Kimb

I put my website on my labels, warning labels, business cards. The thing that has increased my business the most is talking to customers at craft show and when the shows are close to where I live I remind customers that I live close and can also deliver. Great customer service is the biggest way that I have increased sales. People like to know that your company is going to be around and you aren't there to just make a quick buck.

HTH,

Kim

I do a Home and Garden show in Des Moines, IA, but it's done a bit differently. They have the main show in one area of the building that is the regular home and garden show and in a separate room they have a room called the All Iowa Store that is run by people from Iowa State University. They take 20% commission with no booth fee. It's basically a juried show that food, candles, bath and body, and other crafts. Everything has to be made in Iowa or have some sort of ties to Iowa. I do this one every year, because I do well and if the weather turns out bad then I am only out the time it took be to bring things in and take them home. My worst year I made only around $200 after their portion was taken out.

HTH,

Kim

I get my Patchouli from Royal Aromatics, but just to warn you it's very strong. This is one I lean back as I pour it, otherwise I smell it all day.

Kim

I get my jars from TVG. www.tvguilfoil.com. If you call them they will normally send you sample to see if they will meet your needs.

HTH,

Kim

I have ordered from Kris at Gateway Foods for my wax, because they are closer to me and it saves me a bundle on shipping.

HTH,

Kim

Hey, finally a question I can answer.

I did find a place to insure both by candles and bath and body products. The company is called Acuity. They did ask for a copy of the ingredients in my bath and body stuff. I am not sure if they even looked at the print out since I never got any calls with questions.

Good Luck,

Kim

I use the milky way guest soap molds for my guest soaps, but then I only do melt and pour soaps. I can't seem to get over the fear of my kids trying to get into the lye for doing cold-process. We outgrew our house one child ago, so I also have no room to cure soaps.

Good Luck,

Kim

My husband came up with Raccoon River Candle Company after he got frustrated that he had the website all done, except for a company name. We live in Iowa and both grew up somewhat close to the river. I wanted a company name that sounded professional, but that everyone would reconize locally. I also have to give him credit for coming up with the idea of putting a picture of a river on our candle and soap labels.

Kim

We switched this year from using ink jets forever to a Oki laser color printer. I think my labels look alot more professional then before and I never have to worry about labels coming out wrong because the paper feeds the same way every time. The pictures look sharper and the lettering looks much better. It definitely was an investment for us, but my Lexmark printer was going thru so much ink that already half way thru the year I still haven't had to buy any ink yet. I was buying ink every couple of months with my ink jets.

Good Luck,

Kim

Does anyone use French Color and Chemicals? I got a sample they they forgot to include a usage suggestion. I have emailed them, but I am feeling a little impatient and want to get testing now.

TIA,

Kim

We have a Oki C5150, laser color printer, from CompUSA earlier this year with our tax return. I like the fact that it prints very fast and I don't have to keep readjusting the labels. We still have out Lexmark Z45 for backup, but haven't had to use it yet.

Kim

I sell a lot of 4oz hex jars and 16oz apothecary. My third best seller is my 26oz apothecary jar.

Kim