shessuchatart

Can anyone point me to where I can find the info on what is required to be on the label vs what might be on a tag? I'm wondering if I'd be able to fit all of the required info on a label which can be put on the bottom of the jar, and put the rest on a removable hang tag. Labels on jars that I can't peel off are one of my pet peeves. I can't explain it, but I hate seeing those labels, even the cute ones. I'm not making candles, but using jars to package melts (well, at least some of them). So no wicks/flame, no need for burning instructions/warnings. I swear I found this before, but I can't seem to find the info I had found when I started researching everything. Buying a new (smaller) house really disrupted things and made for an interesting twist on R&D and making things...680 square feet of space can be fun to work with, lol. Now we seem to be back on track and have things figured out (try working with no oven and only a woodstove for heat) to a point of getting back to the actual business of the business instead of test pours and meltings!

Do they actually scent a room, or is it more like an unlit candle, where it's more subtle? I guess too, it depends on the room size, temp, wax and FO...But in general, will a dipped bear or basket of cones actually throw enough scent to notice it when walking into a room, or an extended period of time (more than a month)?

I'm looking for something that will scent a room without a heat source (candle, bulb, etc). Will Aroma Beads be able to do this? Does something actually exist that can do this? It's a special request for someone with an elderly family member that they are afraid might spill hot wax (warmer) or worse (wicked candle). I am thinking no....since an unlit candle doesn't really do much after the first inital "poof" of fragrance after it is opened. But I thought I'd ask anyway!

I can't think of the acronym for the laws governing this right now, but those that keep CC numbers on file, please look into the legalities and laws that govern it. I know there are laws that cover how they are stored, etc.

I'm also curious. We just got two new batches of various FOs and we were testing them this past week. Only one was a head pounder (christmas thyme from NG) so far. So far so good for us with soy, also poured a bit of paraffin too with no issues (save that one FO).....

Another thing to consider is that sometimes UPS or FedEx can actually be less expensive than USPS. It pays to shop around. We've begun shipping more and more with FedEx for the vintage items we sell, using our own account and disocunt rate we got because we are Etsy sellers. I encourage anyone that sells on Etsy to look into that-or even create a seller account there just to get it even if you DONT end up selling anything there. I think it's like 20% off book rate, but I can't remember off the top of my head. Also, if you do ship USPS, use Click N Ship or Paypal shipping-online rates are less expensive than going to the PO. And if you use USPS, take advantage of the free boxes/envelopes whenever possible to help reduce costs that way too. We rarely buy boxes, just packing tape, bubble and paper/ink to print the labels-we have to account for those costs as well when considering shipping costs (well, and the time to pack and take the stuff to the PO because we don't have p/u available).

Actually, I work for a large company as my day job, and answer some of the emails sent through our website/answer phone calls. Believe me, they DO try this with big companies too. The difference is, most big companies brush them off, where a new startup might not. There's no ego involved when it's your paid job, but when it's YOUR product and YOUR hard work, it's harder to look at junk like that and think "scam" not "omg, someone loves my stuff" (at least for people that just started). Or so it seems to me, after reading fora like those on Etsy for years. Personally, I roll my eyes and delete. I'm not a techie, but I have considered that it would be fun to send them all a virus that somehow emails all their contacts and tells them they are a lazy scammer. I loved the one story of the mega Munsters fan that got one of those phishing scams and gave all of Herman Munsters info to the crook-who turned around and used it (and of course got caught). That was priceless... Oh, and they don't just try to get free stuff. There are plenty of the overseas scammers and the ones that think that because they are a company (uh, it's not THAT hard to file a DBA) or are ordering a "large" quantity (really, 4 isn't a large quantity, lol) that they MUST qualify for a discount. And they can be just as nasty with people at the big companies as the little ones. Gotta have a thick skin nowadays...shesh.

Being a total noob to candles and more or less to this board I've not seem much more than your sig in regards to what you do so I don't know if you've already resolved this or not, in regards to branch only related candles. The symbols/names are actually trademark/copyright of the branch of service. I design cards as well and had a bunch of problems with "welcome home" and "thank you/support our troops" cards that were too specific and mentioned branches (namely the Marines). I haven't had a chance to try to figure out WHO there to contact in regards to using the name/symbol. I use a third party vendor to make/ship the cards and they were the ones that told me about the issues/took the cards out of the offering. I totally get the idea of TM and copyright protection and am all for it, but was a little surprised to have a problem with that particular line (if I had the option I would just forfeit my commissions on them and reduce the cost by that amount, but I don't so maybe it is because I make money-although not a lot-on them). Just an FYI. One other thought is to get involved with a group that sends care packages to deployed soldiers and offer a drop off at your booth, then advertise this before the show (I've seen people noting shows on craigslist, maybe there or bulletin boards, etc). While I am totally behind the idea of donations, I don't know your profit margin so this would be something that people could feel involved with, without effecting your bottom line. You could also have cards at your booth for people to sign that could be included in the packages, they wouldn't be overly expensive either. Just another thought.

We have another business (not candle related) that involves custom items. We have a repeat local customer that has done similar things-like asking if we can have an order that usually takes a week done in 2 or 3 days (we had to decline, we special order one of the items we use for them as it isn't something we carry and we don't have room to stock their quantity). She was ok with it but still cuts it close on orders. We do require that she pays before we start the work or even order the one supply we don't stock, since it is completely custom (we couldn't resell it if she renigged for some reason). I would gently remind her of your policies on payment and lead times, and make sure she realizes that you can't ship until you receive payment which could lead to late deliveries. I am not sure as I don't do anything wedding related, I thought spring was crazy season for planners, but maybe she's been hit with an uptick in business and isn't really able to completely stay on top of it? I would certianly see if there was something you could work out with her to be sure things go smoothly and her orders continue to arrive in time-I wouldn't want to be her if they didn't!!! (bridezilla anyone, lol) I don't know your relationship with her or if business seems to be growing from her, but maybe mention (if it seems to be) that it looks like she's getting busier and if there is anything you can do to make sure things go smoothly and timely. Hopefully she would appreciate the gesture and it would also be a reminder that she's been cutting things close and you're noticing it...

I thought it would smell more like the smoke (you know, that sort of sweet, homey scent), but it smells more like a cold fire to me and I didn't smell any pine. Is it just me or has anyone else gotten it and thought the same?

Another thing to consider is how long she has had everything. If I recall correctly, FOs don't have an incredibly long shelf life for instance. How was everyting stored? In a cold garage over winter? There are some variables outside of visable condition, at least IMO.

I just had a discussion kind of like this with DH. I don't really recall the whole thing, just something about was it worth it when there are so many cheapies out there-and I mentioned how many cheap candles have we gotten (usually as gifts-why do people bother giving yucky smelling don't burn for a you know what candles?! arg...another story there) that don't burn well, don't have a scent or have a terrible headache inducing put that thing outside NOW scent....which is why I started buying only more expensive, well made ones and "storing" the others for "special occasions"...I figure other people will figure it out too. I think it started with cheaply priced tarts at a gift shop-and I went through about 10 (just smelling them there, I didn't buy any) and gave up-they all smelled horrid to me. Christmas tree=pine sol, etc. Hey, I wonder if they pour most of it with unscented wax then just coat the top with a second pour of scented wax

I'm looking at trying some ornies. I read the directions on bitter creek and something jumped out at me, since I was thinking of making them as Christmas ornaments. It does mention displaying them on a tree...but also that they shouldn't be set on a plastic surface because of the oils. While I *LOVE* real trees, I know that a LOT of people use fake ones, and I imagine the "needles" are a type of plastic. So...will the ornies damage the fake trees? Has anyone tried hanging them on a fake tree? Does it stain the needles or do something else?

Not to get into the medical stuff, but Migraine can't be diagnosed via MRI because they don't show on an MRI. You can have lesions on the brain with migraine, but most sufferers, even long term ones, don't have them. Glad to hear hers was clean though, migraines are NOT fun but there are worse things out there!! I completely understand the meds thing. I have been there, done that. My fav OTC "script" for myself was 4 advil chased with a 20oz mountain dew (caffeine CAN make migraines worse, but oddly enough, it can also help). I finally caved and got a script for an abortive, Midrin, and I call it my magic red pill now, lol. I originally was given Imitrex but the possible side effects list was rather hair raising and I made my dr give me the midrin instead. It is a personal choice, but after years (like 15 or so) of frequent migraines (which are more than a headache, believe me) I gave up and decided I wanted to try and have a life again! I tried "natural" alternatives like feverfew and magnisum suplements with no luck, however I do seem to sleep a little better if I take a small dose of magnisum before bed. Lack of sleep is a HUGE trigger for a lot of people. I have a hard time with that one myself-anyone that owns their own business and works a full time job as well can attest to the fact that sleep is often the first thing sacrificed! MSG is another big one. Stress is also, but also one of the hardest to avoid.

Ok, this sends red flags for me, although since she's already seeing a neuro I'll not over react. Learn about "Status Migrainous" and also rebound headache. Not to go TOO off topic, but status can be dangerous (sustained migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours without a break, not including sleep). And rebound or MOH (medication overuse headache) can be a real bear to deal with and is caused by continued constant use of a pain killer. If you search for "migraine forum" on yahoo, there is one on health central that has a number of migraine experts and sufferers there to offer support and non-medical advice. I can't recall if you ever mentioned she suffers from migraine vs headache, but even if they aren't migraines she might find some help there.