Candle Making Mistakes? We’ve Got You!

Hey there, aspiring candle makers! We're here to shed some light on the common candle making mistakes you should avoid when diving into the wonderful world of candle making. As a candle supplies wholesaler, we've seen it all, and we're here to help you steer clear of those pitfalls. Plus, we’ve been chatting to our long-time candle makers, and they’ve been filling us in on the rookie mistakes they made when they were in your shoes. So, grab your favourite scented candle, sit back, and let's dive in!

 

Mistake #1: Bargain hunting

We get it, budgeting is important, especially when you're just starting out. But please, resist the temptation to opt for those super cheap candle supplies. While they may save you a few bucks initially, the quality will likely leave a lot to be desired. You don't want your customers to be disappointed with their purchase, do you? Invest in high-quality materials that will make your candles shine (quite literally).

At London Luxury, we test and trial every product to make sure it is the best quality for our customers. We don’t call ourselves ‘Luxury Candle Supplies’ for no reason!

 

Mistake #2: Overheating the wax

Okay, let's talk about melting wax. It can be tempting to crank up the heat and get the job done quickly, but trust us, patience is key here. Overheating your wax can lead to discoloration, loss of fragrance, and even candle tunnelling (where the wax burns straight down the centre, leaving wasted wax on the sides). So, take it slow and steady, and your candles will thank you for it!

Investing in a wax melter machine can help you avoid this issue altogether. You can set the temperature and the machine will do the hard work for you, melting your wax down efficiently and ensuring no overheating occurs.

 

Mistake #3: Buying the wrong wicks

Choosing the right wick size may seem like a trivial matter, but it can make or break your candles. Using a wick that's too small might result in a weak flame that doesn't properly melt the wax, causing poor scent throw and tunnelling. On the other hand, a wick that's too large could lead to excessive smoking and uneven burning. Experiment, test, and find the perfect wick size for each candle type to ensure a beautiful, even burn.

We’ve taken away the trivial, time-consuming, mind-boggling maths that helps you get the perfect wick, by designing accurate Burn Rate Charts. This candle making mistake will cease to exist when you start making the most of these handy cheat sheets. These will guide you to the exact wick size you’ll need for the jars you’re using. Oh, and they’re totally FREE. You’re welcome!

 

Mistake #4: Failing to document your candle testing

You might have the best memory in the world, but when it comes to candle making, trust us, it's better to have everything written down. A common candle making mistake is to neglect the documentation of your experiments. Testing different fragrances, wick sizes, and wax blends can get overwhelming. Keep a document or a journal where you record all your experiments and observations. This will help you remember what worked, what didn't, and make improvements along the way. Plus, it's fun to look back on your candle-making journey!

 

Mistake #5: Under-pricing your products

As a newbie, you might be tempted to undercut the competition and offer your candles at ridiculously low prices. This is a huge candle making mistake that we see new businesses making all the time, and it breaks our hearts. Don’t undersell your work – you’ve earnt the right to price your products fairly.

While it's important to be competitive, don't undervalue your hard work and the quality of your products. Calculate your costs, including supplies, packaging, and your precious time, and make sure you're pricing your candles to cover all expenses while leaving room for profit. Remember, you're not just selling wax and fragrance, you're selling a unique experience!

 

Mistake #6: Trying to please everyone

We get it, you want to cater to all tastes and preferences, but trying to please everyone is a slippery slope. Instead, focus on defining your brand and target audience. Develop a signature style, fragrance range, and packaging that represents your unique vision. This will not only help you stand out from the crowd but also attract customers who resonate with your brand. Embrace your uniqueness, and your tribe will find you!

 

Put candle making mistakes in the past

Phew! Now that you're aware of these common candle making mistakes, you're one step closer to becoming a pro. Remember, mistakes happen, and that's okay. We all start out as rookies, and we all have to adapt, overcome and grow. Making mistakes is part of the journey, simply learn from them and keep that creative candle flame burning bright. Happy candle making!