barncat

as you all know the candle biz (as every other biz)is very competitive and everyone seems to want to copy off each other. WEll here is my delema. My largest customer wants me to create a candle for them for their catalog WHile they are telling me what they want...i realize I seen something like that before. So, i took a look at one of my compettiors sites and there was the same candle.that they were creating with me. I know that this candle maker sell to my customer as well. My thought are I'm a lot cheaper and thats why they want to go with me, or maybe they are not happy witht he other candlemaker. But I feel weird about it. I dont like doing it but a larger order like that could make me alot of $$$$. I know I should just go for it....but jsut would like your opinions

i've had my entire line copied by a paretnership with my sales rep and a customer. Was copied so much i thought it was my products on the shelf. My customers know my quality and stayed with me and didnt take long to figure out there scheme. Needless to say this woman also started as a beginnner making candles then wholesaling in the course of 4 mos!!!! Take pride in your workmanship and just let it go. Just keep one uping her. Also you have what she cant duplicate...your scents and poropietary info. TO me...thats the secret of every candle manuf. rather big or small.

My purchasing has not changed, however I took measures to negotiate leases and utility rates, in hope to increase my advertising, therefore more $$!

I would say $7-8 is fair

Im assuming shes talking COuntry Junction Candl Co out of NY

tie your bow upside down and form the loops and tie a knot, instead of the wrap around method

i started my spring things in december, is never to early. People want then usually beginning in jan, right now I cant keep up with spring scents being stocked.

I seen a boost, small but just think ite helped get my website up in the ranks as well which is what i want

45+ fragrances...um styles and sizes...oh geez 15+ maybe in addition to non candle items. Quickbooks says i have around 1500 skus...ugh..i offer to much crap!

i used it and set my budget at like $40 a month. Usually only ever came to be $25-30 i spent. The main thing is setting up the right key words.

royal aroamtics has it and i got a sameple from there. I tested it in a 50/50 blend and couldnt smell it at all. ANy notes I could get kinda smelled like coconut

check with the show promoters, they may be able to help you. You can get a one day license to collect tax. You can try and hope not to get caught LOL! I have had the dept of rev check out shows before so be careful.

damn wal-mart...they only had one size and didnt bother checking anywhere else...oh well. I really wish i could get one with out the teflon crap. It keeps peeopling off!

geez...whys is everything getting smaller? Bought one today and noticed its an inch small in diameter yet they went up $5

I drill mine then seal it with a pillar sealer melter thingy at the bottom...im not sure whats its actually called LOL

Yes I charge the same and I also make sure i keysotne my own wholesale prices. I dont want to be my own compeitition. I usually have specials at the shop though.

If you cant ship them in warm weather...first off I would test a new wax. If you dont have any space how will you complete a large wholesale order? Sounds like internet is your only option.

Sorry to say but I've seen clamshells even cheaper! I've seen them wholesale for .50 I was shocked! THey were made in Canada even. Funny thing was, customer of mine works at Walmart and mentioned them last week where she worked...take one guess what she bought at my shop...yep tarts! You have to know your customer to be able to compete...same people who are shopping for a KIA arent comparison shopping with a BMW. So are you a KIA or BMW?

Psychadelic Spray Weed Killer

I got mine from Tenderheart Treasures

ANyone try the lasagnma mold? might be good for soap. http://www.target.com/s/ref=in_se_pagelist_btm_next?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=target104545&keywords=silicone&searchPage=2&field_browse=1038576&searchSize=30&field_keywords=silicone&field_availability=-2

zonign can be tricky. if you are doing it as a hobby its ok, once you start getting in frequent shipments is when somone may say something. Most likely you cant put up a sign either. I have had to go to 2 zone hearings and put up some money even though im in a commercail area. Check with ur local zoning officer.

add an additional 100 wholesale customers do some trade magazine advertising increase web adverising makeover my website

it will probably mix together if in an extended period of time. THis is reason i wont by a candy bar that on the shelf next to gum...it does taken on the flavor easily

im thinking about a chunky/bowl filler type potpourri. I ahve to stay to country/primitive so that limits me just a bit