tangerine

We dont use pumps. we simply pull out the spout that comes with them and pour into smaller, more manageable containers (1-4 pound). Works best for us. We have 40-50 of the 25-35 pound tubs. Considered using pumps, but this works best for us.

We've been doing this for a while now. The plastic base of the spout eventually gets small tears and the FO starts to leak from there when we pour. And when those drums are still full, they are a pain to carry -- not to mention I have to wait for someone who CAN carry them because I can't. :smiley2:

Thanks, guys!

Thanks so much, Vicky! I'll look into it.

For those of you who buy FO in big quantities, do you use some sort of pump to dispense FO from the drum or pail into smaller bottles? Any idea where I can find this pump?

Love it!

IMO, I would rather not use a misspelled word in my business name because it would make recall tricky. Like K instead of a C, Z in place of S, etc. But that's just my opinion.

I read somewhere that it would be best if your logo would look good small, big, on a fax, etc. Logo # 2 would satisfy this criterion and I like it since it has both the lily and the wick (well, beneath the flame )

Wholesale or consignment?

Amazing bears! I just LOVE the one with the lights!

Those are really pretty!

You gals are great! Thank you so much........... really like the name:

Lavender Twist........

I agree. That's a great name for Lavender Lemon.

Seasons II

Seasons Two

Seasons Too

I like these -- or Second Season?

Thank you Cathy and Barncat! I guess I should be content with non-disclosure/ non-compete.

Interesting stuff.

Tangerine, who are your employees? Are they family/friends? Is this an issue of not trusting them (period)? Having family/friends as employees can open a whole new can of worms.

They are not family/friends

SatinDucky, I see your point with the FO. I guess in the long run, even with contracts and all, they can run away with my formula only to find that it doesn't work for them.

THANK YOU for all the ideas, everyone!

Preface: I don't have employees, but have thought about this.

If I were large enough to have employees, I'd get one of those giant wax melters and pre-mix the unscented wax in there. My employees would only know the FO and color amounts to add. Depending on sales, it's also possible to buy a bunch of smaller melters and premix the wax and color and leave the scent for the employees to do.

I was thinking along those lines but I wanted to keep even more of it secret. I considered weighing the amount of FO needed for each batch into separate bottles. But then if they really wanted to find out the amount of FO, who's to stop them from taring an empty bottle and weighing the FO?

For those of you who have employees who help make candles, how do you keep your secret formula secret?

I might look into making a parrifin outter shell, and if I get good enough, trying to add maybe some sort of soy option for actually burning the candle but keeping the cut candle usable. Kinda like a hurricane shell is reuseable.

Beth, I may be wrong, but I always thought that the carved candles had some sort of oil to burn and that the shell stayed intact.

I'm not that familiar with palm wax but I heard it is notorious for air pockets. Maybe you could poke and repour?

"If I buy two candles, do I get a discount?"

Congratulations, Candlebean!

I started needle felting a bear and I'm almost, almost done with it. I looked into sewing teddy bears as well. I decided to stick to smaller bears that I will hand-stitch since I have extremely minimal experience with a sewing machine. And of course, I don't want to have to buy one and learn how to use it. lol.

I will PM you with more bear talk.

Great story, Grandma!

Yup, I've heard about the destressing part so that's my best excuse to get started.

Thanks for the replies, the link, and the pictures!

So Michael, my dear, if this does not help you, I hope it helps someone else.

Yes, I'm sure the suggestions will definitely help someone else. :smiley2:

I'm sitting here, smiling, because Michael started this thread two years ago.