PurpleHippie Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I am just wondering how long do most of you test a new wax before moving on to another if you don't like it? Also, I've spoken to several newbies and I am always surprised that people forget to add in their out of pocket cost for shipping charges. If you don't get your supplies locally those shipping charges really make a difference in your final cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in PA Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I was lucky and went from a paraffin blend I mixed up myself 3 yrs. ago, to mixing a 50/50 w/ J223, to sticking with the 50/50 alone, and once I figured out the wicking, I never looked back...and YES, the shipping is HUGE, if you can't pick up your wax, that definately figures into my cost... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I am just wondering how long do most of you test a new wax before moving on to another if you don't like it?Not long! :laugh2: But FIRST one has to have enough experience to even KNOW when they do not like a wax... Shipping costs are always part of the cost of doing business. Anyone who doesn't figure this cost into their pouring costs will not be in business for long. Just because folks can pour candles doesn't mean they know anything about business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleHippie Posted November 25, 2007 Author Share Posted November 25, 2007 Not long! :laugh2: But FIRST one has to have enough experience to even KNOW when they do not like a wax... Ain't that the truth!I recently tested a new wax, new for me anyway. Every single FO I tested produced black soot on the jar. I used 5-6% FO and tested three different types of wicks. These same FO's do not produce black soot in my usual wax at the same % and the same wicks. So IMO the wax was the problem and I am sticking with my usual wax.With some of my last orders for the year I have really had to take a second look at my out of pocket cost. I order every single item I need to produce my products. The quality of what is available locally is poor so I have no choice. Shipping charges add a significant amount to the over all cost. I find that my cost is usually several dollars more per item to produce verses someone that can purchase quality materials locally. With yet another shipping cost increase by UPS announced I am really having to take stock in if I can continue to offer products at a price that customers will be willing to pay. To keep within the selling price average for my area I am only able to sell my items at 1x my cost. After completing an all nighter in the kitchen, I am really wondering if that little profit is worth it to continue. So definitely consider your shipping into your out of pocket! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in KY Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 Even if I purchase locally I still add to the cost. You do have to drive there and that cost more every day. I was talking to a supplier that said he knows the cost of everything. Even how much the tape cost to package each box he ships. That is something that has to be figured in too, the tape, packing, boxes, ink for printer, label, gas to drop off pkg. Even if you don't have to ship orders there are a lot of hidden cost. For one, some kind of cost for testing should be added to each product you produce and the waste. I have so much waste, either it's the candle looks like crap and has to be redone, clean jar again, get a new wick, silicone and all. Or the wax is crappy and I have to add things to help it, more testing or the FO isn't the same as last time so here we go again. Damn why didn't I notice that small piece of dirt? in the jar before I poured it??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimb Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 I have to do the same things about costs. I try and buy in bigger bulk at one time (when I can) if I am buying something that I usually order two or three times. This really helps on the heavier items like jars, wax, and other heavy items.HTH,Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ah-soy Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 I'm also surprise by how many people never figure in cost of labor. If by chance your business does grow and you must hire help you have nothing factored in to pay employees much less yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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