doglover

LMAO.....:laugh2:

Pinecones, sawdust, old wax and no scent

amen!!!

I found mine at a "mom & pop" hardware store. Some of the bigger stores carry a lot of "nothing!" LOl

That would be hard for me to say, as I only have my experience to go on. If it were me, I would offer a smaller size than the 8oz (like a 4 or 5) and then offer the 11 oz or 13 oz. There just doesn't seem to be that much difference between 8 and 11. Your best bet is to just try the different sizes and see what works and sells best for you. I started with 3 main sizes: 6, 9 and 13. HTH

When we first started, we offered 6 oz, 9 oz and 13 oz sizes. It seemed that people either bought the 6 or 13 oz sizes. So we discontinued the 9 oz. Now the last few years, our biggest seller is the 6 oz. We far outsell that size than the other. Occasionally I have people ask for the 16 oz or 26 oz apothecary, but these are usually for gifts. So for stock this year, I have many more 6 oz jars than 13. HTH.. Good luck!!

I had this happen to me when I was about 2-3 years in the biz. The guy stopped and talked to us at a show for hours and bought several candles. He took them home and he and his wife proceeded to completely copy our packaging, name, etc. AND they are in the same town as we are. Then he went on and boasted that he and his wife were going to under-price every candlemaker in the area and put them out of business! (which was basically a referral to me.) Well, here we sit 11+ years in the biz....and he is pretty much out of the picture. No, I don't have anything to say to him nowadays. He is basically an ass (still)! I have learned over the years that if I know my product and believe in it, others will, too. (After testing etc of course! LOL) "Copying is a form of flattery"; well maybe, but it can still p*ss on off! LOL Hang in there and focus on you and your product. Keep positive and don't undermine the other guy. Things will work out. Good luck!!

Now that you have a website with your email addy there, get used to it. I get MANY of these emails per week!! I am very fond of my "Delete" button!

I don't see where the sinus relief candles have worked for me unless my head is right over the pot making them. HOWEVER, I do sell a bunch of them--the customers like them. BUT I have found that when I sell them on aroma beads, I sell A BUNCH MORE. I have found for me the beads are much more effective than the candle/melt/wickless. JMHO

Poop dust....always better that a full sized turd....(sorry, couldn't resist!)

LOL...Love the testing method!!

Bernadette, you can't fix STUPID (which is quickly spreading like wild-fire throughout the human population!) I'd just let it go.

Usually through an internet search, you can piece together this type of information. Sometimes it is lengthy, especially as manufacturers change names, etc. So far, I have been successful with finding the "new" names and properties.

Just an FYI: The IGCA is currently interviewing people to update and maintain their website--to make it more up-to-date and member-friendly.

I do know that Hank, the prez, just retired. I am sure he is getting his "stuff" together! LOL Awhile back I sent emails to all of the email addies on the IGCA site. I figured as a fellow IGCA member, what a way to get some quality links. However, only one reply was received back....and they did not have a website. **So if anyone would be interested in exchanging text links, let me know! I do know things are in a bit of a turmoil for the IGCA. But still no excuse to answer emails in a timely manner. I am going to maintain my membership and see if I can "ride out the storm."

I have never added stearic to gel. There are actually different densities of gel. Maybe use a higher density?? I actually have seen gel floating candles which are not in containers--and they held their form, at least on the shelves to be sold. Never tried to make the floaters myself.

OMG, Judiee...that is exactly what I was going to say....so ... Ditto!!

Doesn't reflect too well on an international educational guild, does it?! Time will tell I guess. New younger blood taking over. Maybe more techno-savvy?? We'll see.

They sent a questionnaire to all of their members asking for honest opinions and ideas for further successful advancement of the organization. I was VERY honest about how useless the IGCA website was. There is no communication between members, and ANYONE can access it. Plus it is filled with useless spam...very unprofessional. So I do know they are looking to find someone to handle the website. Just doesn't look like they have found anyone yet. I just keep waiting and watching.

Does anyone design labels--and print them? I don't want to go with the larger companies just yet. Trying to give biz to a smaller business. I have a lot of the design done, just need a few more things. Any help would be appreciated. PM me please. TIA

I am a member and have been for several years. I have attended a few conventions also. I have made many candlemaker friends and built up my professional network. I have also learned some tricks of the trade, so to speak. However, as Scented mentioned, the Candlelighter, the publication of the IGCA and benefit to the membership, has sadly declined over the last year. And to be honest, it is pretty much useless to me now. I can tell you that all new officers have been elected..."new blood" let's say. I have met these people and they are very excited to try to resurrect the IGCA. As with any organizations, especially older ones, change needs to occur to stay up with the times and to benefit its members. The IGCA is in the process of doing that. They excitement and energy of the newly elected officers is inspiring. Thus I have opted to renew my membership. I know right now they are looking for a new editor for the Candlelighter and trying to get that back going again. So time shall tell how this organization holds up and survives. But the friendships I have made and info I have learned and ideas I have acquired are priceless. HTH. JMHO.

I don't pay for those sites. Not when you can find the info for free. Here are a few suggestions: *Contact local area chambers of commerce, schools, organizations *Watch for newspaper/show publications/other ads for shows *www.eventlister.com (you can usually earn points to get to see upcoming shows--I wouldn't pay.) **When attending your craft shows this fall, visit vendors (ones you are impressed with) and ask them what shows they do and really like or recommend. Most vendors will give you that info. Those that don't are probably not even worth talking to---they have other issues! LOL (This has been my BEST form of finding quality craft shows) When you are at shows, often times promoters will hand out applications too. And even if you cannot get into the show this season, you can at least attend the show as a shopper to see its quality. And once you get on a mailing list, you will most likely receive lots of mailings for shows. Good luck!

I can tell you that I have used an electric stove and flat sheet of steel for years. But I purchased a leveler from Candlewic about a year ago and LOVE it. It makes leveling MUCH easier and it is much more portable than an electric stove. I HIGHLY recommend a leveler for any serious candle maker.

I had my own merchant number for years. However, when I finally checked into Propay, I found GREAT benefits. All of my charges were under their merchant number. So if there is a chargeback, they get the headache. Also, the annual fee is MUCH CHEAPER than just the fees from my merchant account. I can call in for auth if I am at a show, or do it online for online orders. I am very happy with Propay!!

I tried stamps.com and was not at all satisfied with it. My cc was billed so much each month to keep $$ on file (or something like that). In fact, when I closed with them, they still owed me some trivial $$) Postage costs the same as with USPS. The only benefit I saw with using them was that I could print out First Class and Parcel post labels online, which you cannot do with USPS. I use USPS online and their Carrier Pickup options. I don't recommend Stamps.com. JMHO