karadawn

Hi Ladies! I apologize for not introducing myself before jumping right in, but I've been a lurker here for quite some time (years, even). But I've got an idea that I'd like to run past everyone here. After battling a new Candle Wealth rep on another board who thinks she knows everything about candle making, I've become very concerned about the safety of some of the handmade candles on the market. Now I'm assuming every single person here sells only the highest quality and safest candles because you probably wouldn't be here if you didn't test, test, test. No, this is more for those who think if they buy a kit without researching they automatically make perfect candles. The idea is pushing forward state laws for a certification of some sort. The certification would be similar to those who make baked goods in their homes and require a certified kitchen. Instead of the kitchen though, the certification would depend on their process more than anything else. This would include things like making sure the oils are properly weighed (not measured as I've seen some CW reps state is fine), melting wax in a double broiler or other type of specific candle equipment, using correct supplies, and so on. (If I'm missing something, please say so!) Anyway, what do you all think? I wouldn't have a problem with paying an annual fee (say, $100 or less, give or take) to be certified. It would put a stop to the unsafe products being sold and well, knock down our local competition. Wanting some feedback to see what you all think!

Oh how funny - I think we sold out of the same things! We came home Sunday without any Love Spell, and everything Christmas related sold as well. So glad you had an awesome show - here's to many more over the next several weeks! :highfive:

Just to add to the topic here, I wanted to mention something we tried and turned out to be great idea.... ~Scents grouped by type~ We made two very separate sides of our table, one side with the bakery scents, one side with fruits, florals, and blends. In the middle is our "odd" jars and specialty items (aka "attention grabbers"). We also put all the Christmas scents in the middle at the last show, and it worked rather well. Durring the summer our berry scents sat, and those all sold very well. We've noticed people "hang" to one side or the other, depending on the time of year and their scent preferences. It's done wonders for our sales, because they can zero in on their favorites easier. ---------------------- Also, don't make your customers hunt for what they want. I know this was mentioned, but I want to stress it - TALK TO THEM! Ask them what type of scents they like, and if they say "anything", point them to the top seller or most "unique". We point out scents not everyone has, or sometimes what's perfect for the season (a Christmas scent in the fall or early winter, Green Tea & Cucumber in the spring, berry scents in the summer, etc). ----------------------- I also agree with mentioning what other shows you'll be at, because we've had a lot come hunt us down at the same show the following year, or the next show in the area. It may even be helpful to print out a list of shows you'll be doing, or keep them handy on your website. When a past customer is there raving, you'll have more NEW customers buying.

Honestly what I think it comes down to is honesty with your customers, and meeting their needs. The first question we are always asked is "are these soy?", but of course, I live in the middle of the soy bean state (Iowa). It's important to them. Natural is not, but soy is. We tell our customers up front - ours are made from 100% soy and beeswax. We don't use additives or dyes, but we do use fragrance oils. That's all they need to hear and they are sold. Honestly I do think the term "natural" has been so overused, it's flat out ignored anymore. Organic is getting there, but the term "natural" is almost associated with "we're telling you a big fat lie to make you buy our products". Although being honest and saying "nope, these aren't natural, we use fragrance oils" really says a lot. People have no issues with the fragrance oils, but they do with the wax (at least around here - other places this could be a completely different story). Now I wouldn't get "down and dirty" with the competition, but I would focus on being up front with your customers (which you seem to be already doing). Yes it irritates me to see false advertising, but once you tell them the truth about your candles without mentioning the competition, they can better spot the truth on their own.

What size light bulb is she using and is it metal? I had a tall metal warmer that didn't work at all with 25 watt bulbs - had to use 40 watt for it to melt. I've also found that using 40 even in ceramic warmers makes the melts (tarts, sorry, tarts is trademarked so we use the term melts) throw better.