botanica

Thanks for your responses! Yes, the delivery went really well. I offered 11 scents to choose from and made samples for each child (18). Only 12 actually sold anything, but it ended up being 99 candles total. I was told that the kids really liked having those samples to bring around, and that it helped. I couldn't figure out a way to package them before delivery, so I delivered in boxes. I then printed out scent labels and fixed them on bags. I also printed out coupons and gave the bags and coupons to the group leader to bag up herself. Some kids sold one and some sold 12 or 13, so that was the only way I could do it. I think that if I had a larger order that had to be shipped, I wouldn't have gone that extra mile of including any extra packaging. There's enough packaging wasted in this world to begin with! I'm loving fundraisers right now. So little work for such a nice return.

Thanks for your input. I'm still deciding because some of the kids sold 12 or more, and some just one. I was also thinking lunch bags with a card or something. Hmmm I need to decide asap. (:

I'm doing a fundraiser for a local group, and am wondering what everyone does. I'm selling jar candles, and don't know if I should just deliver them in the cases that they come in and let them separate them? Do you take the time to separate them per child? Do you give each child a box to deliver them in? I don't have separate packaging for each jar. I was thinking of wrapping them in tissue, but there is a lot, and I'm delivering them on Friday. Help!

Does anyone know if you change a microsoft clipart graphic (like flipping it around, changing the color, adding something else to it or whatever) if you can use it as a logo or on labels? I find that I have a hard time reading all the legal mumbojumbo, and want to be safe. Thanks!

I think that happens with shows sometimes. I just did a show that has been running for 18 years and it was the worst show I've done all year. I thought it would have been great. You seem to have everything well-organized. Maybe some more signage would help or a different color scheme? It's hard to say. Good luck and keep plugging. Every show is different. HTH. :smiley2:

They say that you can collect it and it would help prevent fraud. But, the basic info they require is the name, cc#, exp. date and zip.

That's exactly where I am too. I thought of using a manufacturer, but I have doubts because it wouldn't be me, you know? Everything I do is hand-made and that's the way I want to keep it. I greatly enjoy the time that I spend with my child, and yet am looking forward to the end of the year when my MIL is retiring. Then I can really go to work without having to worry about substandard daycare. People make mistakes at daycares. About two years ago a daycare provider left a child in their van and she died here in my city. They were considered a good provider. So scary. Anyway, I hope that the buyer for this company will keep me in mind for the near future when I can actually devote myself to this. I want everything to be safe legally, and I want to do it right. I'm afraid that if I just dive in that I could quickly find myself in a lot of trouble without the correct planning. I've gotten some excellent ideas from you all. I really thank all of you for your thoughts. You are the only people that really understand what this means to a me. :smiley2:

Thanks for all your comments. (: This is one of those bittersweet things. If I do it, I have to put my daughter in daycare, invest lots and lots, and go back to work immediately. Not to mention everything else that comes with it. It's just bad timing, and I wish I could do it. I've asked her for an opportunity to do something on a more limited basis, or for another time in the future. I hope that they will be interested.

Thanks Dean. I got the MSDS sheets from the main office after asking them directly. I'll also look into Cosmo.

Lately, I've been dealing with the main office directly, and funny thing is that my rep called me recently and was very nice. That makes me happy because I want good relationships with the people I work with because we need each other. You'd think sales reps would realize that.

I have an awesome opportunity to get this HUGE wholesale account with a major retailer. I know...sounds too good to be true, but it's not. I really don't know if I can handle this workload--it's literally tens of thousands of products. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, though. It's really what I've been working for all these years and it's scary. I can't even think about where to start. I know I have to come up with costs, but this is much different than working out of my workshop and ordering wax by the case. I'd have to hire people, get a space, etc. Has anyone been through this? I'd really appreciate any advise I could get before I meet with their buyer. Thanks! Jodie

I had some problems with them when I first opened my account. It took them a long time to finally approve me. When that happened, I was set to go. They want you to give them a check with your name on it, so I suppose a joint account might work. You should try to contact them and ask. It's a nice account to have for the smaller crafter. I've heard good and bad about them, but for me at least I don't have to worry about a monthly payment. HTH, Jodie

Thanks! I'd like to be able to buy at the cheapest price possible. Anyone know of a decent manufacturer?

Wow, that's terrible! I emailed her asking AGAIN for some info that I had requested and she provided me with a portion of what I needed. Then she said something like "thank you and have a nice weekend". It was Wednesday. I just can't tell if it's incompetence or that the corporate culture there is to spend time on big accounts only. When she thought I might become a distributor she was very kind and solicitious-- I received calls and she came to visit. Now it's the total opposite--when I called her with my order, she didn't even say "how are you". I told her who I was and she said "Yes?". I know that they have a lot of accounts all over the place. I definately don't have the time or money to do a complete switch, so I was actually thinking of requesting a different sales rep. Don't know if that would make a difference considering other people's experiences.

Warning, this is a little bit of a vent. Ok, so I love the FO's that I get from French (not to mention all the testing that I've done with them), but I hate the way I'm treated by my sales rep. I get the impression that since I'm not a huge distributor for the company that I'm not worth her time as a customer. I just placed a huge order (in my opinion) and asked for the MSDS sheets for the fo's that I ordered, and she neither responded to my request nor sent them my way. How hard is it to get me that info? She makes it obvious to me that I'm just not worth her time. Not only with the msds sheets but in every interaction that I've had with her. I'm thinking about either asking for a different sales rep who has some level of customer service or switching suppliers altogether. I don't have any experience with any other fragrance houses. What are some good ones in case I want to switch?

Ok, now I know that your were saying awickedscent. Since I posted this thread, I've had some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced from my sales rep. I love their scents, though!

Thanks everyone! I missed that sale...oh well. I normally order from BCN as I'm in Wisconsin. Another question: How about the Ginger Plum CO from BCN? Any opinions? Thanks, Jodie

Thanks everyone! I've used some of their closeouts and they were great and some weren't very good. I'm still contemplating....

Darn...

Does anyone have an opinion/description on these closeouts? Do they throw well in soy? Autumn Spice Harvest Moon Indonesian Cinnamon Thanks!! Jodie

I also found a drain opener in a local hardware store, and it said that it had sodium hydroxide in it...but when I checked the MSDS sheet, it did have another ingredient. So, my advise is to find the MSDS sheet online or ask the company to forward you one just to make sure. I'm in about the same place you are with soapmaking...just getting everything ready. Cheers & Good Luck, Jodie

Has anyone heard of or used eo's that have stabilizers added to them? I'm wondering how they work/smell. Thanks!! Jodie

Hey Corry, I'd check out the basic instructions on this site to start with. You might want to get a kit from a supplier in your area. Candlemaking involves lots of testing, sometimes for years, before you are ready to sell. Everyone seems to use something different. What works for me may not work for you, so my advise is to buy a kit and test, test, test. Another source for possible wax/wick combos that MAY work is on the bitter creek candle supply site. They have a spreadsheet that people have listed what wick, wax and container they use. Good luck and welcome to the addiction! Jodie

Yep, I fully agree that the trademarking of certain common names is out of control. If you do a search, there was a thread about this, and people were talking about writing to the committee that oversees trademarking and copywriting. Write a letter!!

No, I don't think any magnet will adhear to aluminum. Thanks for looking for me. I'm still searching for that supplier in Canada.....