sockmonkey Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi Ladies! After battling a new Candle Wealth rep on another board who thinks she knows everything about candle making, I've become very concerned about the safety of some of the handmade candles on the market. Now I'm assuming every single person here sells only the highest quality and safest candles because you probably wouldn't be here if you didn't test, test, test. No, this is more for those who think if they buy a kit without researching they automatically make perfect candles. The idea is pushing forward state laws for a certification of some sort. The certification would be similar to those who make baked goods in their homes and require a certified kitchen. Instead of the kitchen though, the certification would depend on their process more than anything else. This would include things like making sure the oils are properly weighed (not measured as I've seen some CW reps state is fine), melting wax in a double broiler or other type of specific candle equipment, using correct supplies, and so on. (If I'm missing something, please say so!) Anyway, what do you all think? I wouldn't have a problem with paying an annual fee (say, $100 or less, give or take) to be certified. It would put a stop to the unsafe products being sold and well, knock down our local competition. Wanting some feedback to see what you all think!How will this "knock down" your local competition? If anything, it will even the playing field, and that should be the last thing you want if you're fearful of losing sales to your competitor.Having the government get involved with a certification process will only lead to industry giants and their lobbyists getting involved to ensure that THEY come out on top, which could turn the tables on you and make YOU the one that is ineligible for certification. Would you be able to be certified if you were required to have proper zoning to make candles in your home, have a dedicated room of a minimum mandated size to make your candles which must include: a fire extinquisher; smoke detector; automatic sprinkler system; ventilation system; a scale registered with your state's Dept. of Weights and Measures; proper disposal of chemicals; and let's not forget liability insurance. Not only that, but why not be required to pass basic math and chemistry classes?People have been making crappy candles forever and they will continue to do so. People will buy a crappy candle one time. If they buy them more than once, then to them, it's not crap. It doesn't matter if you know it is, it's what the customer perceives that matters.The people who make crappy candles pose more of a danger to themselves than they do to anyone else. Those people are NOT your competition. The ones you need to worry about are the ones who are making candles that are better than yours, because if you can't step it up a notch and have to worry about the crappy candles outselling yours, then it's game over with or without a certification. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwayneu Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Eh.. I understand where she is coming from. I witnessed the thread in question on another board where the OP and another girl were trying and trying to get through to a moron just how unsafe her practices were.Understand, but do we complicate the world for everybody else because of a few morons, who will no doubt remain morons after finding out how to get past any government certification? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ring of Fire Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 That's a big fat no. But thanks for the concern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtohaley2004 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I'll have to pass. It's bad enough that the government wants to control our lives more and more these days through laws and ordinances (some of which are just down right rediculous) but to require certification to make candles? Come on..........who is to say that someone doesn't get certified and then turn right back around and make them in an unsafe manner. The problem as it is mostly relies on the consumer who either out of stupidity or ignorance doesn't burn a candle correctly and then wants to turn around and sue the candle maker when his or her home burns to the ground. It's bad enough that because of people like them it's hard to find insurance to cover making candles much less affordable insurance for the small business owner. Thus in that aspect I say think again and no thanks!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 As several others have said...what makes you think that after some one is certified that they would continue all of the mandated standards?Some of the occupations that require a license: real estate agent, insurance agent, beautician or even teaching. Just because you take the classes and pass the test and get your license does not guarantee the public you will continue performing your job as it should be. I could give examples of the 4 occupations that I listed where I personally know of "below standard" practices. I won't bore you with the details. LOLDon't give the government any more ideas of how to "rape" us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeebean Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 You know a funny thing happened in my line of work. I am an escort vehicle driver. I am the one you see with an oversize load behind on interstates and in front of the load on two lane roads, it is my job to warn traffic of the oversize load and to warn the drive of the load what is approaching. I have done this since I was 18 and I am 42 now. I have escorted for mainly my husband he pulls modular homes for 20 some years now. All of a sudden NY comes in to say you can't go through the state of NY with a big load unless the escort becomes certified and complies with all the regulations in the book NY decided to write. I had to take a test which cost me $75.00. Then when I passed I had to buy a different car due to my car not having a 100" wheel base. Now I had to go buy all items they wanted to be in each escort vehicle. Items like, fire extinguisher, flares, stop sign, huge light bar for on roof, a vest with certified escort (which most of equipment was purchased from the state NY) There is more items I never mentioned, all going over $1000.00. Now you tell me who made out on this deal? NY saw a way to make money and took advantage of it. They stated it was to cut down on just anyone being able to escort a big load, and to protect other motorists on the road. Yeah right, I have been checked in DOT checks in NY 2 times in the last five years. I can go through NY up to 5 times a week. So they must not be too worried about protecting motorists. Wow, try directing traffic in NY, CT and NJ, I'm the one that needs the protection. The certification runs like your license, renew it every 4 years and pay $40.00 each time. Now VA saw what NY did and they made me take another test to become certified in VA. I have NEVER been checked for that certification. They were a little easier though. I only had to pay $30.00 for the test and every 4 years renew my certification. That is it, they didn't make us purchase a bunch of items for in the vehicle. :(So I guess you know how I feel about that idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicky_CO Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 That idea went over really well hasn't it LOLI agree with most of what has been said here we need the government to stay out of our lives not get in to them more.ASME has been trying for years to figure out a way to regulate us so far they have been unable to thank goodness.There is just to many home based business to try and regulate the candle market. ASME tried to regulate the glass we put our candle in that did not work well because damn you can put a candle in just about anything.They can not even get away with regulating what we make our candles out of because as Alan show one time on the old board you can make a candle out of some amazing stuff. Damn the man stuck a wick in Vaseline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 That idea went over really well hasn't it LOLI agree with most of what has been said here we need the government to stay out of our lives not get in to them more.ASME has been trying for years to figure out a way to regulate us so far they have been unable to thank goodness.There is just to many home based business to try and regulate the candle market. ASME tried to regulate the glass we put our candle in that did not work well because damn you can put a candle in just about anything.They can not even get away with regulating what we make our candles out of because as Alan show one time on the old board you can make a candle out of some amazing stuff. Damn the man stuck a wick in Vaseline. Are you sure it wasn't a can of crisco? I remember a while back someone posted a pic of a wick burning in a can of crisco. Maybe that was topofhillmurray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 It was Alan and Crisco lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candlesprite7 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Are you sure it wasn't a can of crisco? I remember a while back someone posted a pic of a wick burning in a can of crisco. Maybe that was topofhillmurray.I Loved that thread, I think he did both the crisco and the vaseline, I also remember a stick of butter...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
so-soy Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Sorry, but that is a completely STUPID idea! And as others have said, don't give the government anymore ideas for gods' sakes! What exactly are you thinking anyway? If that is your idea of "knocking down" your local competition then you might be the one who needs regulating actually! If you are so concerned about your local competition beating you out in sales that you would like to see the government 'help' you to knock them down, you really need a new hobby, candles just aren't for you! And now that your bright idea has 4 pages worth of replies, where are you?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQueen Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Sorry, but that is a completely STUPID idea! And as others have said, don't give the government anymore ideas for gods' sakes! What exactly are you thinking anyway? If that is your idea of "knocking down" your local competition then you might be the one who needs regulating actually! If you are so concerned about your local competition beating you out in sales that you would like to see the government 'help' you to knock them down, you really need a new hobby, candles just aren't for you! And now that your bright idea has 4 pages worth of replies, where are you??:yay: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicky_CO Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Are you sure it wasn't a can of crisco? I remember a while back someone posted a pic of a wick burning in a can of crisco. Maybe that was topofhillmurray.I went and looked it up this is the thread in questionhttp://www.candletech.com/cgi-local/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=Discussions;action=display;num=1100670458;start= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bugtussle Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I love that old thread! Thks, Vicky. Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I'll tell you what I think. One more nanny-tit, in your face, government regulation and I'm moving to France. Or somewhere.Nothing will put a stop to unsafe products being made. Buh-bye! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Let me tell you why this is a fail situation. ~ No one needs extra fees to pay, especially to our crappy a$$ government. Really who are they to tell anyone how to make candles. They'll probably do things like they do in DC anyway, whoever can pay the highest of high fees gets their "certification"~ Don't you think if someone does not care enough about the safety of their product, that they are going to all of the sudden care about getting a certification. NO. They'll do it anyway.I agree it is annoying to see people not do things the way they are supposed to be done. They give us all a bad name. But what you do is make a better product and put them OOB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiptooth Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 NUTS! That's just a bad of suggestion as the CPSIA bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gloworm Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 And now that your bright idea has 4 pages worth of replies, where are you??I agree with everyone else here but just have to say the poor girl no doubt back to being a lurker now.Glo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwayneu Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I agree with everyone else here but just have to say the poor girl no doubt back to being a lurker now.GloYes Karadawn probably feels a bit trashed on. Personally, my comments were directed more at Uncle Sam and not Karadawn. The frustration comes from past experiences where similar programs just introduce bureaucracy, and add no value. I hope we did not totally scare her away. :tiptoe: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leisa2003 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Her last log-in was Monday, so I'm sure she'll get back with us.Hey Wayne, I am from your area (well grew-up there) I live in Ohio with hubby now. Nice to see someone from my neck-of-the woods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Thanks for the link Vicky! That was a riot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwayneu Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Hey Wayne, I am from your area (well grew-up there) I live in Ohio with hubby now. Nice to see someone from my neck-of-the woods.My wife and I have lived in Indy all our lives, except for a few years at Purdue in Lafayette. You are probably a lot closer to many great suppliers now. There are many in Ohio, and almost none close to Indy. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carol k Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 if i was that scared of competation, that i would need to have the goverment help me out, i'd give up candle making. wayne, you have a great supplier right in beech grove.(flickersfragrances.com) another great one is millcreek which is 80-100 miles north of you. another supplier in indiana is ics. (close to south bend). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
so-soy Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 if i was that scared of competation, that i would need to have the goverment help me out, i'd give up candle making. wayne, you have a great supplier right in beech grove.(flickersfragrances.com) another great one is millcreek which is 80-100 miles north of you. another supplier in indiana is ics. (close to south bend).My sentiments exactly! And Wayne, you now also have Bluegrass in your neck of the woods! Lucky for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banirs Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Don't let Obama here that one!! He already wants to regulate my light bulbs. BanIrs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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