Quentin

11 hours ago, Sebleo said:

 

I really don’t know. I haven’t done enough shipping to price it out. Right now I have 10 bags of peanuts I have saved from all my supply orders. I’m just reusing them for now. Plus all the bubble wrap from my amazon orders! So, I haven’t had to buy any yet. 

Same here. candlescience really seems to love those peanuts.

@Sunday Six out of seven dwarfs are not Happy 😊  

"A recent study showed that 10 out of 4 Americans suffer from some sort of Lysdexia".

11 hours ago, GoldieMN said:

Your display looks very, very nice.  Neat, easy to see everything.  The added risers as @Quentin suggests, may give you the needed space to display all your products.  If you don't have time to order what you want, a couple of small wood boxes/crates/drawers placed on their sides on the back of the table could be used to give you added space.  Product could be placed inside (which is facing toward customer) as well as on top.  Great labeling!

GoldieMN

1 hour ago, Sunday said:

Your set up was great! Height can also be achieved with books or crates or anything for that matter under your tablecloth....you can really do a nice stair set up ...we do this all the time in my line of work....don't use books if you can find something lighter to pack!

 

Sunday's idea will work great. Use whatever is around the house and drape it. It will add some height, creating an illusion of abundance from which the customer can choose. You can also use this same setup when taking pictures of your products. I've seen even professional photographers use this technique. 

6 hours ago, Shari said:

I really like you candle/labels.  Even if you don't have a website put your email or phone # so they know where to get another one.   Many times they lose the business card but the information is not lost it is on the candle or product itself.  

 

 

If they don't lose your business card, they might find it two years later at the back of the junk drawer in the kitchen. Every house in the United States has a drawer like that. I'll bet even the White House has a junk drawer. George Washington's dentures might be there. No. The White House wasn't built yet when he was president. 

On 12/1/2018 at 9:03 PM, aptommo said:

This all looks amazing!!! I don't want to show the pics from mine today now that I've seen yours. Pretty sure Quentin wouldn't say all that about my first effort! hahaha

Oh, I don't know about that. I just left my comments on your post. 

If I'm reading you right, I think you may be feeling that your table looks a little too "flat". I'm basing that on the pictures of your table versus the setup you've been drooling over.   I bought some stair step risers to use on my tables for that very reason. The ones I bought on Amazon will work for my needs but I don't think they would be pretty enough for what you're displaying. While I was shopping for mine, I noticed many others that were much nicer and would hold the type merchandise you are showing. Next time I go on Amazon (which is several times a day) I'll look for them and post the link here. That might help you make a decision. I just added a note to myself to look for them.

On 11/30/2018 at 7:22 AM, TallTayl said:

If you’re looking for an affordable, green alternative to plastic for dunnage, consider Geami/greenwrap.

 

i use the precut roll that expands into the honeycomb with optional tissue paper. It used to come extruded in many colors, but was discontinued. Kraft and white with colored tissue underneath does the job well. It works far better than, and looks much more boutique than bubble wrap. 

https://packagingconnection.com/Geami_Green_Friendly_Sustainable_Packaging.htm

 

I checked out the link. I have seen that stuff used in some things I ordered for other purposes. Dollar Shave Club uses it. I was wondering what it was called and where to locate it. Now I know. Thanks for that link tip.

On 11/30/2018 at 4:07 AM, Sebleo said:

@Quentin I haven’t done much pricing out bubble wrap. But, I compared a few a while back and Amazon had the best price.  

 

When I need to start ordering it I will price shop again. But, if you’re a Prime member I recommend checking out their bubble wrap listings. 

I don't mean to get personal here and this question is for everyone. I'm not interested in whether you wear boxers or briefs, but which is most cost effective for shipping? Bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts?

On 11/28/2018 at 6:32 AM, Arch Rock said:

I'm gearing up for spring fundraising and have plans to carpet-bomb schools and other non-profits with a sample candle and color brochure.  I needed to find a nice box to hold one, 8 oz. candle with room for foam/bubble wrap and the brochure tucked in for good measure.  ULine is having a sale on a variety of great cardboard boxes until 1/13/19.  4"x4"x4" mug-size box is .23 cents with a minimum of 100.  Larger sizes are also reasonably priced and on sale until 1/13.  Also found "variable depth" boxes - a maximum 8"x8"x8" box that can be scored down to 4", 5", 6", or 7" heights which will suit my fundraiser packaging needs as I sort orders by each seller and each order can vary widely.  The other cool packaging I found there were "gable boxes".  These fold at the top (think the donut hole boxes) to create a handle.  Different sizes that range in price from .37 cents to .66 cents a piece for a minimum of 100.  My only concern here is how much these gable boxes can safely hold (think kids carrying candles home on a school bus - what could possibly go wrong?!)  I deliver my fund-raisers so I don't need heavy-duty shipping materials, but thought this info might be helpful to some.

Whoa! Lot's of good ideas here. The variable depth boxes. I'm thinking about them for another purpose such as shipping. I'm taking us off topic. I'll post that idea in a new topic. Sorry. 

On 11/30/2018 at 4:07 AM, Sebleo said:

@Quentin I haven’t done much pricing out bubble wrap. But, I compared a few a while back and Amazon had the best price.  

 

When I need to start ordering it I will price shop again. But, if you’re a Prime member I recommend checking out their bubble wrap listings. 

I will. Been a Prime member for quite awhile now. I'll add that to my Sticky Notes right now.

41 minutes ago, Paintguru said:

I do wonder if I should include something with a website once that is up and running

I think you are being wise to consider that, but I wouldn't wait till I had a website. Never leave the customer without some way to find you again. A container candle stays around the house longer than a business card usually does. When your customer finishes using your product and wants to experience it again, your "business card" is right there on the jar. They won't be saying to themselves, "Gee, I wish I had kept that business card".   I don't mean to imply that I'm down on business cards. I think getting them is the first thing anyone should do when they go into any type of venture.

1 hour ago, geodon99 said:

You MUST show the weight to be legal by labeling laws.

Correct @geodon99. I put the weight on mine to the letter of the law, but not because the law says I have to do it. I'm a bit of a rebel. I just think it adds that finishing professional touch and since it happens to be the law, it's one of those laws I CHOOSE to obey because it also works to my selfish benefit. I was wearing seat belts back when seat belts were really "uncool", long before there were laws requiring me to wear them. I've always worn them because I don't want to be impaled on the steering wheel.  It's doubtful to me that the Federal Trade Commission sends agents to weekend craft shows to check labels. But that's just me. I don't care how anyone else does it, but it would seem advisable. 

On 12/2/2018 at 6:57 AM, Arch Rock said:

If you're serious about trademarking, you need an attorney.

Yes. Sadly, they have their hands in everything. No offense toward them intended. That's just the way it is these days.

23 hours ago, Paintguru said:

 

I have my city.  That was all that I was planning to put on it.  

My comment was meant to imply that someone will most certainly want to reorder. A phone number, email, website address or just anything really so they can get in touch with you to send you $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. 

Excellent. Very professional. When we were on the topic of "stories", this would have been a excellent submission. The story I see in these pictures is quality, craftsmanship, care, and work ethic that translates into value regardless of the price. Blue Ribbon Winner.

On 11/30/2018 at 4:02 AM, Sebleo said:

But, doing the trademark for the company name is a process that can be done on your own.

I missed this when I first read through your post. How do you trademark the company name on your own? 

47 minutes ago, Paintguru said:

Well I finally potted up a candle to give away and figured I would take a picture of it and post it.  Overall, I'm happy with it.  I do feel like the front is a bit busy.

Not too busy at all. Is there any contact information anywhere on the jar? That's all I see missing that I think would be wise.

1 minute ago, TallTayl said:

It’s frustrating that it even got that far given the fact that the name bozo for the clown was likely not trademarked in the same Class as the restaurant. Doubtful that bozo the clown tried to trademark every single possible classification.

 

likewise Bozo’s barbecue is substantially different from bozo the clown. 

 

Given the rounds that I’ve gone through with the lawyers on my trademark one word can be different and it’s indefensible. But good for Bozo’s barbecue I’m so happy with that outcome.

I just so happens that I know a little about another court case that relates to what @TallTayl just mentioned. [ I'm sorry folks, but I'm on a roll ]. Autozone Auto parts started out as Auto Shack. Just as their business was starting to really take off, there was a small glitch. A company in another type industry had a problem with the Auto Shack name. Radio Shack felt it sounded too close to their own name. They went to court. Radio Shack won. Auto Shack had to change their name. Thus, they are now known as Autozone. As Paul Harvey used to say: "And now you know the rest of the story". I've been here too long and I think I smell something burning in the garage.  I'd better check that out. Bye.

9 hours ago, TallTayl said:

If you’re able to show proof of first use you can often challenge latecomers to your name.

There is a barbeque restaurant in Mason, Tennessee that has gone by the name of Bozo's for decades. They started in business somewhere back in the early part of the 20th century. [Don't anyone stop reading this. It gets really interesting.] The people that own it don't even know the true story of where the name came from.  It's a landmark. [This is funny but a true story] Anyway, some guy up in Chicago or someplace up there, held the trademark for Bozo, the clown. He found out about this restaurant and sued the restaurant for trademark infringement. Mason, Tennessee is VERY small, but people from all over the United States have eaten there. It was on the main highway before Interstate 40 was built.

The owners of this BBQ joint decided to fight the clown in spite of the fact that they couldn't afford the legal fees. They took contributions from customers to help pay for the looming court case. They also took depositions from customers. Hold that thought in your mind. Bozo's BBQ lost round after round in court but they weren't going to be intimidated by Bozo the Clown. At the last court stop before going to the Supreme Court, Bozo's restaurant finally won. Bozo, the clown appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.  Bozo's BBQ had no money but they had something far more valuable that the lower courts ignored. DOCUMENTATION. SCOTUS noticed it while reviewing whether or not to hear the case. Bozo's had been keeping a guestbook all those decades in business plus all the depositions from customers that generally stated something like this: "As long as I can remember, it's always been called Bozo's BBQ". The clincher, however, was the collection of guest books. The guest book entries showed that Bozo's BBQ had actually had the name years before Bozo the clown ever came on the scene. This was a real David & Goliath story. The Supreme Court of the United States looked at the guest books and the depositions. They refused to hear the case. Bozo's Barbecue is still called Bozo's Barbecue to this day. Almost brings a tear to your eyes.    

1 hour ago, TallTayl said:

Lordy I wish! But no.

 

you could use legalzoom. Mine ran like $495 and is still not done

I too went through the legalzoom experience. I had a perfect Last Will and Testament done by them. Only one problem. No one in the area would notarize it. My own bank turned me away!

Surely in this day and age, there must be some sort of website like "trademarksRus.com" ?

I bought boxes from Papermart as well. California is a long way from Mississippi so the freight was pretty tough as I expected. I was familiar with Uline from several years back. I was glad to see some different companies listed in this thread. That gives me some other places to shop. I wanted to order some corrugated paper. I think I'm calling it by the right name. Looks like the walls of a cardboard box but comes in a roll. You cut it to size and wrap the item in it then stick it in the box with the rest of the jars. From both Papermart and Uline the freight was higher than the product!. I don't know how bubble wrap or peanuts compare in price, but both take a lot of storage area. I'm wondering if jelly jar boxes with the dividers might be the best way to go.

On 11/28/2018 at 9:47 AM, kandlekrazy said:

I get mine at Papermart as well, they are quality for the price.  The 4 x 4 x 4 fit most of the jar candles I make so it works out great. 

And can ship First Class Mail as well. 

27 minutes ago, GailC said:

@Trappeur, aww, thanks Trap.  I made those before I even had a name for my business.

 

I don't remember where I got those jars.  Maybe a local individual.

There very nice. What do they call that style of jar?

6 hours ago, Sunday said:

Treat your customers with respect...remember you worked weeks for this chance, Greet each one with a smile ..if you can't serve them immediately then tell them you will be happy to help them in a moment. 

Set your display up in a manor that would make Martha stewart proud! No one will shop at a stand that looks thrown together. It doesn't matter that your in a high school gym or the Ritz. Have some flowers or greenery ...and make the air around you smell good ...if you have a chair...try not to use it too much ..and keep smiling ..Have fun...keep smiling

 

 I'm sure this is basic stuff you are already aware of....just seems every year you see poor venders with no selling skills...and really it's so simple...

Important details that we often forget. Good advice.