Paintguru

32 minutes ago, TallTayl said:

A monthly subscriptions is not the worst. Doing the math, I pay $100  a year plus $2 a month for my web host (insanely low compared to new services.).

$100 a year for SSL

 

total for self hosting about $225.  IF starting out now, that figure would be considerably higher since most hosts want a heck of a lot more than I'm paying on a legacy host.

 

a hosted site for $29 per month comes out to $348, an extra $125 a year.

 

Benefits: no more hassles of installing add-ons, bug fixes,programming, security patches, themes, etc.

 

I'm not against monthly subscriptions, but as @MilosCandles stated, if I'm just starting out with limited sales, I probably want to start on the inexpensive side.  However, I'm sure customers don't want to see me changing systems every 5 seconds as I grow.  I'll check out Bigcommerce; I do like the all in one option, and with my semi-limited time, I'd prefer to spend my time, as you said, marketing and making product.

Just started burning Cinnamon Buns in 4630 and holy hot throw, it is impressive.  Definitely has the sweet frosting scent of the buns. 

Great info.  So how do you charge shipping on your website sales?  Fixed amount?   Exact cost to you?  

Woo hoo, more stuff for me to buy.  LOL.  I have a small light box, but I like the idea of getting a bigger backdrop and using it for kids photography, etc.  

35 minutes ago, Quentin said:

Do I use the website as a landing spot? Hmm. I guess that's what I'm doing, since I'm putting my B12 website on all my products, business cards, stationery, etc. Let me say this about B12. I didn't shop price too much on this venture. I really can't tell you if they're expensive or not. The salesman gave me a better price right off the bat. If you get on the phone with him, balk at the price and he'll probably give you a deal. All I can say is that I feel I'm getting my money's worth. You fill out a little interview form on their site. Then they show you a mock up. Then you make an appointment right then for a phone consultation. The first guy that calls is the salesman. If you decide to take their offer, he sets you up with another guy that serves as your permanent consultant. Then you answer a few more questions about your preferences. He takes it from there. They are easy to communicate with and they never fail to respond. If you don't understand how to do something, he will help you with it or even do it for you. 

 

When I shop for anything, I don't shop entirely by price. I shop by what I perceive as VALUE.  Sometimes the lowest price is the best, sometimes the mid price, sometimes the high price. I would never by a pair of size 13 shoes because the were on sale at 75% off. That wouldn't be a good VALUE for me because I wear a size 8 1/2.  That's just how I look at things.  

Thanks.  I checked them out, and they are pricey, but as you said, a better deal may be available.  It is monthly rate, correct?  And when you say your B12 site gets updated when you update your store, do you mean your Etsy store or another one?  

Also, do you have a link to your B12 site?

Point taken, and you are likely right.  Maybe I should stick to my original plan and do a Square website, which is limited to just one page of products, along with the Facebook/Etsy stuff.  I'll have to check out the B12 thing.  @Quentin, do you use that as a landing spot with links to your Etsy site or just an information page or what?  Thanks for the thoughts, they are greatly appreciated.  

I may try to set this up over my 2 week Christmas break (WordPress + Woo).  I was thinking of buying a book, but not much exists.  I'll definitely try the Youtube route to see if there are any good videos.  Trying to start simple at first.  

Here's the rotating platform I found that I think will work:  http://a.co/d/gNhG5NM

Also tagged a lab stand (http://a.co/d/4M6LUOE) to tie the heat gun to.  Perhaps there is a better support for this??  

I really like your heat gun rotation thing, so I'm eager to see what you are building.  I already have items for the turntable in my Amazon basket.  I almost wonder if a standard heat lamp would work better than a heat gun (same turntable idea though).  I love DIYing this sort of stuff too.

Yeah I can fit it in somewhere.  Thanks for all the feedback.  Do most people print their own warning labels?  May be worth moving the weight to that and swapping the website in on the main label.  Maybe I’ll go looking on Etsy to see what other folks do.  

30 minutes ago, pughaus said:

@paintguru  Many lines print the nt weight on the bottom warning label as well as their city, state.. website, etc.  Especially those using an unlabeled specialty container.  Some put the weight on the dust cover, others on the lid... . just some options for you.

I don't mind this look, but I do wonder if I should include something with a website once that is up and running.  I must say most of the ones I see at craft fairs don't have that info on the label, mostly they just include business cards with the info on them.

Ahh that is a good point.  Hmmm need to think about that. 

2 minutes ago, Quentin said:

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.

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

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.

I'm burning a candle of the Mulberry Spice now, and I must say the HT is pretty weak.  Smells great OOB and CT....too bad as I love the berry spice scents.

Great, another FO supplier for me to try!!

I actually add my oil to an empty pour pot and then pour in my hot wax from another pour pot.  Once all the wax has been added, I swirl it around for a little bit until it looks mixed, cool it down to 145 and then pour.  I do have cavity issues around the wick that I'm trying to work out, but everything else seems to be good.

Okay after going back and burning more of the Pumpkin Chai from CS, I must admit I'm not a fan.  Very strong HT, but overpowering spice.  Candlewic will be my next attempt.

8 hours ago, Marleigha said:

Hello there!  I am so glad to hear you say that. I like the RE Toasted Marshmallow but it's more of a buttery vanilla scent to my nose.  Although it is strong.  What are your thoughts on the ICS Toasted Marshmallow as far as scent throw?  Thanks so much!  

Throw is great, but I use IGI 4630 wax.  Again, as I said in the other thread, I don't have any other TM fragrances to reference this one to, I just know I like it and will use it regularly.  

As I mentioned in another post, I really like ICS' Toasted Marshmallow.  

The Tobacco caramel is great and unique.  Supernova  (as Sarah said) is good too.  Here are a few others I've tried and like:

Georgia Peach

Apple Ginger Crust

Nag Champa

Mahogany Coconut

I have a bunch more in the hopper, but in general they have good stuff.  

8 hours ago, StanfordP said:

 

Hey everyone — I’ve been following along on posts for a while. I guess, now, I’m feeling more comfortable to contribute. Anyway, I use stories to describe all of my scents. I find that the stories don’t necessarily sell more candles, but it creates an image and allows my customers to connect with the products on a different level. 🤷‍♂️

Those are really good Stanford.  I'm thinking of stories like those on the website, but maybe on the label, just a short, 3-4 word expression about the scent.  For example "Toasted Marshmallows:  Gooey Campfire Goodness", or something like that.  

I'm really enjoying the Toasted Marshmallows from Indiana Candle Supply.  I have no reference to others for comparison though.  

Well I just received this along with Love Spell, Tobacco and Bay Leaf, Baja Cactus Blossom, and Sparkling Evergrean.  The Bayberry & Silver Oak one is very interesting OOB, and I like it.  Baja is nice too.  The rest don't excite me too much OOB, but we'll see.  Another 5 samples to toss downstairs and get in the queue for trial   

I still like #2 best from the initial post, but I'm a fan of curved things.