barncat

I know there is a couple people that have done this on here somewhere.  I need some advice on pricing, replenishment, and FOB options.  Please PM me.  Thanks

also ask you local paper if they can do an article on you involving changing the date and new promoter, new vendors etc.  I think a good price for that type of show is <$40  I wouldn't jump the price just yet until you get more vendors and established.  What about a 2 day show? 

I did a show for years that did a raffle this way, and was really a good for customers and vendors:  Each vendor offered a door prize at their stand.  Each person coming in got a ticket then would go to each booth to check the numbers to see if they won that prize.  also what about a 50/50 for the fire co?  That always attracts people to stay around. 

pmd you

great ideas!  Ill be working on my new website and promote that!  Also, going to try Pinterest and Amazon.  Hoping there will be no slow season!

I have another question then for the others who have replied those of you who do often do shows/markets and those who only sell wholesale/retail and online.   Do you factor in a weekly wage or some sort of wage, which you included in the 'cost of your item'…?  

We are suppose to get paid doing this? LOL 

Your price structure should include cost, overhead , and profit.  The profit is where your pay should be.  However as we all know, we end up blowing that for more supplies

Ugh...too many people are asking for these.  So need to start making them again.  How much are you all asking? I was charging $1.25 ea for them before and that was 7-8 years ago.

Ditto! I have one show that now requires 2 MIL and require a certificate of Insurance which costs me another $25 just for them to issue that. 

I know that there is no specific code for candle making according to my insurance agent/company.  My insurance policy lists me as a soap manufacturer, and I do not make soap.  IMO,  would say no, its a classification.  Maybe see if there is something under air fresheners/aromatherapy that you can get grouped under instead.  However it has the same issues with someone eating it, etc.  There usually isnt a way to get around insurance unfortunately.  

I ordered beeswax in and its clean and its in pellets but boy does it stink!  One girl says it smells like a barn and I think it smells like stale cigarettes!  I tried dumping in some CInnamon oil but its still stinky.  Any suggestions?

I know we have all been there, but I am so tired of wasting my time, making, labeling, and packing an order only to have their card decline. Contact the customer and they cancel the order! They just placed the order!! She made the effort to call and everything. I wrote a nasty email but of course cant send that...just frustrated when you have so many other reliable customers that actually WANT their order now, and I have to deal with this jerk that wastes my time...thanks for letting me vent!

I do a handful of retail shows for publicity reasons or for favors and not neccesarily to make money, although I always do as I choose shows wisely. I line item my booth fees as advertising and its an overall cost of busienss like electric, w/s, insurance, etc. Sometimes shows can vary due to weather /economy so not sure how breaking it down per candle would make any sense, you should look at it year end, but evaluate your shows based on sales whether to do them again or not. Not sure of that makes sense...it does to me

nothing bad about her product, she just had a really bad location. It so easy to get lost whether its in a big or small show. I know of another show few weeks ago, everyone did really bad due to the weather, so there goes a few thousand dollars out the door. its just like gambling...you take your chances.

honestly unless you have something unique, your probably wasting your time and money. i just got back from atlanta and picked up over 50 new stores and a canadian distributor. Another candle maker at the same show barely made expenses. All depends on product, location, and display.

check into a local business group, not sure about over there, but our local small business center has sales classes, or check at a university.

Otherwise, just have a smile and dress nice, dont sit and read a book or look preoccupied. I have a marketing degree but I for one have problems promoting my own products yet can sell someone elses easily. I understand how you feel, its like your bragging about yourself, and it can become uncomfortable because you are your brand.

My product sells itself and so should yours in the scheme of things. A nice presentation and tell everyone you are giving out free sniffs today Greet everyone with a smile, thats the most important thing. People don't like to be pushed but they like acknowledgement and basic information. Give yourself a power talk in the car on your way there! Set a (realistic) goal and strive for it! Hope this helps!

looks like I have something to play with on Monday...

maybe I have done everything LOL Ive tried B&B but it didn't sell well for me and honestly my wax area is way too messy for clean stuff. I do do air fresheners dipped pinecones and firestarters votive and tealights and yes votives and tealights don't sell for me either.

we been talking about candle holders at work..maybe time to get back on that. I have another jar on the agenda too

I've hit a slump...I feel I'm out of ideas....I do jars, pillars, tarts (3 types), room spray reed diffuser, battery, tapers, potpourri..not sure what else to do...is there anything left?

I started with 20 and am now up to 55 or so in 10 years. I drop some and add some as i go every year. My average customer carries 5-6 scents. I've seen some smaller companies offer 100 scents and up and order it as they get an order. It makes it confusing for some customers, plus of you order what you need at a time you will never make a profit. I would stick with around 15 to start.

off to one of the largest wholesale trade show in the world in Atlanta....wish me luck, I havent exhibited here since '07, so I am definately due...Nothing like a $10k gamble in this economy!*faint* Anyone else going?

i did have one asking if we made candles with water since it looked so clear...i just smile and walk away

Does the jar come with the wax? I was dumbfounded and really didn't know what to say. he was also not happy cause we did not carry Yankmee candles...um..no we make them ourselves...idiot

she is selling them, she charges the tax and files it.

They look big for a tart..how big are they?

Im not sure how long you been doing this or i you have just started out, but the worse thing you can do in business is have your prices all over the place. You set the price and that should be it. If they dont like it they will go somewhere else. Some people like to haggle but never intend on buying to begin with. Most people want favors under $1 and $2.50-3.50 in general seems high for a favor. maybe suggst something cheaper instead of lowering your price or include something special for the mom to be.

Im not sure how long you been doing this or i you have just started out, but the worse thing you can do in business is have your prices all over the place. You set the price and that should be it. If they dont like it they will go somewhere else. Some people like to haggle but never intend on buying to begin with. Most people want favors under $1 and $2.50-3.50 in general seems high for a favor. maybe suggst something cheaper instead of lowering your price or include something special for the mom to be.