How to Market a Candle Making Business
You have created unique and appealing candles and want to market them effectively. Printing and mailing a glossy color catalog to thousands of customers is out of your budget, so you are seeking affordable alternatives to getting your products in the hands of potential customers. In this article, you will find creative ways to engage your local community, family and friends in your efforts to grow your candle-making business.
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Instructions
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Create a signature candle or product that stands out from that of your competitors. Whether it is a uniquely scented candle, a creative container or another characteristic that makes your product fresh and different, highlight this signature candle in all your marketing efforts. Be certain you have the capacity to produce many candles at once when your sales increase.
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Market your candles to local stores and businesses. Locally owned businesses, such as home decor shops, salons and spas, card and gift shops, grocery stores and florists, may be willing to feature your candles among their merchandise. Other businesses, such as Realtors, mortgage companies and credit unions, may be willing to purchase your candles and use them as tokens of appreciation to customers and clients. When meeting with business owners or managers, always bring along several items for their review.
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Inquire about renting a table or a booth at local flea markets, fairs and festivals. Investigate displaying your products at farmer's markets, as they often feature home goods. Consider creating items of various sizes and prices for flea markets and fairs, such as candle gift baskets. If you are considering debuting a new item, a flea market or festival is ideal for launching new products to see firsthand how customers will respond.
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Consider offering your candles as nonprofit fundraisers, if you are willing to share your profits with a charitable organization. Sports teams, nonprofit child care centers and others may be willing to use a candle fundraiser to generate revenue. Not only would this help the organization, it would give your candle-making business income and marketing exposure. If you are unsure about working directly with a nonprofit to sell your candles, consider offering a candle or two to be used as raffle prizes at its events.
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Market your candle-making business on the Internet. For many candle makers, selling products on the World Wide Web is a given. Sell your products through your own retail website or on another site, such as eBay.com or Amazon.com. Along with utilizing retail sites, consider writing a candle-making blog or distributing an email newsletter monthly or quarterly to keep customers abreast of new products, holiday sales or closeout items.
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Conduct candle parties. Home parties are no longer just for plastic storage containers. Jewelry, skin care products, handbags, candles and many other items are now the products featured at home parties. To find party hostesses, start with friends or family, and ask them to invite other friends, family members and colleagues. Give attendees the opportunity to see products in person and play unique games, offering people the chance to win small products. Provide discounts to customers who purchase multiple products and free merchandise to those who are also willing to host parties of their own.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask an accountant about charitable tax deductions you may be eligible for if you work with a nonprofit.
Change products periodically so customers will have new choices.
Know who your local competition is and what they offer.
Increase marketing during holidays, including Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
Do not ignore proper accounting; utilize accounting software to keep track of business income, expenses and taxes.
