Starting your own business with custom candles can be really lucrative when done right. Scented candles are a bit of a hot product (if you’ll excuse the pun). They have grown in popularity over the past few years and they don’t look like they are going out of style anytime soon.
While going down the private label route can save you time and stress, like any business, it takes planning and creativity. It’s really important to organise your approach to starting your own candle company.
There are so many great brands on the market and we are pleased to work with many of them. However, according to a 2021 report, the scented candle market on is expected to reach £690.8 million globally by 2028. So there is still lots of room for other unique brands out there.
A Niche For Custom Candles
We’ve been at this a long time. We know that a businesses has to get many things right to a succeed. However, if we had to put the secret of success into one piece of advice it would be ‘Find your niche.’
Here are a few ideas to help you find your target market:
Ethically Made Candles
Consumers these days are pretty savvy. Information is more easily available to them than it was to the generations that came before them. Therefore, modern consumers are aware of issues like sustainability, animal testing and veganism. Products that present consumers with a product that meets their ethical standards (as well as appealing to their tastes) can be a great niche. For many consumers it is important for them to know that the company they buy their goods from holds the same values as they do. If you care about the environment or feel personally opposed to animal testing this could be a great angle for you. It will be a target market you can really identify with.
Decorative Candles
We all love scented candles. Chances are if you’re into making your home smell nice you’re also into making your home look nice. The issue is that a lot of standard candles can look a little bland in a carefully curated living room or bedroom interior. Creating a beautiful container, that works on a visual level to decorate the space, can be a very lucrative niche. Gucci has recently come out with a fabulous range of candles in decadently designed ceramic pots. While Gucci is very much presenting a premium priced product, you could design your own beautiful container to brighten up your customers homes on more of a budget.
Candle Set
Pair your candle with another product to create a set with added value. For example, one of our clients runs a wellbeing focused skin care brand. They sell their candles along with their skincare in sets. The set aims to promote a relaxing night time routine. Their customers love the way the candle’s fragrance creates a calming environment before bed. You can also add candles to other products such as bath sets or gift baskets.
Customised Candles
You may think that working with a private label manufacturer means you lose the opportunity to personalise your products for each customer. However, customising your products with your clients message or name is still very possible. All you need is the ability to print and design your own labels. This way you can offer a more bespoke service to your customers. We can provide you with a finished candle without a label. Then you can simply create your own label according to your customers wishes and send them out. It’s a particularly great niche if you know your way around design software like Canva or Photoshop.
You can also learn more about our custom candles here or you can see more from us on our Facebook page.