No matter what type of operation you are running, you’ll need to have a plan in place for the weeks, months, and years to come. In many ways, it’s the company that is best able to plan for the future that will come out on top in the end.
For those in the candle business, planning takes on particular importance. This is an industry that is largely driven by seasonal products and specific dates on the calendar, so your company needs to be ready to fill the orders that are sure to come in at those times. By sketching out your calendar for the rest of 2024 as soon as possible, you can get everything in order to roll out one great product after the next.
It Starts with Seasonal Releases
Your customers will be using candles, at least in part, to set the right mood in their homes. To achieve that effect, it’s necessary to offer candles that align nicely with the season at hand. A scent and glass color that is perfect for the spring might not make much sense in the middle of winter, for example.
So, most candle-making businesses choose to offer seasonal products that come out for sale as a given season approaches. Here are some ideas for the four seasons of the year –
- Spring. Fresh and floral is the name of the game as spring arrives and warms up temperatures around the country. With flowers reappearing and the last bits of snow melting away, customers will want scents that line up with what is happening outside.
- Summer. Fruity and tropical candles tend to perform well in the summer months. With the weather outside heating up, smelling summer fruits or scents associated with the beach and ocean are a logical fit.
- Fall. The shift from summer to fall is one of the biggest changes of the year, with temperatures cooling off again and leaves falling off the trees. Candles that offer the scent of spices and other warm notes usually rule this season.
- Winter. Perhaps the most popular time of year to burn candles at home and to give as gifts, winter is an important time for candle businesses. Warm, cozy scents will please customers during the darkest and coldest months.
Choosing the Right Glass Candle Containers
The scents you create may do most of the work when selling candles, but don’t overlook the importance of the right container. Quality glass containers will impress your customers and give your candles a luxurious, high-end feel.
Just like scents, the right container for your candle products can vary based on the seasons. For spring and summer candles, you might want to look at smaller, narrower vessels like the 6 oz Round. With the temperatures warming and more daylight available, customers might not want to burn a candle all day long – but they’ll still want something they can light for a couple of hours at night, such as the 16 oz Lexington.
The story is just the opposite during the fall and winter months. These are the candles that customers are going to want to burn all day long, so wide, deep vessels are the right choice. Of course, with large glass candle holders you can sell at a higher price, so this is the time of year when many candle businesses aim to make their most notable profits.
Creating Memorable Special Editions
Seasonal scents are likely to make up the heart of your business as the year progresses, but there are opportunities to take specialty varieties a step further. Along with the standard versions you sell throughout the year, you can also develop some special edition products that you promote separately (and maybe sell at a higher price).
The possibilities here are endless, and the right fit for your business will depend on the brand you’ve built and the customer segment you are targeting. Some ideas include –
- A holiday collection. Beyond your winter product line, you can develop some special candles that are specifically for the holiday season. You could use some creative, even unusual scents to make these candles stand out, using some fun glass candle containers with different colors or shapes.
- Product collaborations. Is there a particular influencer that would be a great fit for your brand? Reach out and work on a collaborative product that can be promoted across their various channels to reach a particular market niche.
- Commemorative editions. If any notable milestones or anniversaries are coming up in 2024 – such as 10 years in business – you can again use that chance to make a new candle and promote it to your audience.
How to Lay Out an Annual Candle-Making Calendar
With some fun ideas in mind and a goal to make 2024 your best year yet in the business, you’ll need to plan your strategy and ensure everything is executed perfectly.
Perhaps the most important part of laying out your calendar is setting logical production timelines to avoid any delays or late deliveries. You’ll need time to develop the scents that you are going to use each season, and once the scents are set, you’ll then need to go through the production process to get everything ready to go.
Of course, ordering your supplies as soon as possible is a big step in the right direction, as well. For example, you can order glass candle containers in bulk from Glassnow to have plenty on hand. Collecting everything needed for quality candle-making will take some stress out of the process. Remember, there are sure to be unexpected challenges and issues that pop up throughout the year – that’s just part of doing business – so being ahead of schedule and having supplies on hand will help to weather those rough patches. Glassnow offers pre-orders on all our inventory and custom containers, so you can effectively manage your future inventory. Reach out to a salesperson today to learn more.
The Right Supplier Makes All the Difference
You don’t want to leave the fate of your candle business in the hands of an unreliable – or unproven – supplier. By turning to Glassnow, you can set any worries to the side. Not only will you receive high-quality, beautiful containers for your candles when you work with us, but you’ll also appreciate our competitive price and outstanding customer service. Place your first order today or contact us with any questions. We would love to be your partner!
