Taking the leap into the wholesale market is a game-changer for the growth of ambitious candle businesses. By taking the steps to sell candles wholesale, candle brands unlock opportunities for increased revenue, higher brand recognition, and lasting partnerships with retailers. Keep reading as we detail the optimal way to begin selling candles on the wholesale market.
Step 1 – Reviewing Your Candles
While all your candle creations might hold a special place in your heart, some candles are more ideal for wholesale distribution than others. To maximize your profits and streamline your operations, it’s essential to assess your candle collection thoroughly.
As you review your catalog of candles, consider the following to determine which products suit the wholesale market:
- Profit Margins: Competitive pricing is crucial in the wholesale market. Thus, candles with higher profit margins are generally more suitable for wholesale.
- Ease of Shipping: Delicate and uniquely-shaped candles are more challenging to transport efficiently and often have increased shipping costs as a result. Opting for candles that are easy to package and ship will save resources and present fewer risks of product damage in transit.
- Production Capacity & Demand: Consider your candles with the highest demand as candidates for your wholesale catalog. These products will pique the interest of retailers whose customer base aligns with your candles. Furthermore, ensure that you have the capacity to meet potential bulk orders on these candles without compromising on quality or delivery times.
By thoughtfully reviewing your candle inventory, you will set the foundation for a successful and profitable approach to the wholesale market.
Step 2 – Manufacturing Candles for Wholesale
Once you’ve identified the candles best suited for wholesale, consider how you will streamline your manufacturing process. Efficient production is vital to meet the demands of bulk orders and maintain consistent quality, a hallmark of reputable wholesale brands.
To achieve efficiency, evaluate every aspect of your manufacturing workflow. Identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and areas where delays commonly occur. Then, implement improvements to optimize production speed and reduce costs while upholding the integrity of your candles.
Consistency is key when it comes to wholesale. Retailers expect a reliable and standardized product, which can only be achieved through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Invest time training your workforce and implementing quality control measures to ensure every candle meets your high standards.
Inventory management is another critical consideration. As wholesale orders typically involve larger quantities, you must have a well-organized system to track inventory levels accurately. This will help you fulfill orders promptly and avoid stockouts.
Moreover, it’s crucial to anticipate the demand for your wholesale candles and adjust production accordingly. Seasonal trends and changing consumer preferences should be considered when planning your manufacturing schedule.
By streamlining your candle manufacturing process, maintaining consistent quality, and implementing efficient inventory management, you’ll position your wholesale venture for success. Retailers will appreciate your reliability, and you’ll be able to handle larger orders.
Step 3 – Wholesale Ordering Platforms
Take advantage of reputable wholesale ordering platforms and marketplaces that cater to the candle industry, such as Faire and the Wholesale Gorilla app for Shopify. These platforms offer access to a broader network of potential retailers, streamlining the ordering process. Do thorough research to identify the platform that aligns best with your business needs; compare features, fees, and reach to make an informed decision.
Furthermore, having a dedicated website for wholesale orders is beneficial, as it adds professionalism to your brand and makes it easier for retailers to find you. While simple email ordering may work for smaller businesses and those just beginning to sell candles wholesale, a robust platform enhances your presence and simplifies transactions for both parties.
Step 4 – Pricing and Packaging Strategies
Invest in attractive and functional product packaging that not only showcases your brand but also protects the candles during transit. High-quality packaging reduces the risk of damage during shipping and enhances the overall presentation of your products. To find durable, high-quality glass candle containers, refer to the table below:
NAME | CAPACITY | IMAGE |
Heavy Glass Container | 2.5 oz. | ![]() |
Calypso Glass Jar | 6 oz. | ![]() |
Heavy Glass Votive | 8.5 oz. | ![]() |
Lexington Cube Glass Container | 16 oz. | ![]() |
Verona Glass Container | 26 oz. | ![]() |
With wholesale orders, shipping becomes even more critical. In addition to selecting durable product packaging, it’s important to use high-quality exterior packaging for your bulk candle shipments. Make sure to choose reliable carriers, and consider minimizing risks by purchasing shipping insurance.
Once you’ve determined your new packaging costs from the transition to wholesale, your candle business is ready to set bulk prices. Choosing the right wholesale prices for your candles requires careful planning and consideration. While you want to remain competitive, ensuring profitability and sustainability for your business is essential. Analyze your production costs, overhead, and desired profit margins to determine a pricing structure that works for you and your retailers. If your pricing model allows it, consider offering free or discounted shipping for larger amounts to incentivize retailers to place substantial orders.
Step 5 – The Wholesale Catalog
With your inventory, manufacturing, packaging, and prices in place, it’s time to curate a captivating wholesale catalog. A well-organized and visually appealing catalog is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining retailers.
Showcase your diverse candle collections and variations available for wholesale, accompanied by clear product descriptions, high-quality images, wholesale pricing, and order minimums. Retailers need comprehensive information to make informed buying decisions, so ensure your catalog provides all the necessary details.
Regularly update your catalog to include new products and remove discontinued items. Keeping it current reflects your commitment to offering the latest and best products to retailers.
Wholesale candle catalogs commonly include terms policies, such as order cancellations, processing times, and situations regarding damage and returns. Additionally, ensure your catalog has either an order form or clear instructions on placing wholesale orders, thus simplifying the process for potential retailers.
Step 6 – Marketing and Sales
Entering the wholesale market requires a robust marketing strategy. Your candle business must establish a strong online presence through a professional website and active social media channels. Make sure to engage with potential retailers through captivating content, showcasing your candles’ unique features and benefits.
Beyond online visibility and content, there are plenty of ways to create and improve B2B connections for your new wholesale venture:
- Trade Shows and Events: Participate in markets, fairs, trade shows, and industry events to network with retailers face-to-face and showcase your products in person. These events offer invaluable opportunities to make lasting impressions and establish meaningful connections within the retail community.
- Promotions: Entice retailers with promotional deals and discounts for their initial wholesale orders. Special offers can spark interest and encourage retailers to take the first step in establishing a partnership with your brand. Also, consider incentives for repeat orders to foster long-term relationships, provided your business can sustain these offers.
- Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is non-negotiable. Ensure that your business responds promptly to inquiries, provides accurate information, and addresses concerns and issues efficiently. Satisfied retailers are more likely to become loyal customers.
By orchestrating effective marketing and sales strategies, you ensure your candles are discovered by the right retailers and reach the shelves of numerous stores. Building strong relationships with retailers is crucial for sustainable growth in the wholesale market. With a strategic approach, your candle business can thrive and make a lasting impact in the competitive wholesale market.
Bonus Tips for Success in Wholesale
As your candle business begins to find retailers for wholesale orders, consider these 3 ideas to stay ahead of the curve and maintain strong business relationships:
- Offer Customization Options: Providing customization options for wholesale orders can attract more retailers who seek unique products for their customers.
- Provide Samples: Sending samples to potential retailers allows them to experience the quality of your products firsthand, increasing the chances of securing orders.
- Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Keep a close eye on industry trends and adapt your wholesale candle offerings accordingly to stay relevant and appealing to retailers. Introduce new candle varieties, scents, and designs that align with consumer preferences.
Conclusion
Selling candles wholesale is a pivotal move for your expanding business. With careful planning, persistent outreach, consistent quality, and adaptability, you’ll have the keys to thriving in a competitive wholesale candle market. For more tips to boost your candle business, read Glassnow’s guide to creating a candle scent calendar.