If you are considering selling homemade candles, then there are a few different supplies for candles and candle holders that you will need to get started. You may get overwhelmed because there are so many items to choose from. The first step is starting your candle business is to stock up on supplies, though.

Deciding what kind of supplies you need for your candles is the first step. Here are some items you will need to get:

1. Buying plenty of high quality candle wax will make all the difference.

2. Select stylish candle containers to showcase your crafts.

3. Scent your candles with delicious scented oils from a wholesale candle supply company.

4. Brighten up the scene with color-rich candles.

5. Ensure a proper burn with the right wick for the candles and candle containers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get off to a good start with quality candle wax

A candle is not a candle without wax. When you are stocking up on candle supplies, be sure to include plenty of quality wax. There are different types to choose from such as beeswax, paraffin and soy. Each type makes its own unique type of candle.

I recommend: Make Scents Candle Company carries all of the most popular candle waxes. Look to Peak Candle Supplies whenever you need to stock up on candle wax for your next project.

Choose beautiful candle holders for eye-catching products

A candle is only as beautiful as its candle holder is. Glass candle containers come in different shapes, sizes and styles. When you're shopping at a wholesale candle supply company, pick up a few different kinds and see which ones your candle business sells the most of.

I recommend: Décor Trends has all of the latest styles of candle containers. If you’re looking for unique candle holders stop by the Wellington Fragrance Company website.

Pick candle supplies such as scents that coordinate with the seasons

A beautifully scented candle can set the tone for a warm, inviting home. Selling candles in many varieties of scents will ensure that everyone will find a scent that they will love to burn. Making plenty of seasonal candles will make you their favorite candle producer.

I recommend: The Candles and Supplies.com website sells many supplies for candles and candle holders and it is sure to have any scent you are looking for. Nature's Garden is the place to check out if you’re looking for unique scents of all kinds.

Bring color to your candles with a rainbow of candle dyes

While a white candle is beautiful, a colored candle is even more beautiful. Whether you are making a pillar candle or a floating one, a lovely scented candle in a coordinating color is the icing on the cake.

I recommend: Shop on the Wix n Wax website for dyes such as these liquid dyes to ensure your candles are as beautiful as they can be. Stock up on candle dyes from Tennessee Candle Supplies and never run out of your favorite colors.

Complete the candle package with the right wick

What is a candle if you can't burn it? Next to wax, wicks are one of the most important candle supplies you can purchase. Because you will most likely be making candles in different containers, choosing the right size wick for the candle holder you are using is imperative. Choose a few sizes to have on hand at all times.

I recommend: CandleChem Company has many of the most popular wick sizes you will need. Melting Pot Candle Supplies can set you up with the right wick for your candles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider attaching candle accessories such as beads and imitation pearls to the outside of your candles if you're looking for a great way to dress them up a little.

Looking for top quality candles and candle holders for your small business? Whether you are starting your own candle and candle holder business for the first time or are adding to an existing collection, there are many wholesalers that will work with you in order to provide a quality product at a reasonable price.

The candle industry is a multi-billion dollar business. As you purchase candle supplies, consider the following from The National Candle Association (NCA):

1. Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.
2. About 95% of all candles are purchased by women.
3. Two-thirds of candle consumers say they use candles once a week or more.

Action Steps
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Find great day-to-day candles

Day-to-day candles include all types of candles you normally need in your inventory. Should you order more scented candles or unscented candles? Whether the candle is a pillar candle, a floating candle or a votive candle; you will want to determine what your customers want. Do this by keeping careful track of inventory and including as many new items as you can. Votives, container candles and pillars are currently the most popular types of candles according to the NCA.

I recommend: Bell-A-Roma Candles provides over 300 types of candle and candle holder products from soy to paraffin, from scented to unscented. Whether you want votives, tea lights or pillars, this company offers wholesale discounts on orders of $250 or more. If you're starting your own candle business, they'll offer advice on the phone. General Wax & Candle Co. offers a wide range of products they make themselves, from jar candles to beeswax candles to botanicals. They'll also include you in their affiliate program, if you're starting your own candle business and link them to your website.

Find great seasonal and special event candles

Whether a customer is looking for holiday decorations or candles for a wedding, seasonal candles and special event candles can be lucrative. How lucrative depends on how well your inventory moves.

I recommend: Island Candle Company of Hawaii specializes in beautiful, scented candles that are perfect for everyday use or special holidays. They also offer display advice and wholesale discounts. Sherwoods Forest & A Candle to Remember creates bakery and dessert candles that look like real food, and offers a seasonal line. Patriot Promotions can fill your needs for every holiday and special event, from Mardi Gras to Halloween to weddings. Sundrop Crystal also offers a wide variety of seasonal candles and provides discounted, wholesale prices.

Find great, tasteful candle accessories

Candle accessories and candle supplies can range from specialty soaps to aromatic room sprays.

I recommend: Foxfire Creek Primitives LLC offers natural soy candles and country items that would be perfect for a kitchen or bath. If you want a variety of high quality, fragrant soy candles, moisturizing soaps, room sprays and sachets, Barcelona Bath & Body may be the candle wholesaler for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep careful track of your candle inventory, so it doesn't bog your small business down. Research shows the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.
• •  If offering a line of scented candles, display one of each scent at waist to eye-level.
• •  Store candles carefully by keeping them wrapped and in their boxes until they are ready to be displayed. This is especially important with scented candles; this will help keep the fragrance fresh.
• •  Keep a basket of sale candles and accessories near the register. It's a great way to entice customers into trying the products you are carrying.

Candles and candle holders are a great way to add a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere to your office environment for your employees and your customers. Seven out of every 10 households have candles of some sort within their homes, so it stands to reason that having them in your business will help clients, and employees, feel welcome and comfortable.

There are many types of candles and candle supplies available. In fact, the endless choices can sometimes be overwhelming. Most people purchase candles based upon the size, burn time and, most importantly, the scent. So, consider the following as you look at candles and candle holders pricing and costs for your purchase:

1. A candle business will likely offer many sizes and types of candles, each with their own price range.

2. The burn time of a scented candle will affect the price.

3. Candle accessories can make the candle experience more pleasant and safer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare the size and price of a tealight votive candle to a pillar candle

There are several different sizes of candles available. Tapers are tall, thin candles, with a base less than one inch in diameter and a length of six-to-18 inches. A pillar candle is a thick, cylindrical candle that usually has a diameter in whole increments, ranging from two-to-four inches. Candles that burn in containers, such as small jars, are votives and come in a variety of sizes. Tealight candles are very small votive candles that measure about 1.5 inches in diameter and usually come in a small aluminum cup. Each type of candle has a different price range.

I recommend: Candle 4 Less provides 100 tealight candles for about $10. Depending on the size, round pillar candles are available for $5-to-$15, such as those offered by Wrapables.

Seek out a candle producer with a reputation for quality products

There are several brand name candle providers on the market. They pride themselves on the longevity of the candles' burn time, stronger smells during the duration of the burn and more variety of scents. Some companies also take pride in the wicks they use. As to be expected, these name brand candles cost quite a bit more than the novelty candles you find at regular box stores.

I recommend: The two-wick tumblers offered by Yankee Candle range from $16 for a 12.5 ounce, 50-hour burning, medium candle to $25 for a 22.7 ounce, 90-hour burning large candle. As a comparison, Candles offers tumblers for $12.

Find a candle holder and accessories that fit your preferences

The variety of candle holders is endless -- everything from simple mirrors, to glass hurricane jars, to elaborate creations that have tiny holes that expose the candle's light. Additionally, there are candle lighters that make lighting wicks easy no matter what angle you need and fancy snuffers to put candles out without the drifting smoke from the wick. For candle ceremonies or vigils, there are drip protectors. There are candle sharpeners for making tapers easier to fit in candelabras. The possibilities are endless and each item has its own price range.

I recommend: Candle holders from Discount Candle range from $2.50 to $60, with the price increasing by size and more elaborate design. Candlemart has nickel-plated candle snuffers for $3, while the fancier snuffers offered by U.S. Candle are $9 each.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While candles are very appealing, make sure you are very careful regarding their use in your business. Set limitations on how long they can burn and what scents are appropriate. Be sure to always keep them away from highly flammable items, such as documents.

Candles can be used for a variety of purposes. They are so versatile because they come in many forms and containers. Gel candles and container candles can be used for both decoration and functionality at the same time. For an abundance of extra light, both votives and tea lights can be used, depending on the size you wish to use. There are also natural options, like beeswax, that can add even more benefits to your customers' candle burning experience. Be sure to know what candles are best to use when so you can make recommendations to your customers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gel candles

Gel candles are made out of a transparent material that forms to any container. It can be used to suspend items to create the effect of an aquarium or even desserts. Gel candles are often displayed in fish bowls or wine glasses.

I recommend: Brighter Scents show some examples of gel candles.

Floating candles

Floating candles are small, carved wax candles that are designed to float on water, in bowls or other decorative glassware. Floating candles come in a variety of designs from floral shapes to holiday specific candles.

I recommend: Surroundings details several floral floating candles.

Votive candle

Votive candles are short, small, accent candles that can either be used in votive candle holders or stand alone. Votives come in scented and unscented varieties.

I recommend: Quick Candles discusses uses for scented votive candles.

Container candles

Container candles are a candle holder and candle in one. The wax is poured directly into the jar or glass and has a wick for burning. Container candles are versatile and can be used for decoration as well as lighting.

I recommend: Candle Making Techniques explains how to make container candles.

Beeswax candle

Beeswax candles are all natural and are made from pure beeswax which contains no toxins or paraffin. Beeswax candles are also thought to have health benefits when burned.

I recommend: Bluecorn Naturals explains the benefits of using beeswax candles.

Tea lights

Tea lights are small, metal cups filled with wax. Tea lights are generally used to create lighting either in tea light holders or lanterns, or just on their own. Sold in bulk, tea lights can be used several at a time.

I recommend: 100 Candles outlines a box of tea light candles.