Scented candles are a popular home fragrance product that many people love to buy for themselves or give as gifts. The scented candle industry has been growing steadily in recent years. This presents an excellent business opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in becoming a scented candle wholesaler or retailer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to break into this lucrative market.
Research the Market
Before launching a scented candle business, it’s important to understand the current state of the market. Research how large the scented candle industry is, trends in popular scents and packaging, price points, and major competitors. You can find market research reports online or through market research companies. This will give you an idea of the potential customer base and help you identify opportunities to fill an unmet need in the market. Consider both the retail and wholesale markets.
Develop a Business Plan
Every new business needs a business plan to outline the company’s objectives, marketing strategy, and financial projections. This is especially important for inventory-based businesses like scented candle selling. The plan should cover your product lineup, pricing, startup costs, sales and expense forecasts, and funding requirements. It will require analysis of your target customer, competitors, and your unique value proposition. Your business plan is the blueprint for building a successful company.
Pick Your Products
A key startup step is deciding what types of scented candles you will sell. Visit candle specialty shops and home fragrance retailers to evaluate product selection and quality. Consider fragrance trends and seasonality in your product development. Most scented candle companies offer candles in a variety of scents, sizes, colors and packaging. Decide if you will sell your own branded candles, private label candles, or a mix of both. Evaluate potential suppliers if using private labeling. Make sure to order samples before placing large inventory orders.
Find Suppliers & Distributors
For wholesalers, finding reliable suppliers is key. Research candle, fragrance and packaging suppliers to source quality merchandise at wholesale prices. Build relationships with suppliers that have a good reputation and offer favorable terms. If private labeling, find manufacturers that can customize products to your specifications. Also look for distributors that supply to gift shops, home décor boutiques and other retail clients. Retailers will need to find wholesalers or distributors to purchase inventory from unless drop shipping direct from manufacturers.
Set up an Online Store
An online store allows candle retailers to expand their reach and scale up sales. Choose an ecommerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce and get your store up and running. Hire a web designer if you need help with setup and customization. Create high-quality product images and descriptions. Decide if you will sell only from your own website or also list on marketplaces like Amazon. Make sure to integrate payment processing. Market your web store through digital ads, SEO and influencer partnerships. An online presence is vital for reaching today’s consumers.
Secure Retail Distribution
For retail viability, brick-and-mortar distribution is also important alongside online sales. Contact local gift shops, home décor stores, boutiques and craft stores to introduce your products and leave samples. Offer wholesale pricing and any exclusive scents to make your candles stand out from competitors. Retailers may be more interested in your products if you have an established brand or unique designs. Be prepared to start with smaller regional shops before expanding to national chains. Trade shows are also great for networking with potential retail buyers.
Fund Your Business
Scented candle retailing requires significant upfront capital to order inventory, as products must be paid for upfront while revenue comes later. Wholesalers also need funding to build inventory and purchase supplier minimums. Evaluate funding options like small business loans, crowdfunding, business credit cards, or loans from friends & family. You want to secure funding before obtaining inventory to ensure you have the working capital to support operations. Financial projections from your business plan will be key in raising startup funds.
Find a Store or Warehouse Location
Wholesalers will need a warehouse to store inventory, while retailers need a storefront location. Look for spaces in convenient commercial areas with enough room for products, shipping, and storage. Make sure the space is affordable within financial projections. Retail locations should attract plenty of foot traffic from the target customer base. Visibly and accessibility are key. Consider starting from home to save on costs before expanding to a dedicated commercial space.
Obtain Business Licenses & Permits
Research what business licenses and permits are required in your state and city to operate legally. Most areas require at least a general business license, tax ID, and seller’s permit. States normally have additional requirements for wholesale businesses. Check with your Secretary of State and local government. There may also be industry specific permits for manufacturing and selling candles. Register your business name and complete all legal registrations before opening for business.
Develop a Brand Identity
Creating a strong brand helps differentiate your scented candle company and fosters customer loyalty. Choose a memorable business name and have a logo designed. Decide on branding visuals, color scheme, labels, packaging, and other brand elements. Register a domain name for your candle website. Have branding included on promotional materials, business cards, shopping bags, etc. A consistent brand image across platforms strengthens recognition. Your branding should express your business’ personality and style.
Market & Promote Your Products
Once your business is up and running, implement a marketing plan to generate product and brand awareness. Content marketing through social media, blogging, and email newsletters helps drive interest. PR outreach can gain earned media placements. Paid ads on Google and social platforms directly reach target customers. Developing strategic partnerships, sponsoring local events, and distributing samples are great marketing tactics. Offer promotions like sales, discounts, and giveaways to bring in sales. Strong marketing is what transforms prospects into paying customers.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Especially as a newer brand, excellent customer service can help you stand apart from the competition. Offer fast shipping, easy returns/exchanges, and responsive communication. Make sure customer emails and phone inquiries are addressed quickly. Monitor reviews and address any complaints. Go above and beyond to satisfy customers and they will become loyal brand advocates. For wholesalers, provide extra value to retail partners through marketing materials, training, and support. Meeting customer needs front and center is the path to sustainability.
By following this approach, you can successfully start a scented candle wholesale or retail business. Conduct in-depth planning, secure funding, obtain inventory, build distribution, and implement strong marketing to launch your brand. Differentiate with unique products, compelling branding, and stellar service. With passion and persistence, you can turn your idea into a thriving scented candle company. The rewarding journey of entrepreneurship awaits.
