OverSoyed

I totally understand that with buying more, shipping tends to go down. But it seems that there are so many variable, its hard to maintain a good price point at all times. I mean, you can still turn a decent profit even if you are shopping small from your suppliers, but it definitely cuts down your profit. Then of course, you are always up against the big box store, their chinese labor, and cheap goods. But thats a whole new bag of worms.

So.... I have been working on the new candle business for months now, and we are finally about to start the launch.... well, after testing that is. But I have a serious question for everyone.... How do you attempt to turn a profit with the high price of shipping? This doesn't fall into just one group, as I'm sure everyone uses supplies of some sort. We are focusing on candles at the moment, then expanding into B&B. While working on pricing last night, shopping various suppliers for jars and whatnot, you soon realize that shipping most times is the same or MORE than the actual cost of the jars. I shopped and compared about 3-4 sites, and it seemed to be that way all around. Short of driving 200 miles in any direction to pick up the supplies at distributor, what are you left to do? I was telling the hubby today (while at Chinamart:(), "We might as well buy their candles, burn them around the house, then recycle the jars! They just rolled out a new line of mini keepsakes, for $1.00. They are cute as punch. But when you, the hobbiest or business professional, try to pick them up wholesale, you are running $.80-$1.00 alone, not counting shipping. I am going to stop right here before I continue to vent and ramble any further. Please feel free to post away!

Not yet... I just picked up some more today at Pat Catans. They had a nice sale on certain scents. $2.95 for 3 oz. I got Cappuccino Brulle (sp) and Strawberry Melon. I'll let everyone know how they work out. They smell great!

That could work if shaped correctly.

I wouldn't normally spend $2 for a votive either... haha... but I'm cheap! But who doesn't like a bargain. Nothing in my house was bought that wasn't on clearance somewhere. BUT... if I were in the market for a high end votive, I'd expect to pay as much. It's all in who you sell to. For example... would you try to sell a $1.00 bumper sticker that said "Honk If You're :wink2:" to the Queen? WOW... after my last 2 posts... I think I need a nap!

I just posted that one as an example. Surprisingly, a lot of people don't know what a craft punch is. HEHE! But you get the idea. I just closed my eyes and pictured your box (no comment), and thought a craft punch would do the trick. I didn't know the exact dimensions of your... "packaging" . If it's 2x2x2.... a 1" punch should work, as they are normally not much larger than the impression itself.

I buy them at the craft store, 100 for $5.00 lol :smiley2:

If they cost you about $.90 to make.... $2-3.00 wouldn't be a far stretch, as long as you have a decent area to market to.

Go to your local craft store and pick up a 1" decorative hole punch. They have them in 5753785035790753890 styles, so I'm sure you could find something cute. If you want to cover the wholes (to maintain the scent), pick up some clear plastic (like report covers), cut a small square, use a glue stick around the border, and stick it inside the box to cover the whole. Should only cost you about $.02 extra per box, but would really add to it.

She'd have been laying on the floor with her candle! Reminds me of the perfume spritzers at the mall.... spritz spritz ATTACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

"The NCA is also very concerned that consumers may attempt to place their fingers in the wax pool while the flame is still lit." :undecided ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?! I swear... sometimes I wonder why people can be so "dumb," but then I turn on the TV. Are YOU smarter than a 5th grader?

Good Luck! Keep us informed! It is always nice to hear of everyone else's success stories! It gives us hope!

Depending on the amount of sample you want to get out there, and the $$$ you want to invest, it could turn out to be a good idea. I'd suggest researching who you want to give the samples to first thou, look around the stores and whatnot to see if you'd be filling a void.

They seem to have a large operation going... are you able to produce a large enough volume for them? I'm not sure how many cases they are asking of you... but it'd be a thought if I was doing it. One day they ask for say 10 cases (which isn't super difficult)... then a week later... "Hey, we need 100,000 by next week!

Its no different than KFC (vomits) getting all their 11 herbs and spices from different places and having them mixed by one company. She/he is acting as the manufacturer. But I have to agree with the FO... didn't click the first time I read that. Unless it's essential oils? Then that would be natural, no? It's not an artificial product.

If it's high end, I'd figure my time and costs, and go from there.... but I'd imagine you could do very well. Maybe ask what they plan to retail them for? What they are spending on their end for supplies (FO, containers) Good Luck!

Good point!

It's ok

WAIT A MINUTE HERE.... I wasn't the one who started the post, so why are you saying such things to me. And I was joking by saying "such hostility." :undecided

I recently picked up some Abbey & Sullivan FO at Pat Catan's craft store locally. I was wondering if anyone has used it before or even heard about it. I got the French Cafe scent (absolutely love coffee), and it smells great.

You are only responsible for the profit you make. You are simply supplying the product to them. You can however claim any discount to the organization as a charitable donation on your taxes under 501©(3) if they regularly solicit donations. There are a lot ways to claim deductions for non-profits, so it's always best to ask advise of a knowledgeable tax adviser.

YAY... you get the eco award of the day! *getdown* I haven't tried it yet for tarts, but I'm going to try to find something similar to wax paper (as it is semi clear, at least lets you see the color), for tart packs. I am thinking rice paper, but haven't found a suitable supplier.

I agree... they look great... the candles and the packaging! But aside from selling them for $5.00 a piece (which would be hard to get for votives in my opinion), I dunno how you are going to work it. I'm guessing the packaging costs upwards of $.50 a piece, if not more. Which isn't bad for nice packaging, but at that cost, I'd rather buy a nice glass container and some eco-friendly wrapping.

I'd imagine that you could, however it would trap in the heat. Aside from a longer cooling time, I'm not sure what effect it would have on the finished product, especially if its a one pour.