missymssy

lol-I just try to avoid it all by double-glassing all of them!

I received a free portable system that I download when I get home. They charge me $7.00 a month plus a fee of 1 to 2 percent. I felt it was really a good deal.

Yes, what company is this? I don't have a smartphone

The only place I ever found the glass beads was Biomax, and they are a bit high, considering hat's all I'm ordering.

Has anyone had any experience adding Facebook's "shop now" tab to their page? I think it's fairly new. I added it, but really not even sure if it works! Just started dabbling online. Don't want to get into shipping yet

www.facebook.com/udesigns

Melissa

Perhaps I explained that wrong. Physically my stregnth is fine. I mean, my limbs work properly, etc. It's my balance that is terrible. I order my gel in 35lb boxes, but I'm just bringing it from my porch inside the door. I wouldn't be able to walk through someone's living room carrying a couple candles, though.

I work as an IT Tech for a large building, and a lot of my job consists of going to someone's desk and taking their PC to repair. But none of us carry it. Procedure is to put it on a cart and use the elevator.

So, to clarify, it's actually the walking AND carrying.

No one? lol

I thought of an additional question. For those that do home parties, is a good part of that taking orders, or only cash and carry?

A few months back, I did a lot of the research on liscensing, insurance, etc., so I think I'm going to be OK there. I just didn't think about this as well.

I am again thinking of starting a business from this "hobby" of mine. Because of an injury years ago, my balance isn't very good while carrying something. Even a 5lb box. lol-so craft shows are definitely out. My question is to you all who have so much more experience. Would you feel concentrating on other selling options be just as productive? I mean, I've thought of web-based, consignment, wholesale, home parties and fundraisers.

If you have any experience (or horror stories), please share. I haven't really looked into any of them in great detail, and I'm not planning on jumping into all of them. Kind of thinking where best to start...Also, if there's an area I missed, please mention!

I know craft shows are good, but I can't imagine everyone on this board that sells does them.

TIA

Melissa

I know this is an OLD post, but maybe someone will still see it

Are there local sales permits or anything you have to apply for in your town as well? Or just the stuff mentioned previously and insurance. I'm also in PA, but I thought if it was zoned "residental only" where you live, making candles is considered manufacturing.

Thanks Luci. That link goes to Rustic Escentuals/Aroma Haven, and before when I did gel, I used other supplies from RE. Maybe I can now order scents from the same place!

I can't beleive how much things have changed. There used to be gel forums, suppliers, all kinds of link! lol

I know gel scents don't throw well to begin with, and then there are so few FO suppliers out there that carry any. Are there any scents from certain supplier that you found to do really well in gel?

lol-any input is appreciated. I'll be broke just ordering 1 oz. bottles everywhere! And there are a few that were so poor I had to sniff the gel a few times, wondering if I forgot to add my scent!

Melissa

Thanks Laura. I placed a small order with ya! Right now I'm trying different things to get each pie the way I want. Not even messing with wicks yet-using 3 44-24-18z's because I have a lot. But the "design" part.-Dollop? Whipped ring? What way to arrange embeds?

lol-who knew it was this difficult! I ordered a sample of fruits, but at this rate who knows how long until I get to use that!

I know most of you make your own, but I'm not ready to do that yet. Does anyone purchase the wax crusts (5") for gel candles? If so, where do you get them from? I was looking at CandleKitchen's, but they're unscented. Do you think that will make a big difference? Gel doesn't throw much to begin with, and that really added to that "real" pie smell!

TIA,

Missy

Is it possible it isn't allowed where you live? I looked into all this months ago, but did a lot of it backwards. Registered a business name, attended a small business start-up seminar, and bought a lot of supplies. The last thing I did was go to my municipal building (nothing is online in my town), where he basically said "NO way. Your street is zoned residental only". So, I just accepted that. I was upset about it, sure, for a while, but I figured that was that. Recently, though, I was talking to a friend about it, and they said they never heard of such a thing. Anyone run into this?

I rent (not homeowner), but he told me it made no difference. It's how the street is zoned.

Melissa

Well, I inquired about a permit or anything required, and I was told the area I live in is zoned for residential only! No home business of any kind!

Thanks, though, for all the replies about insurance. Ironically, I had the app for Benchmark all set to mail in! Oh, well.

Thanks. Is it cheaper than Indie? ($545/yr)? I think I will call their 800 no. later. I had used the contact form on their website a while ago, and just got a generic response. I took that as a "no". lol

I e-mailed so many I loose track though.

Where are you located? I know that C&S insurance will insure. They may only work with the Northwest though. I can't remember.

Holly,

I'm in PA. Do you have a website for C&S? I tried googling it, but nothing came up. For some reason, anytime I search on this site, I get the results, but clicking on any of them gives a 404 error.

Melissa

I posted in the business forum about not having much luck getting insurance, and joining the Indie Business Network was suggested as an option. It's $545/year, which I think includes the membership. My question is, does this network offer any other benefit to gel candle makers? I don't make soaps or bath products.

Melissa

Did you look into Indie Beauty Network? With organizations like that and the Handmade Soapers Guild - I don't understand why anyone would say they can't get insurance? Also do a search on here for Crafter's Guild and Benchmark.

Benchmark replied "no" to my e-mail inquiry. I thought you had to sell soap to be part of the other organizations, but I looked again, and with Indie it doesn't say that. I'm not a member, but it says on their website to join, "Full Indie with $1M insurance ($545/year). You mean it's that easy?? Wow, don't I feel stupid.

Melissa

Is it common to just not be able to do a candle business? I don't know how, if I can't get anyone to insure me...Other than scrap the whole idea before I invest much money. I was just wondering if that happens a lot. I had heard it was difficult, but I'm thinking now it may not be possible at all.

Melissa

I saw this in the description of a gel apple pie candle. Would real cinnamon be safe?

"and a light dusting of real ground cinnamon on top"

Melissa

Thanks, Vicky. That's what I wanted to be sure on-plain gel doesn't need a crimp......Thank you!

Makes me so happy! No more pinching myself with plyers!

Melissa

I know this post is old, but I was wondering if anyone still feels this is a good product? Also, for those of you using it, do you still maintain something else (quickbooks, etc) for the financial side of the business?

Thanks,

Missy

So....if I buy the extra-long tabs (BCN sells 20mm), then I only have to crimp if I actually wick in the same container as the sand? I'm not liking this crimping at all!

Thanks,

Missy

Thanks. Glad I didn't waste time yet. And the 62's were too much. I ripped that one apart already. I actually try not to put more than one wick in anything glass-pie's can't explode glass, so I do that.

Missy

Thanks for all that. Yes, shells are next order...I still have a lot of fish, couple odd/end glass pieces. I will also check out Oriental Trading.

Good luck, and don't forget to post pics when you can.

lol-Looking for the digital camera is next on list. I know I saw it last year....

Missy