katinka

That's just me being too picky, though. :rolleyes2 That's me too! I thought I had a reasonably good 3 inch candle before I joined this board. Then I realised there is more to it, to the extent that I have 40 people waiting for samples, but I refuse to send a single one out before I have the wicking absolutely perfect. I am with you though, Mitch - I am really tired of watching this candle burn, to the extent that I am salivating over jars, which from what I understand is even a bigger pain... At least now you know your not alone... Katinka

I have to also stop myself sometimes, because I do it too...

1) "The first time burn a pillar an hour for every inch of its diameter": ok, I do so, and it works fine, but we use metric, one inch is approx 2,5 centimeters, so what should I tell to my customers? Do I have to tell "burn a pillar an hour for every 2,5 cm of its diameter"? It's too complicated I think.. Hi I label my candles clearly as a 3 x 3 and 3 x 6 inch, even though we also work on the metric system in South Africa. If people as me why, I just say that I use imported molds for my candles. It sorts out this issue. HTH

You learn something new every day! Knowing it isn't dangerous, I'll give it a try sometime;)

Hi The website is www.creativefragrances.com. I emailed them and they sent through a huge list of fragrances. You can order smaller quantities, but then it is really very expensive. The best is to order 25 lbs per fragrance at a time. The guy I dealt with's name is Craig Neely - his email is craig@creativefragrances.com. Send him an email - he was very helpful. K

I really think dipping the wick in scent is odd and I'm sure it is going to influence the way the candle burns (my guess would be negatively). How weird... Sounds like a recipe for a flamethrower if you ask me...

Thanks Sherri - seems my brain wasn't working. That is the one I intended to post.:rolleyes2 K

Hi there Thanks - I'll have a look at them. The website for Creative Fragrances is www.iftfragrances.com. Their prices look really good when you buy 25lbs. Some as low as $6.00. They are in Dallas, Texas. I am sure some of the smaller suppliers buy from them.:smiley2:

I have also read this on some of the commercial candle websites. Apparently the argument is that by putting them in a cold fridge prior to use your candle will burn longer because the wax is harder.... - don't know if we are talking about the same thing here, but it sounds like it.:smiley2: K

Then I'll definitely have to show some interest hey! Particularly since they are one of the few suppliers willing to ship overseas... Thanks for the info everyone - I'll keep you posted if I come accross some great deals. K

Thanks hey! I'll have a look - its so much easier to go on recommendations - especially since I can't really check out suppliers any other way. K

Hi everyone, Thanks for the suggestions - I'll try those and see if they will be willing to ship. I also contacted Creative Fragrances and their prices really become very reasonable at 25lbs and up - I have a suspicion some of the smaller supplliers definitely order from them because there are some fragrances that are priced around $6 to $8 per lbs if you buy in bulk! Have a great Christmas! Katinka

Hi there Does anyone know where I could buy good quality bulk fragrance at a reasonable price? I am having to import fragrance to South Africa as there is almost nothing suitable available here. TIA Katinka

Hi I also recently started making 3 x 3's and the EXACT same thing happened with me!!! I had a less elegant solution - I wacked it in half with an axe... but since then I have been making relief holes like crazy, not only right next to the wick but also a bit further out towards the rim. I go back every 30 min to make sure that they are still open, becuase sometimes they close a bit at the top, specially when the wax is still soft. They end up looking like tunnels, but once the repour is done, who cares anyway? Since I have been taking more note the air "caves" have not returned again. HTH Katinka:smiley2:

No, actually she called it limp wick.... If all else fails, what about adding some Viagra?

Don't worry - I have the same problems here. I also thought I was going to start big and make lots of money - but the reality is that it takes alot of time and effort to build this type of business. However, there is something to be said about owning something that is yours through your own hard work and effort. I work as a spa consultant and in the spa industry we have seen that we are about 2-3 years (minimum) behind the USA in terms of trends. If you have a look at some of the articles on the happi.com website about the candle market I am very convinced that the trends will come to both our countries. We just have to start small and focus on spesifics instead of wanting to be everything to everyone. Also - think about it this way: by the time people wake up here, I would hopefully be far along into my research and can start selling a good quality product before most others would be able to! Hang in there - it will come! Now, with that all said - have a good christmas! santa razz

Hi Maybe some sort of a display for your product branded with your company logo would work if she is a client you feel is worthwile. I have seen some nice ones in the show display pics others have posted on this site. I work for an international skincare company and we often come accross this in salons and spa's so as part of our terms and conditions we very nicely state the following: " 1.1 Posters, tester stands and other display material are supplied at the discretion of the Company at no charge on delivery of an opening order and shall remain the exclusive property of the Company and shall be returned to the Company forthwith upon request in writing by the Company. The Company undertakes to pay the reasonable cost of the return of such material to our offices." Maybe you can adapt this for your purposes and make it clear that it remains your property and that you will remove it should it not be used to display your merchandise. We prefer to provide display material becuase then we can at least ensure that our product is represented in such a way that it compliments our brand and not in between other junk etc. Just my thoughts - I hope it helps! Katinka:smiley2:

Nice deal - I'm glad it turned out well for you!:highfive:

Hi I don't use soy at all (mainly becuase it is not available in South Africa at all) but I did a search for you in the old archives becuase I remembered reading something about it. There was just so many responses that I suggest you search under "paraffin+soy" and read a bit down. Suggestions varied from 50/50 to 3 parts soy to 1 part paraffin with different variations for pillars and containers suggested. Hope it helps Katinka:smiley2:

No problem - Just mailed it! You guys must check out that site (entrepreneur) - its go alot of other forms and useful stuff!:smiley2:

Hi I have picked up a standard sales contract on entrepreneur.com which I'll email to you - you might have to adapt it quite a bit, but at least it is a start...:smiley2: HTH Katinka

Hi there I am fairly new at this, but just a question: Do you use prewaxed ones or not? If they are prewaxed and form a different supplier, maybe whatever wax the supplier used is influencing the combustion? Don't know - just a thought?

Hi I don't know if you got hold of Paula already, but her email is paula@jarstore.com.santa wink

You know, Lorrie, I sat and wondered the same thing yesterday?:smiley2:

Thanks! I'll definitely have a look.