botanica

Did wix-n-wax close? I'm looking for blue tumblers that they carried, and can't find them anywhere. Does anyone know of a good resource? Thanks :smiley2:

I'm not trying to hijack, but I'm so pissed at them right now. They forgot to proof part of my order, and therefore didn't send my order at all. Their guarantee is a 2-3 day turnaround, and it's been a week. I need it in two days. The "customer service" chick was a total youknowwhat, and told me to "calm down" when I got mad that they screwed up (I didn't yell or anything stupid...she was just patronizing). I told her she was being condescending, and wanted to speak with her supervisor. She said "for what?" and was resistant to letting me speak with this person. When the supervisor finally came on the phone, she didn't care that I was just patronized by her employee for their mistake. She made me talk to the original chick, and I told her to cancel the proof. I wish I could cancel my whole order but it's too late. Never again. I like online labels better anyway. Has anyone else had a customer service issue there?

All I have to say is, wow! I couldn't imagine making that much at shows. You must have LOTS of product! I've been selling mostly candles up until now, and I'd have to say that my average is about $150 a show. I've started to make tarts, b&b, & diffusers. I've only done one show this year so far, which was a 2 day, and I averaged about $170 a day before expenses. I was happy with that until reading this thread.....

I don't know, but they are beautiful! I'd like to know too....

Thank you all for your responses! My main issue was the essential oil blends. They used to be one price, then they changed their pricing structure. I was fine with that, as you should be paying different prices for different oils. But, now they are just astronomical. I didn't know if this was the same with different suppliers or if it was just them. I know essential oil prices vary so I do expect this. I'm looking for new suppliers. Just curious, does anyone know what carrier WSP's essentil oil blends are made with?

Holy cow! I haven't ordered in a while but WSP raised their prices a lot. I have ordered the essential oil blends in the past, but have to reconsider now. I know that shipping is included, but geese!! When did this happen and have you all noticed price increases everywhere? Where do you get your essential oil blends? I need a new supplier I think. Thanks!!!

Thanks!!

Years ago I bought some lovely cobalt blue 8oz tumblers. I can't for the life of me figure out who I bought them from, and need a new supplier. Does anyone know where to find these? I found some at BCS, and that's about it. Anywhere else? Thanks!! Jodie

Thanks Candybee! Don't ask me why, but I didn't think of that. I think that's probably it, because like I said, it was a fabulous burn and then....no wick! I'll take another look and "really" measure it.

Hi everyone, I just wanted to run this past you--and maybe brainstorm a bit. I need someone else's wisdom and experience here. I'm testing jj's using pure soy and cd wick. I've had two different scents burn like superstars until the very end (with about an inch left). They have full melt pools, with 1/2" depth all the way down, no soot, etc. I think I'm in the clear, and then I turn around and the wick has disappeared and drowned out! I'm thinking that maybe they just need to be watched and the wick trimmed better-- or maybe the wick isn't getting enough oxygen at the bottom? I went down a size and there's lots of hang up--it's obviously something else. I'm scared to go up a size because I just think it would be too much. Is it maybe that the wick just can't stand up to this application? I've had excellent luck with CD's, but mostly in apothecaries. I've switched to jelly jars and am still learning the ropes. Thoughts?? I'd be very grateful. :smiley2:

I emailed her and am waiting. It's good to know they will automatically release it. They should!!! It's MY money! I'll try to call them...I did add the confirmation number to my paypal account, but that hasn't done anything either. To be continued.....

Arrrrrrrr, so frustrating!!!! And the buyer still hasn't left feedback. So what happens if she doesn't at all? Will I just get the money after the 21 days? I can't get a hold of ebay to ask because they are not customer focused and have no number to call and only offer chat, which you have to wait a million years for because so many other people are having problems/questions too.

Ok, please excuse my anger, but..... I haven't sold on ebay in a long time. I just listed some stuff and it sold. Because I haven't sold in a long time, and the buyer used paypal, they put my money on hold. I shipped the item right away and offered delivery confirmation through usps. I didn't have any ink in my printer, so I didn't go through their online postage purchasing program. They say that they'll clear my money once they receive confirmation that the item was shipped (which is only through their online program with paypal and usps I believe) or the buyer leaves positive feedback. Not all buyers leave feedback, and some people aren't very nice- as we all know. When I called Paypal, the lady was very nice and said that as much as ebay makes it out to be paypal who is doing the holding of funds, it's really ebay. And ebay makes you offer paypal (I think). What a scam!!! They're probably trying to make money off my money that's sitting there collecting in their some account. So, is this really legal? How can they hold my money and expect me to send products to people without being paid for these products? I know it must be in a buyer agreement somewhere. And how is it possible to actually talk to ebay? After you go through their questions on the contact us page, you get directed to chat....which means waiting for over 20 minutes (right now--I don't know if there are peak times or not). Not once are you ever offered a phone number to actually speak with someone. And how long do they plan on holding funds paid to me just because I haven't sold on ebay in a long time. I'm an established seller with 100% positive feedback. That should account for something. This is a scam....and why I hate ebay right now. Anyone else have this happen to them or have an actual phone number to contact ebay? The paypal lady gave me a phone number and it no longer works. thanks for listening!

For those of you who have testing done, what company would you suggest going through? Is this testing something required by insurance companies? Mine does not require this.

If you haven't done this yet, I'd suggest reading the book, "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood. This book will give you recommended use levels of EO's and carriers.

I believe the general rule of thumb is 10 drops max of EO in the bath for adults. For children, it's more like 3. I don't know about FO.

Honestly, I think each one is different. I've gotten some that were crap...like Rain (I don't think they have any of this left) and Harvest Moon. At the time that I ordered Rain, I was using paraffin and it didn't blend into the wax. Harvest Moon is light. Some others are nice and strong, so it may be worth taking a chance. Pumpkin Pie and Cranberry are awesome and I wish they still had some. If anyone has any, please send my way (:

I'm so sad to hear all these negative comments. I've been interested in sampling from their natural/organic lines, and have called a couple of times, but no one answers the phone! I left a message, but no one called me back. I can't believe in this day and age that a company would have such poor customer service.

That's a big difference... 100-5000! I'd say make as much as you can, and then decide how much you can fit in your vehicle, carry, will fit on your table, etc. You'll probably have to see what business is really like once you get there. Those are all suggestions you probably thought of already, lol! Good luck!

Thanks for all your responses! I love hearing what does/doesn't work for people. We all do things differently, and are all selling in different markets, but it's nice to see that people are profiting despite the economy. It seems that it's because of frugality and good biz practices that people are turning a profit. Keep it coming!

I decided to put together this poll to gauge the economic climate vs. our biz. I know that many people on here probably won't respond out of proprietary reasons, but if you do, thanks!

It IS all about what makes you happy, right? I find it's hard to get myself into the studio to work, but once I do, it feels good. Making sales feels good to me as well. And I can't have one without the other. Maybe I should make a survey about profit vs. loss.

Thank you for your replies and support. Only another crafter would understand...that's why I appreciate this forum. I agree, I need to be cautious, and take some time to think about what I truly want. I guess if I'm going to continue, I need to be all the way or not at all.

Sorry for this long post..... I'm at a place where I need to talk to my collegues and think out loud. Any advise or wisdom thrown my way would be very appreciated. Normally, I'm not disposed to throw out my business like this, but I need some feedback if possible. I've been at this business for a long time, and it has long-since become more of a money-thing than a hobby. Like any candlemaker, I have invested thousands of dollars and lots of time to get to where I am today. I love seeing my finished products sell, because I know that they're very good. I have really stepped up my game in the last couple of years, especially since finding this wonderful forum, and have done a lot of professional development. I have spent lots of money and time, and now I'm in debt. So, that being said, a year ago, I had a baby, and decided to take this year off (kinda). 2008 was pretty bad for me, as I'm sure many of you experienced. So, I figured that it was good timing to focus solely on my family. I did keep my one "big" wholesale account. I did two sales also, and doubled and tripled my totals from last year. But, I just found out my wholesale account is dropping my line for a couple of reasons. It threw me for a loop, but I know that I could have done more to pursue them and develop products for them specifically. But, that would have meant more money invested--and they have been shady with me. They asked me to buy more barcodes for my new products and then never ordered them, with no explanation, and no "sorry we asked you to spend money that you don't have for us and then screwed you over". Not cool! But, it has stimulated my thinking about my business. I think I need to re-focus, readjust and really think about if I will ever make money at this. I know that there are those of you out there who turn a profit, but I have to wonder if I can do that and not have to take time away from my family. Can't both be done? My ultimate goal is to open a store, but I don't have collateral that I'd be willing to put up for the loan. I'd never put my family's house in jeopardy. Regarding craft sales, they're always touch and go, and lots of effort. I enjoy direct selling, and always am a top-earner at the shows I attend, but again, they're not guaranteed. I'd like to get more wholesale accounts and fundraisers, but I get caught up in approaching them and finding business (fear?). Do I have the drive and determination? I'm thinking of just closing shop, but then I think that I'm always on the verge of making it big if I do it right. If that really exists. I've had some really incredible opportunities, and I wasn't able to pursue them for different reasons. I never want to be mediocre. How many of you are re-focusing your business? Is what I'm going through common? Thanks for listening (:

That is a very good idea candlelady. Thanks! Any other ideas/suggestions from anyone?