Flickering Dream

Tell her you will send her all the infomation she needs ONLY if Pepsi and/or Coke will send her their formula recipes first. Sorry, just makes me laugh. Good for you being professional and all!

What causes my pillar candles to shrink a little in the center? I pour the hot wax into a two piece mold and some, not all, will shrink in the centers...only on the seam sides. It's not always the taller ones, not always the smaller ones, can't seem to put my finger on any one certain thing. Would pouring too hot or cold make a differance? Any suggestions?

I think it has more to do with the fragrance blending with the wax than anything else. If it does not blend properly then it would be more unsafe.

Nice job! Your display looks like you have been doing this for quite a while. The banner is great!

I know what you mean, the other part of that is what the people are wearing. I have seen people selling things at shows and they look like they just got out of bed and put cloths on to clean the house. IMO packaging includes how you look too! You are the one selling your products and should dress the part, a logo on your shirt is a nice touch. BTW - that's my $9.00 bid! LOL

I think it is 15% if retail, not wholesale. With that, a $19.95 candle would be a $2.99 commission leaving $16.96, still above wholesale. The one post said they give 10% commission on wholesale orders with a minimum purchase.

I know what you mean Steve. Selling in AAFES is my one day goal! I did know that they do not enter into business contracts with active durty or their family members. Makes sence to me if you are deployed then they can't get the contract filled. Fortunately I am close to retirement and then LOOK OUT! Military Candles IS my retirement plan. Tom

Interesting information, the article makes it sound so easy. Wonder if people stationed at bases around the world would be interested in my candles. Something to look into I guess. Military communities are often tight knit and I can actually see them selling well in this mannor.

Oops...On sale at THE mall! hehehe I dropped off a set of each candle line at a consignment store in the local mall today. They have a lot of military related pictures, paintings, and stuff. Thought they would look good there and the manager agreed! Not sure how well they will sell, we will have to wait and see...might be surprised!

Thanks everyone for the kind words. It is very important to me that the candles represent each branch in a good way. OMG Judy, how did I miss that?! THanks for the heads up and I think I'm going to get the Sergeant mold changed with the field below soon too.

Yes, Georgia the Navy candles are being planned out now. Hopefully won't be as long in development.

After what seems like forever the Marine Corps candle line is complete! They are the perfect companion to the Air Force and Army lines. The sizes don't come through in the pictures, they are a 3x3 square that are 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6, and 5.5 inches tall. Please take a look and tell me what you think. Thanks Tom

I picked up one of their blue table cloths, it is HUGE! And perfect for the candle table we are developing for shows. Sure wish I coudl use some of their shelving.

RATS! I always seem to miss this by just a few days. I will be leaving the Pittsburgh area on the 21 of July! I would so like to meet you all, here's to next year.:smiley2:

Thank you all ! That is exactly the advice I needed. My wholesale pricing falls in the 48 to 52% profit margin with the suggested retail prices, and the candles have sold for more so pricing is up to the retailer. Brudil18....sounds like we have the same spread sheet. Mine shows the same categories. Crafted...I understand what you are saying about not giving up and revisiting the store. Candybee...yes, a 100% markup equals a 50% profit margin. Thanks for the information. Tom