BeckyW

I finally figured out through reading the whole post that it was South you are talking about. I have never ordered from them but have been a customer of North for over 5 years and my sister started with them before me. I have never had an order come that wasn't nicely packaged. But I do agree that if they get a new packager they should be notified of the problem or else they can't fix it. I had one place who I will not name that sent me the wrong wax not once but twice; so the first time I emailed and the 2nd time I called. She was appreciative in me letting her know because she said she would have to speak to the warehouse. But it is upsetting when you are counting on something to show up and it either doesn't or has leaked. North not only sends you confirmation but you can now go into your account and print it.

I have a little square of "instructions" that I put on my wicks-letting people know how to "burn" their candle. I figure then if they choose not to follow my instructions-at least I tried to instruct them. It is an extra step-but I have had many people thank me for including that bit of information.

If it isn't broke-don't try to fix it, lol. People will get mushrooms-it is just a point of trimming or knocking them off and if you make sure people know that-then you need not try to fix it. Sounds like you have figured it out-and it never hurts to try other things, mind you. But don't try to over think it type of thing.

I think that some candles can be stronger than others. I usually (depending on the scent) do 1oz per pound. I have found after almost 9 years of doing this-sometimes I can't smell a scent but someone will come in our back room and say-oh I can smell that all the way outside. My nose after all this time is /has become scent challenged at times...lol. I think I would rather someone say to me "your candles are "too strong" than your candles are not strong enough." Just my opinion.

I agree that "some" scents don't give the same throw as others. I have used soy for almost 9 years and have really never had a problem. Scents like Gingerbread sometimes need a few days with the lid on to get stronger-but for the most part I can burn a candle the next day and see how strong it is. I have to admit I have never used paraffin container wax-only because I like soy and don't want to worry about repouring etc. I offer over 150 scents and again-some are lighter than others-but that is the scent. I have 4 or 5 places I get scent from and have learned over the years what places have stronger scents than others or just what scents are a stronger blend than others. I plan to always use soy; even when sometimes the tops aren't as smooth as other times-I attribute that to the fact that soy doesn't always do that; pour temperature etc all factor in. Good luck making your choice!

I have used the 8oz mason jars and the square 8oz mason and never had the sooting. Sometimes I get a bigger mushroom-but you can just knock those off-and it is normally when people burn longer times-and should knock some of the mushroom off anyways. I use GW444 and papercore wicks and do not get that look no matter what fo's I use. My colors stay for the most part unless I have a really dark color-then sometimes (but rarely) I get the frosted look in spots. I also don't have my candles hang around a long time-so I have never really cured any for more than a few days-and that is just because they are waiting to be shipped. I hope you figure this out with what you are using.

I agree that if first you don't succeed you get a do-over. It looks very cool. Way to go.

I use Zinc & Papercore from C&S and have never had an issue. Also the same with Bittercreek-they are just a tad more expensive.

I use MyLabel Designer. It took some getting use to-but I really enjoy it now. I used to use Microsoft Print Shop Premium-until my computer bit the dust and I had to get one with Vista-so this was a good deal and I got it as a download on line.

I agree- I figure out what it costs me to make them, then double for wholesale and then double again for retail. Sometimes I am a little higher than others- and other times I am a bit lower. It also depends on your audience and what the "pricing" is in your area etc. I don't feel you ever can get "enough" for your time-especially in the first few years of business.

I too use hot glue. When I have wanted to remove the wick stands to reuse like you want to if I can't get them to pop off-I put them in a bit of water in a double boiler and that usually does the trick. You just want it hotter than your poured wax would be-and I agree-atleast I know it has to be super hot to get it to move.

That is great-and it looks nice too. It always feels good when you figure out a dilema.

In the past 3 years I have always left my wax in my Presto. I have 1 Presto for my container wax and 1 presto for my non-container wax. I put the lids on when I am not using them. I don't have a spigot, I just pour off the side. I am glad to know I am not the only one to keep it in there.