debscent

I have always shared my experiences and would show people how to make candles if they asked. As of today, not one of them started their own business or made their own. People are curious.

I have Peak's CB and I like it, but I've wondered if there are better ones out there. My Peak's CB does have a little cream and butter in it, but I've been wondering if I should mix it with something, like Birthday Cake or French Vanilla to make it richer.

I think the Birthday Cake may do it, as the french vanilla may only increase the caramel scent.

I understand! I closed in 2009 til this past year also. I was shocked, but was lucky enough to find a small supplier for my wax and jars within driving distance (an hour). If this supplier goes out of business, so will I.

Unless this is an order of 500 or more favors, I wouldn't even think of lowering my price.

Shouldn't peppermint bark be heavier on the peppermint. It's not a chocolate mint. All peppermint bark I've ever eaten has been very heavy on peppermint.

Good job ironrose! You had some nice scents on your list. Maybe rename your vanilla and see if it moves. Sometimes vanilla is just "vanilla." Good job!

I used to use Peak's and it was a strong Creme Brulee but my recent sample from Aztec has me switching to that CB. It's more of the vanilla custard then the carmelized sugar (like Peak's).

You are on the right track. This is the frustration with testing. The time, expense and the "emotional letdown" (just kidding about the letdown). There are many suppliers out there, some will work with your wax formula, some won't. It's the nature of this hobby/business. Some fragrances do great with a higher percentage and some with less. Peak's lavender comes to mind. I didn't like it at 6%, but at 4% it was a lovely fragrance. Some oils that people raved about, just didn't fit what I was looking for in my product. So, keep it up, and keep enjoying every success. It's worth it.

I don't think Warm Vanilla Sugar from BBW is a strong scent to begin with, that's part of the appeal. If you are looking for a vanilla that is non bakery, try Peak's Vanilla Passion. It's a feminine vanilla and a great mixer with their lavender.

My favorite birthday cake is from Aztec.

My parasoy comes in a box, but there is a bag inside the box holding the slabs.

I agree, KY's Coconut Cream Pie.

Nice show. I'm finding that more people are learning to mix their own melts for customized scents. So, I plan on stocking a lot of french vanilla for that purpose. I actually plan on having a sign suggesting scent blends.

You are making a HUGE assumption they are making a good profit.

What type of product do you make? I see your Qtip tests, and in my years of doing this, I need to put the FO in wax to determine how accurate the fragrance is.

I would suggest you find a supplier close to you (trust me, you want one as close as possible) and get a kit. Make a few candles from that kit, and see how you like it. Decide if you want soy, paraffin or a blend. Burn the candles in your home and see if you like how they perform, then friends will ask, and build from there. But trust everyone when they tell you, it's not an inexpensive hobby. If you find you like making candles, etc. then look in your area for scents that sell, how many other candle makers are in your immediate area and be different. Upscale v. rustic, bakery scents v. natural scents, etc.

As in any business you need start up costs, licensing, insurance, product, materials, marketing. But this is a good way to start. Oh...and learn all of the terminology on the board, it will help a lot.

Deb, no she doesn't have a store front. But she is a doll to work with. I place my orders online and drive over to pick up. I've been working with Sherri for years. I do lover her Snowy Pine that she offers. Shoot her an email.

Fillmore has the salsa (12 oz). But I get my salsa jars from Candle Supplies by Farm House. She is local for me. Wax and jars in driving distance.

10 oz. salsa jar. Easy to wick (I use a 50/50 wax with paper or zinc).

Local, the internet is flooded with candle/soap makers and unfortunately not all of them are quality. But my website is convenient for credit card payments and repeat orders (sales from craft shows).

In this situation I think I would assess what products and scents sold the most and start from there. I wouldn't start testing new fragrances, etc. If you are starting new, that's great, but rely on what sold for you, in your area.

Rain Water from CS. It's labeled as a clean & fresh, but it's more floral to me. Also, I do well with Honeysuckle from CS. It has a slight perfume smell to it, but people like it. (I hate florals).

Why sell yourself short? You have no idea what their quality is. I wouldn't lower my price to match theirs. If you feel that you need to reduce your candles, do $2 for $16 or 4 for $30. Or...put together a gift basket of products and offer a ticket for each purchase of $15 or more.

I don't think I'd put FO in the microwave, EVER.

I don't have personal knowledge of this scent, but I heard that Candle Supplies by Farmhouse had a great apricot.