Violetsexoticcandles

I have a business, but it's definitely not a huge money-maker. If anything, I've spent more on supplies than I made this year. Testing different jars/wicks/fragrance combos becomes pretty costly, and if you're like me, you'll want to try all those exciting fragrances. Shipping is costly, as well, unless you're lucky enough to live close to a supplier. I have three wholesale accounts who order occasionally. I'm going to be sending out letters of interest for fundraising this spring for the fall season. Other than that, I've got a customer base of maybe 50, but it's not regular. I've got people who are local who will buy my candles if I bring them to them (heavy boxes of jars are not fun to carry everywhere, either)... I'm going on my 3rd year at this and don't really expect to make much this year, although it'd be nice. If anything, I'm probably going to narrow the products I offer just so I can manage to make a bit of a profit. I've got thousands of dollars worth of oils and tons of wax/jars etc... I've been testing testing testing for most of this year. Right now I've got time on my hands, as I'm ill and applying to SSDI because of that illness. But making candles is definitely not paying the bills. It helps when I get a huge wholesale order, though. Paid my electric bill in December! Good luck and just have fun... worry about the business aspect once you've been doing it for a while. I jumped in too quickly, really.

I used to buy them all the time before starting my own biz, mostly votives, and a couple jars. What I noticed was the votives never burned right- they would tunnel so badly that I'd have tons of wax left over. Also, the jar sooted so bad that it was really ugly half-way thru the candle. It was one of the 22 oz jars and it cost a ton of $$.... that was when I said forget this and began making my own stuff.

I've had that problem myself lately. So you think it's really the wick pins? That sucks for me since I have 20 of them... sigh.

I've never used either of your fo suppliers so I couldn't tell you, but really, you are going to need to test for yourself. Others may have used those particular FO's, but not necessarily in your wax or using methods you may use. I've had people tell me certain FOs were strong, to die for, knock out, etc.. from particular suppliers, and I've ordered them, only to find they were weak to my nose. It all depends...

I send out updates every couple weeks with special offers. In the past, I've asked people what their favorite scents are in order to decide what to buy, but received little or no response on them. Now, I just guage by what I sell the most in any given season. I would definitely follow up, especially on a first order. Even if I sell it on Ebay and don't know if the person will ever buy off my website, it's always nice to send an email. That shows you care about them as a person, not just a customer who may possibly buy from you again.

I too received their email, and at first glance, it looked good and I thought, hey, I should reopen my store. Then I looked at the final value fees- they've gone up. Saw about the power seller fees and such, as well. Then I said, well, forget it, not worth it. I closed my store last Febuary due to increased seller fees for stores- I wasn't getting enough traffic anyway and sold more in fixed price and auction style listings. I agree with the person who said it's hard to compete on there these days- it is. I also think that you can gain loyal customers by selling some things cheaply on there... but not by giving them away. I think I'd sell my tarts as cheaply as possible just to get rid of the crappy votive/tart wax I have left. But not 100 for 99 cents! No way... Wouldn't even cover the fees.

What they meant by the FO floating at the top is that your wax could weep the FO (it beads at the top) if too much is added. I've had this happen with heavier oils such as spring rain. Generally, 1 oz per lb is good. I won't use any more than that, as FO is expensive and wasting it is not a good idea. If it doesn't throw at 1 oz per lb or less, I won't use the FO. Hope this helps.

Im sorry you're going through this, Kim. I can only hope that you can recoup your losses with your memory and go forward. This is why I'm single! But then again, I still have 2 teenaged sons to contend with who would unintentionally do something like that, as well. I hide my notebook! Good luck! Vi

Because I hate soot, that is one pet peeve of mine. I won't tolerate more than a tiny bit of it. As for mushrooms, as long as they're little, I deal with them. It's more important that the wick is the right size and the flame is the right size than a little mushrooming- if one has a huge mushroom, it means either the wicks aren't getting trimmed or they're too big for the candle. Next is a good clean burn. I like my containers that burn clean to the bottom and won't sell any that don't (hence why I'm still not selling my 2 oz hex jars because have yet to come up with a good wick). With palm wax, I like a little wax left on the walls of the jar because it's pretty. Then there's scent throw- if I leave the room and come back in, I want to smell that candle! Even from 10 ft away. Just my preferences.

Cool thanks guys, I think I'll try the HTP 105 first and then see what happens.

Very nice. I love white tea & berries, too!

I've been playing with Ecosoya PB for votives and am quite happy with it. I don't even have to add additives, comes out smoothh and creamy too.

Hi Guys, I was given a dozen 5 oz apothecary jars and would like to make some candles with them... just don't know what size wicks to use. I was thinking HTP 105 might work, but maybe too big? I have a ton of CD wicks, though... I'm going to be using C3 for some and glass glow for others. Any suggestions on where to start with wicking these jars? Thanks! Violet

I looked under suppliers and couldn't find any that offered that. Can you post a link? Thanks! Vi

I agree- it makes others hesitant to ask questions on here when someone says something like that.

As for my five, these are just my personal favorites: 1. Blackberry & Sage (Save On Scents) 2. Strawberry Rhubarb (Save On Scents) 3. Ocean (Northstar) 4. Clean Cotton (Save On Scents) 5. Asian Amber (Candle Science)- really love this one because it's exotic and unlike anything else 've tried before.

Just wondering- where do you get your raspberry patchouli? I had a customer inquire about it but never knew where to find it... Thanks! Violet PS. I could never keep just 5 either. I'm an FO addict!

I too use CD wicks and for the most part, they work, but it really depends on the size of your candle or container. For example, I haven't found a CD wick yet that works with 2 oz hex jars.

I would eliminate the beeswax and cool the candles in a warm spot, such as a warm oven. Or place a box over the top of them, in a warm area. I personally cool my candles in a warmed oven (turn it up to 200 degrees, for maybe 10 minutes, then turn off about 10 min before you're ready to pour).

I use C3 and have for the past 1.5 years. Although it does have its quirks, I think that is true for every wax. Most of my oils throw very well in it. V1 is another matter. I wouldn't even bother sampling it, it cracks terribly. The scent throw is good, but scent throw won't matter if it doesn't even come out without terrible cracks- not if you intend to one day sell votives and pillars. I use Ecosoya PB now for them.

I've been playing with this wax for a couple months and have found CD 6's work pretty good. I may wick up to a 7, though. It's a heck of a lot nicer than V1. I let my votives cure a few days or so. Not selling the new wax yet til I have worked out the wicking, but I'd wait a week to sell too.

Drug stores? Like the straight stuff you'd add to a lotion recipe? TIA! Vi

Hi, I'm going to try my hand at lotion and need to know if I might be able to find glycerin locally? I got in on the soaper's choice coop and think I have everything else I need, but i don't know where I can get the glycerin needed for my recipe. If I can't get it, can I substitute? Thanks! Violet

Thanks guys, you've all given me some things to consider. I am going to do research and see if it's worth the effort. I have no collateral and my credit is 'so-so' (divorce does that, lol). So it may be a better option for me to try and get an online presence and work on advertising than to try to open a shop right now. We'll see. Thanks again! Violet

Cool thanks!