There are quite a few retailers that sell candles including gift shops and supermarkets. Opening a store is a big step and you would possibly need to include other products as well to maintain a weekly source of income. For example, candle holders and bases, incense, wrapping paper etc.. as candles make a great gift idea.People who purchase products online expect to pay delivery costs.You would best to send out brochures, flyer s and leaflets possibly with pictures of your candles to businesses, local housing, and wholesalers. You might get a good following from local friends and family but they are less judgemental than retail people.
Michelle, sounds good. There s something called eBay.
I love candles, there s something soothing about the softness of candle light and the fragrance is a bonus. But, I like soft, natural fragrances like lemon, musk, sandalwood, not some of the irritating and overwhelming fragrances you find in some of the mass market stores. Generally, I purchase votive candles, but I do like pillar candles as well, it s just that the cat likes to tackle things in my apartment and a lit pillar candle is too much temptation for her. If I walk into a store and see a candle display, I m over there right away. I look for texture, color, fragrance, and style. Soft, gentle colors with a sandalwood fragrance are my favourite ones. I ve never purchased candles online, but I would if I knew the company had a reputable online business. But, I d rather buy from The Shopping Channel (QVC is the U.S equivalent I believe) since I have done business with them before and their return policy is fair. I buy one particular votive candle mainly because of its scent and because the store is accessible. I am handicapped and use a scooter which means many small stores are off limits to me because the aisles are too closely set up. That would mean an online candle business would be ideal for me to make purchases from if I felt secure using my credit card. I would definitely purchase from a business that offers freebies. Even if it meant getting points for each purchase that I could redeem for merchandise. Shipping costs are a big factor as to whether or not I make a purchase. I get free shipping with Amazon and an art supply business that I buy from and that s one of the reasons I do business with them.Something you might consider is to rent a booth or kiosk at a market during the holiday season to see what candles are most popular and ask customers to fill out a brief survey. As an incentive, everyone who fills out a survey is entered into a contest to win a gift basket. Make up a gift basket of your products and have it on display. This would also be an item you could take orders for and make up with specified fragrances and candles. Maybe have a few different sizes of gift baskets on display and make up a small flyer depicting your merchandise as well as the gift baskets. Have these flyers on hand at your kiosk for customers to pick up and mail some to businesses in your area with the idea that they make great gifts for their staff and clients. Hope this information helps you! When you do open your store, please make sure it is accessible and that means that the entrance is level or has a ramp for entry. The aisles need to be spaced far enough apart for a power chair or scooter and there needs to be room for these types of mobility aides to turn around or turn into the next aisle. :)
