Les Chandelles

We're using the Atkins & Pearce 51-32-18 Zinc Core wicks. They work well with all the scents from our main FO supplier - just not so well with NG.

I was just curious if anyone has tried Wicks Unlimited's free test burning service. If so, were you pleased with their recommendation? Also, how long did the whole process take? We've been thinking about sending off some of our candles to get tested but want to make sure it's worth it before we do. Thanks!

Thanks for all the responses. We're using an IGI paraffin wax (can't remember the exact one off the top of my head). Maybe it's because NG's FOs are formulated to work better in soy, as it seems that people who use it in soy are generally pleased with them.

For those of you who have tried Nature's Garden FOs, have you noticed that the scent threw is really weak in most of them. We've ordered 20-25 different scents over the past few months and when we test burn them, the scent doesn't even fill an average sized room. For example, I really liked their Fresh Cut Grass scent while in the bottle, but I tried burning it and nothing. I literally had to stand over the candle to smell anything. On the other hand, we just test burned Peake's Tall Grass, which is a very similar scent, and the scent throw is great.

You can certainly form the LLC in Iowa, but you'll probably also have to file a document with IL that allows you do to business there. Of course, there will be a fee attached to that as well. I'm not familiar with IL law so it would be best to contact the IL secretary of state or a local attorney to see if such an authorization would be required if you're not actually selling in IL.

That's basically correct. In the beginning you have to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether you have enough assets for insurance to be worth the cost. It's a business decision.

My girlfriend and I actually bought a small candle company last year and we just found these boards about a month ago and we've been reading them trying to learn a few things ever since. I sensed from another thread that there was some confusion about what protection an LLC provides and about liability in general, so that's why I posted. Sort of as a public service to the board. And actually, I've never heard of a candle company being sued for product liability. Let hope it stays that way!

There are really several ways to price a business. Theres Book value: current value of assets - liabilities Earnings multiple: take your yearly profits and multiply them by some number Discounted cash flow: most complex method that involves projecting the company's cash flows out into the future (10-20 years) and then using a discount rate that corresponds with the desired return on investment and discounting those cash flows to present value For businesses like ours, you'll want to use either book value or earnings multiple. For the earnings multiple method, multiple your average yearly earnings by a number between 1 and 2. That's about that price someone would be willing to pay for a small candle business. If you're not turning a profit or a turning a very low profit, use the book value method instead. Then when you talk to potential buyers, emphasize to them how you came to your price and why its a good deal. If you use book method, don't talk about profits but instead emphasize that they're getting a fair deal on the equipment, inventory, etc. If you use earnings multiple method, emphasize how quickly they'll make back their initial investment (i.e., 1 to 2 years). If all else fails and your business is large enough, you can contact a business broker in your area. I'm sure there are several in Texas.

Hi Everyone, I wanted to clear up a few things I saw in one of the insurance threads. First let me start out by saying that if you are selling to the public, you should absolutely be operating as an LLC (and NOT as a sole proprietor or partnership). An LLC in most cases is the perfect answer for small businesses because they can be run informally like a sole proprietorship/partnership but provide you with the same protections for your personal assets that a corporation does. It's the cheapest "insurance" you can buy. Most states require an initial organization fee of ~$100 and then yearly reports that usually cost somewhere between $25-50. I think we'd all agree that this is a very small price to pay to ensure that your personal assets (home, car, bank accounts, etc.) are protected. Just make sure you keep complete and accurate records and a separate business banking account (don't intermingle personal and business funds) and you should be protected. That way, if you do get sued, only your business assets are at risk and not your personal assets. Setting up an LLC in most states is extremely easy and doesn't require an attorney. Simply go to your state's Secretary of State website and they'll usually have forms and instructions on how to set up your LLC. That being said, I'll echo what others have said in that it's certainly a good idea to have general liability and product liability insurance to protect your business assets in case someone brings a suit against you (assuming you have enough business assets for insurance to be worth it). Sincerely, Your friendly neighborhood corporate attorney Mandatory Disclaimer: the above is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. If you have any questions particular to your situation, you should contact your own attorney for legal advice.