Profit from Candle Making

The economy has gone down while the costs of candle making have gone up.  However, you can still make a nice profit by being savvy.  Below, we have drawn up a couple of examples to show you how your candle making business can still bring forth a nice profit and keep you in business.

For the first example, we used an average sized jar that is reasonably priced.  In researching, we found that this type of candle typically sells for $9.00 each at area craft shows and fundraisers.  The items you need to make 12 candles are as follows:

• 1 case (12 jars) 9 oz Hexagon Jars;    cost:  $10.45
• 6 pounds NatureWax C-3 Soy Wax;    cost:  $6.48
• 1/4 Candle Dye Block;    cost:  $0.25
• 9 ounces Fragrance Oil;    average cost:  $11.99
• 12 Candle Wicks;    cost:  $0.90

Total Cost:  $30.07 per case of candles ($2.51 per candle)

Your Profit:  $77.93 per case of candles ($6.49 per candle)

These numbers are based on buying glassware by the case, wax by one case, fragrance oil by a 16oz bottle, and wicks by qty 100.  Your profits will increase if you purchase the items in larger quantities (for example, buying 160 ounces of fragrance oil).  Also, if you sell your candles in boutique retail stores the selling price is typically around $10-$13 per candle, which increases your profit to $89.93-$125.93 per case ($7.49-$10.49 per candle).

For the second example, we used a chic metal tin.  These candles are perfect for travel, home, office, as party favors, etcetera.  In researching, we found that this type of candle typically sells for $5.00 each at area craft shows and fundraisers.  The items you need to make 36 candles are as follows:

• 1 case (36 tins) 6 oz Metal Candle Tin;    cost:  $32.04
• 12 pounds NatureWax C-3 Soy Wax;    cost:  $12.96
• 18 ounces Fragrance Oil;    cost:  $22.12
• 1/2 Candle Dye Block;    cost:  $0.50
• 36 Candle Wicks;    cost:  $2.70

Total Cost:  $70.32 per case of candles ($1.95 per candle)

Your Profit:  $109.68 per case of candles ($3.05 per candle)

These numbers are based on buying tins by the case, wax by one case, fragrance oil by a 32oz bottle, and wicks by qty 100.  Your profits will increase if you purchase the items in larger quantities (for example, buying 6 cases of tins).  Also, if you sell your candles in boutique retail stores the selling price is typically around $7-$10 per candle, which increases your profit to $181.68-$289.68 per case ($5.05-$8.05 per candle).

These examples are to prove that you can still make money in the candle industry.  Keep in mind when pricing your candles that the economy is still recovering and people may not be able to loosen the purse strings on an exotic $12.00 candle.  If you buy affordable items like the ones listed above and keep your prices reasonable for all, sales may be better than you expected.