Improve Your Candle Line
Wood Wicks
Without a doubt the most exciting new product to come along recently is the wood wick. The wood wick candle has been out for a few years, but for many, finding quality wood wicks from suppliers has always been difficult. The wood wick is not designed to replace your existing candle line, but is a way to attract new customers to your products.
The wood wick is limited to use in containers, but is great to use with all soy waxes and paraffin waxes. The wood wick can add a nice touch and unique burning property to your candle. Your candles can have that nice crackling sound that people love to read and relax by, but without the need to use the fire place. The wood wick definitely should be considered especially with some new or unique pieces of glassware.
Natural Candle Wax
Natural wax candles are here to stay and if you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time. Soy is great in that it is all natural and produced here in the US which can have some great marketing appeal. A unique way to launch your soy wax line might be to add a line using travel tins. Travel tins are relatively easy to make because the exterior surface can hide many of the blemishes that occur when using glass containers. Tin containers do not break when the heavy shipping season occurs. (Be sure to check out our September 2007 issue on how to make these candles).
Custom Labels
There are many things about a candle that can appeal to the consumer, and one of them is the label. With today’s technology and printers it has simplified the process of making custom labels. Nothing is more appealing to small retailers and manufacturers then to offer items that cannot be found in the mass markets. Custom labels can be a tremendous asset for fundraisers and local craft shows and events. One site that we have always liked for help on custom labels is http://www.avery.com.
Luminaries
One of the new products that we received numerous compliments about, and companies really like the suggestion, is to add luminaries to the line. For those that may not be familiar with this, these are the candles used in downtowns and neighborhoods by lining the streets with Luminaries.
One of the great things about the candles used in this application is they do not necessarily have to be white or a specific color. They can almost be any color because they are placed in the bag. What better way to use wax that may be colored but does not meet your color specifications, or a custom order canceled at the last minute.
Some other helpful hints would be contact the coordinator of the event and ask (in exchange for a discounted price) if you can you apply a label on the bag advertising your company. Be sure to check with various downtown districts and neighborhood civic associations to promote this idea. Many downtown events are in early December and will provide for some last minute advertising. For other items be sure to check out September 2008 issue.
Many of the above can be started with minimal investment.
