kandleindulgence

Hi, I only use TL 28 or 31's and I haven't experienced any problems. There is no leftover wax! HTH, Jameel

Hi MWalls, The folks over at CS are awesome! They are always willing to share their expertise on appropriate waxes. They were the first suppliers that didn't give just enough information for you to purchase another product that wasn't at least 95% effective. I personally wouldn't recommend continuing to use EcoSoya CB Advanced. I spent a year testing and making candles with EcoSoya CB and while you get good glass adhesion, you will find the difficulty achieving "amazing" scent throws. For the last two years, I have used CB 135 and I swear by it. I have not received not one complaint for any of the businesses I make candles for or my retail customers. I don't add any chemical fillers or dyes to my wax to achieve both cold/hot scent throw. HTH, Jameel

I totally agree with all of you. Sales are definitely down...the economy is VERY bad right now. At the Atlanta, the foot traffic could have definitely been better. But I'm happy. I signed a top selling sales rep currently working for another business associate and he grossed $500K for his business last year...so I'm excited to see what he can do to position my business. I just mailed out his sample kit along with another to one of his sales reps. I have never advertised my business in any magazine. I would love to but I have seen that it can help and for some it doesn't. My business associate never advertised his business in any magazine and his business grosses millions. I bought a lot of jewelry that was handmade in Indonesia. I honestly bought too much...some of it I have been selling. I bought approximately 30-40 pieces of jewelry for $130. I ordered 10 pieces of sterling silver jewelry (jewelry typically seen in Macy's) for $106, I purchase 2 beautiful leather persons (handmade) where the leather circles lift up for $16 each. Honestly, I would prefer to do my shopping this way but on the flip side of it, it can hurt the economy. I spoke to a senior sales rep who used to have a showroom at the Mart and she was telling me that lot's of people have come to register as a business just so they can purchase products at wholesale and are only buying one's and two's.

I don't mind sharing at all. The booth fee was $3,067 for a 10 x 10. It comes with 2 tables (either 4', 6' or 8'), 2 chairs, 2 risers and trash can. It was the The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® held at America's Mart. I have to say the retail industry is down in sales though. Most exhibitors that usually write $30-$40K orders in previous years did not see those type of sales. Some exhibitors made out good simply because of their location. I tell you that it would be worth every crafter's dream to visit the America's Mart if you ever come to Atlanta. Once you're registered as a buyer you can shop the showrooms for products at wholesale price.

Hi Everyone, I hope all is doing well. Well, I just completed a 5-day trade show at America's Mart here in Atlanta, GA. What an experience! I met a lot of great people and contacts for the business. This was my second trade show and boy it's a lot of work. I signed 6 new clients and a Sales Rep. For those that are in the process in preparing for a show such as this one, please make sure you bring some family members or friends to help you. I would recommend prior to purchasing your booth...attend a show first and pick out areas that you like and draws more traffic. Keep in mind the front booths are typically reserved for senior exhibitors. Words of Encouragement After years in being in the candle making industry it has taken me ten years to finally do a trade show and it's so much more rewarding. Continue to stay focus and don't give up on your passion. I'm finally after 10 years working from home full-time (I'm almost 29 years old). Don't give up on your passion, your dreams and don't allow anyone to steal your joy. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. I will have pictures up shortly in how I setup my booth. Happy Candlemaking! Jameel

Thank you! I will check it out.

Hi Everyone, I have a customer that I'm doing some testing for and they are interested in a Kudzu fragrance, does anyone know where I can find this or do you have a sample I can purchase from you? I ran a search on it and I'm coming up with a lot of soap companies and candle companies I'm not familiar with. I appreciate the help. Thanks, Jameel

CB135 is the best. I have tried over 60 fragrances with this wax and every last one has thrown exceptionally well. The wax adheres to the glass container very well. My 16 oz. candles have scented up a room of over 2000 sq. ft. using cb 135. CB Advance doesn't have a good scent throw and you get a lot of wet spots even when the jars are heated. Good luck! Jameel Nolan http://stores.ebay.com/Kandle-Indulgence-Company

Please tell us what container you're using, wick and if any additives have been added. This will help us to give you the best advice possible. In my experience, the tunneling has been caused by either the wick being too small or the candle didn't burn long enough on the first burn. Jameel Kandle Indulgence Co. www.kandleindulgence.com Coming Soon ~ Step-by-Step Guide to Making Handmade Soy Candles Reserve your copy today!

Hi Everyone, I'm in need of sampling a few fragrances from various suppliers. Please let me know how much and shipping to 30005. Snowtop Peppermint Baked Apples ASS Cranberry Spice NGC Karma Sutra In the Mood Karma Sutra Misbehavin KY Cleopatra FOH Indonesian Teak Tuscan Herb Thanks, Jameel http://www.kandleindulgence.com

Hi, I have seen it before. I have noticed that for me it comes when my products have set in an area that was extremely cold, especially if it was in a warm area. So basically, I have seen it only due to temperature changes. It occurs in dye free candles and those with dye. HTH, Jameel Kandle Indulgence Company www.kandleindulgence.com

Hi, Heat your wax to 180 degrees, add fragrance oil first and mix (this way you can see the fragrance oil has clearly blended into the wax), then add your dye chips (prefer dye chips over liquid dye). Allow wax to cool down to 145-150 and then pour into your mold half way. Allow candle to cool until it slightly solidifies and add the remaining wax. Leave approximately a 1/4" from top of mold (which will be the bottom of candle). Allow the candle to completely cool down for at least 24 hours and then remove. HTH, Jameel

In response to Topofmurrayhill: I'm really curious to know if Beanpod's candles are in fact pure soy candles as they advertise. I did a trade show in September at America's Mart and a potential and now customer of mine had a Beanpod candle and she wanted to know what was the difference in their candle compared to mine. Of course, this caught me off guard but I immediately felt the top of Beanpod's candle and it was rock hard! Now, with my 10+ years experience in working with paraffin, gel and soy it's hard for me to imagine they're candles being all soy. There has to be some other additives to their candles. Out of all the soy candles I have tested for other companies and the soy candles I make I have never touched a soy candle that was rock hard. Just my personal opinion. Here's the company that manufactures Beanpod: www.soybasics.com. This term 'stabilized' seems to be another marketing tactic.

Hi LynnS, Congratulations on your new sales rep! As long as you have insurance for your business then your products are covered regardless of your rep selling it. She is considered an independent rep so you are under no obligations in providing insurance or any other type of benefit that is commonly received when a person is considered an employee of your company. All the Best, Jameel

I have my 800 with www.ureach.com. I have had that number for a couple of years now and I absolutely love Ureach. HTH, Jameel www.kandleindulgence.com

Hi Rick, When I had reps I advertised on a lot of the groups I belonged to. But see it depends on what route you're trying take when bringing on reps. Are you looking to have your reps build a downline? Ideally, you would be targeting stay-at-moms/dads or anyone looking to earn extra money that would bring in retail orders, fundraisers, etc.. On the flip side, you may be interested in hiring professional sales reps that would represent your product line and go out to get the wholesale companies for you. These type of reps will right $50K-$100K orders and are looking for companies that are unique and can accommodate such large orders. Check out www.greatrep.com. You can post an ad for about $45 a month requesting company representation. All the Best, Jameel

Thanks Sweetscents! Honestly, I have had at least 5 companies contact me interested in representing my line of products. Unfortunately, right now I'm not in a position to get a catalog designed. I have someone to design it but I'm not really feeling the look of it. I thought I liked it when she first started but now I don't care for it. I do have quite a few documents professional designed. But I'm find the catalog is the main thing or at least a sales sheet. But these graphic designers are charging as much as $30 per hour. Which I wouldn't have a problem with that if I was working. So if I had a catalog or sales sheet then heck I could be well on my way. Jameel

Hi All, Excuse my ignorance...but what is the information to find out market information about candles. TIA, Jameel

Hi Everyone, I'm growing extremely tired with my business. I have been at this candle making for 10 years (since I was 18 years old). I started my business with my own savings and continue to do so. I have 6 wholesale accounts that are doing extremely well. My concerns: I have been a one woman show for the entire 10 years wearing the hat of at least 5 people (I'm sure many of you can relate). I have had my fair share of craft shows, fairs, parties, etc. I just recently did my first trade show at America's Mart. I was successful despite it was poor in attendance. I spent over $2000 to exhibit. Investing in this large shows has somewhat been rewarding but a financial struggle. I have no help from my family or friends so that's another challenge. I have been home for 4 months and I have had my share of ups and downs. I have so many creative ideas but unable to implement even the best because I do everything. Sorry, to vent but I'm just having a frustrating day. Thank goodness for wine! I'm curious to know how some of you have advertised your business to sign up wholesale accounts in a less expensive way? Every way that I have taken has been quite expensive. I have done cold calling but it hasn't been as effective. I do pass out samples when I go to the doctors, dentists, etc. and I do get sales here and there. How many of you are a one woman or man show wearing the hats of many? How do you advertise to bring in more wholesale accounts? Thanks everyone for listening to me vent! Jameel

Hello All, I have a few questions about independent sales reps. I use to have a consultant program where I had about 12 or 15 independent sales reps. The majority of them signed up to be able to purchase my products at a discounted rate. A lot of them tried to sell the products online but had extreme difficulty because the market is so saturated with candle companies. I would like to hear from those that have sales reps and how has it worked for you as well as a few other questions: Do you offer incentives? What kinds, i.e. cash or product incentive? Did you charge a start-up fee? Were your reps required to purchase a kit? How do you keep them motivated?I appreciate your responses. I don't think I'm interested again in have reps but was curious to see if it's really working for smaller companies. All the Best, Jameel

I package mine in clear votive containers packed in either 2 or 4. I know some people package their votive candles individually but seems like too much labor. HTH, Jameel

Hello, I'm sorry as well to hear about your ordeal and to make matters worst the company you ordered it from was of no help. Personally, I recommend EcoSoya products. I have never had any problems out of the wax I use. I purchase it from Candle Science. The people at this company have always been willing to help. Check out there site: www.candlescience.com HTH, Jameel

Hi Violet, I understand this was your first show and as you do more shows your ideas for setup will continue to flow, especially after you see other companies setups. Your table looks clutter and this can overwhelm your customers. Here are a few suggestions: Displays Wal-Mart or Michael's - wooden crates that can be used to setup your candles - fee varies from $9.99-$19.99 IKEA - wood shelves that range from $9.99 and up. Many of their shelving can be pieced together to suit your size booth. Table Cloth JoAnn's Fabric & Craft Store or Wal-Mart- Purchase fabric for your tables and/or to cover up (if you choose) display props. I prefer black because your candles stand out more. Ebay - I bought 8 ft black table covers that are PERFECT. These come all the way down to the floor to cover up anything under your tables. Type in: Trade show table covers or click here: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=Trade+Show+Table+Covers&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=30005&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search Other Suggestions: Place your price list in an affordable picture frame. Picture frames can be purchased at Wal-Mart. HTH, Jameel Kandle Indulgence Company www.kandleindulgence.com info@kandleindulgence.com

Violet, you will have a FANTASTIC day at the fair!

So sorry to hear about your candle problems. Unfortunately, CB Advance will do that as with any soy wax for that matter. Some better than others. This is one of the main reasons why our company went dye free as well. Sure the colors are beautiful but soy wax is challenging. You can also place these in the oven on a low temperature for a fast remelt. I have tried this many times with our dye candles and it was pretty fast to do. Jameel