MAFIA MORON!) way's over my noggin'." Just questions ladies! Just questions! I'm interested in your results. Remember; I've worked in New Jersey! Dave the Rat!

May I ask, what wax you are having issues with?

(LOL) "Chip & Dale" (LOL - Again!) You "guy's" were two of the first members of the board to recognize me and have been very kind to me. (Normally I would say women or ladies, but that's too formal for me. Girls or gals is by most standards now to be considered "politically incorrect" for a man to say when referring to a member of the "fairer sex". It keeps me constipated, not knowing what to call my female chandler "associates".) Anyway; Yep! I've bought from Filmores! I think I may even have a few cases of lids (They look like them.) that may fit the DT jars I've noticed in the store in our neighborhood. I also have a Dollar Tree Direct (sales tax-exempt) account. The DT jars are a bit thin walled, but I love the straight side and find them to be quite attractive and upscale. The base is nice, too! I have really had problems in the past with "hang" when trying to wick odd shaped containers. The only odd shaped jars I now use are the smallest hex jars. I use the 1 1/2 ounce jars as samplers. I've never had anyone mentioning problems with them and although they are a pain to pour they burn pretty well. I suspect that most of them get used up on the first burn. Thanks for replying. Are you Chip or Dale! (lol) Stupid

I've read and re-read all six pages of this thread several times and I honestly have to admit, I now have a headache! You are two of my "bestest" (I'm a MORON!) new board buddies, but I have to say you are talking way over my head. I have the jitters just imagining what you all are going through. I have a couple of questions I would like to ask if it's OK to stick my nose into your experiment. 1.) What sort of lid or cover is available for the status jar? I can't sell jar candles without lids. 2.) Do you expect that the smaller collar (top) on the Emma jar may become a "soot collector" if not wicked and burned perfectly? My wife is away for a few days, but I may have her check a few WM's for jars myself if you achieve good results. I like 4627, but switched to 4630 because it was a cleaner process for us. I find the two waxes to be quite similar. I've often added some 4627, though to my 4630 on days where I don't want to take the time to warm things up in my pouring area. I hate re-pours and I'm not much a fan of heat topping either. Please post results! Thanks! Dave

I'm actually surprised that other suppliers actually will still ship FO's by USPS. We have had so many issues at our PO with shipping candles and FO's that I will no longer use USPS either. I now only offer USP Ground service as a shipping option for candles and flammables. I find it very annoying that the postal employee has to know; "What's in the box?". UPS, in my opinion is a much more convenient carrier and as long as you use ground there's no issues with flashpoints and flammables and fragile items if properly labeled. I like UPS. I guess it all depends on where you live as far as convenience on getting your shipments. All of the standard carriers pass my door every week day. My wife can ship packages by UPS at her job. They pick-up daily there. I'm lucky, I suppose. In reference to water-based fragrances. Would potpouree (sp?) fragrances serve your purpose or would they be too diluted? JMO/HTH Dave

To save on cost and shipping, I used to buy in (minimum) five case lots or more. I primarily use IGI-4630. I record the batch lot number and confirm that all cases are from the same batch. I review my records to confirm that it's not the same batch as a previous shipment (It seldom is.) and then test a pound in three different scented 8 ounce jelly jars. I"m careful not to let my stock level get so low that I have to rush production of new wax shipments. I have had "bad batches" several times from the same supplier. The most common problem has been an inadequate amount of petrolatum in the batch. Unless the supplier is reblending wax from wax manufacturers, they have no control over variations in what they are selling. I know of a few suppliers who at least claim to "adjust" wax to their own propietary specifications. I now avoid buying wax from them, but I may be re-thinking this. Due to financial restraints and a really upsetting period where I had to struggle through ten cases of "crappy" wax that my (ex) supplier claimed was out of their control, I now only buy two or three cases of wax at a time. it still meets the 200 pound UPS shipping break when I add jars or FO to the order. Yes I have to test more, but I don't have to struggle through doing repours or heat topping 600 pounds of wax in poured jars. I've also been lucky enough to get a repeat order of the same previous batch number, but that's been a rare treat. For the hobbiest chandler who may only be buying a slab or two at a time, I would recommend doing the same thing, only on a smaller scale. I would make a few candles maybe using votives holders as containers, while resisting the urge to rush the curing phase. Recording case lot batch numbers (IMO) is important. I believe that once you are working with the same wax on a regular and prolonged basis, most experienced chandlers will know when something is not quite right due to their ability to sense by sight and feel the wax. I'd like to add that I always allow a wax shipment to stabilize for several days to my consistant work/storage area temperature before I open a case for examination and testing; Another good reason, not to let the wax stock level get too depleted. JMO/HTH Dave

This isn't very original, but I do a blend with Peak's Rose Bouquet and another suppliers Honeysuckle. I won't mention the other supplier, but I'm sure that most honesuckle fragrances would work well. "Honeysuckle Rose" does pretty well for us. 80% Rose Bouquet / 20% Honeysuckle. I'm sure there are at least a thousand members who do this, but I just thought I'd mention it in time for V-Day. I'm not able to get into my candle making area right now due to "environmental difficulties" but I'll bet Rose and Musk and or Amber would work well together. I'm surprised I hadn't tried that myself yet. Amber Rose ? Hummnn? Thanks! Dave

I was editing as you were composing! Yep! I know about the reply with quote option. I just got so excited to learn something new I forgot. My edited post would have cleared it up, but you didn't have the chance to see it before it showed up in the thread. Enjoy your Ruby Red! I eat them like oranges! "Theys' swell !!!" Dave

GREAT point! (Leaving the lids off till totally cool!) I just learned something that will make a big differance in how we finish off our jars! I never thought of that! Dave

I SECOND that opinion and suggestions! Good advice about alignment settings. Dave

{Thanks Dave and I seriously was not spitting at you:grin2:} I knew that as I read it. I am concerned for your mental state, however! Have you tried Prozac? I took it for awhile and a number of my employees thanked me several times! (lol) SERIOUSLY: I know how much of a stress something like this can be for a talented (Not-Me!) and particular (Yep-ME!) person. You spend what seems like an eternity and a small fortune developing a product that you are proud of and can't "finish it off" to suit yourself. It's like baking the best tasting cake ever, only to have made a sloppy job icing it. Everyone is happily munching away on your delicious cake and praising you as a talented baker, but all you can sense is your own inner voice critisizing the frosting job! I used to have problems even making mailing labels with my old printers using Print Artist Gold version. I don't suspect that it's in the software or the labels. I think you will find, unfortunatly that the problem MOST LIKELY, in my opinion only, will be the way your printer is loading (grabbing) them. I may be totally wrong though! The stumper is; Why do the rectangular labels look fine? I guess that I'm in good company if the folks at On-Line Labels don't know either. Are your boarders "maximized" or have a slight plain edge around them? Could a change there make a slightly better impression? I got blessed with my current printer. It looks like an ink guzzler, but I do like the way label alignments turn out. I guess we can't have everything the way we like it. I do wish you the very best of luck in getting your labels to represent your creations in a manner that make you proud. You deserve it. Please update us, when you resolve the issue. Good luck, again! Dave

I've never tried printing their kraft labels. We're "country", but not "prim". I do not use round labels much except for CD labels and warning labels for our candles. Most of the time, all of our labels are left borderless, but once in a while I mess up on a new label and leave the (maximized) "guideline" border in tact and when I print out the first sheet that has it still in place, it's well positioned. I believe there are many very good desk top publishing programs on the market. Print artist is considered by many to be amateurish. There are some features I would like to see it have that it doesn't, but I have been using it (with updated versions) for many years and I am comfotable with it. I'm old and obstinate! Last week my DW bought me a new Gateway large screen lap top from Wallyworld. It was loaded and really nice looking. It used Windows 8 for it's opearating system. I fooled around with it for several hours amd asked my wife to return it to WM. They accepted it back since they allow a 15 day return policy. The system I'm using to type this posting with was almost thrown away be a buddy. He mentioned he was hauling it to a dumpster when I asked him if I could have it. It said it was way too slow operating. An hour after I plugged it in it was running fine. I offerred to return it to him, but he told me he liked his new lap top, even though he was still learning to use it. I asked him if I could have it when he was "done" with it. He laughed and said; "Sure!" I'd hate to see you invest in and load a software program you might hate. It might also not be what's at issue with you. Don't spit at me for saying this, but maybe it's time to consider breaking the bounds of a border or changing your shape. I used to use round pre-printed warning labels for our votive, pillar and jar candles. I don't recall ever buying any that had borders. They also wind up where they are, regretably, usually not even noticed. PLEASE! Im not suggesting you give up on round labels with borders. I'm just concerned that changing your software based on my experience may make for an even more bothersome issue for you. JMO/HTH Dave

I've had four ink-jet printers over the years. One was a Canon and was a Dell. I thought they were OK for regular printing projects, but didn't handle heavier papers as well as I would like. My last two printers have been HP. My older HP Photosmart was a store display sample at K-Mart that I bought for $20.00. It came wih all of the paerwork, software and a full set of ink cartridges. It worked great until I dropped it while cleaning up my computer area while sitting in my wheelchair. My present printer is an HP Photosmart 7520 (all in one) that my wife bought on sale at staples for $120.00. It has many features I will probably never use, but it makes PERFECT labels. That includes round labels that have borders. I use Print Artist Platinum Series software, because I'm used to using it. I tried Print Shop, but did not like it. I too buy my labels at Online Labels.com. but I do not use their Meastro software. I find a similar type of label in the PA Avery drop down menu and adjust it in the tools section "Edit Dimensions" feature based on the information Online lists in their descriptions and specifications. They always work perfectly, if I edit the dimensions properly. One thing I'd like to mention that may be important, though, is: I only load and print one sheet at a time. I feel that you might want to try that first if you have not already before you throw in the towel on printing your own labels. I use their basic matte finish labels for my candle jars and warning labels, but if I were doing some B&B work as I plan to try I will most likely be using Online's waterproof gloss labels for ink jet. They're a bit pricey, but should do a good job. Online labels advertise that samples of their products are available. I've always been pleased with their service, packaging and pricing. JMO/HTH Dave

I'll HANG! (As long as the moderators let me !!!)

My kinda woman! A Christian and a FO-Holic! :highfive: God bless you! Dave