How Much Does It Cost To Start A Candle Business? (In 2024)
Looking to start a candle business?
But curious about:
- how much it costs to start a candle business?
- what are the typical candle business startup costs?
- or the actual cost of starting candle businesses?
Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real candle businesses and how much they actually cost to start.
Let's go over it.
What is the average cost of starting a candle business?
Based on our data reported by actual candle business founders, the average cost of starting a candle business is between $50 and $10,000.
Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for a candle business are around $1K.
Remember, though, not all candle businesses are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of candle businesses
Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start a candle business?
We asked real candle business founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?
Here is what they said:
DShawn Russell
Founder of Southern Elegance Candle Company ($140K/month)
"With very limited resources, (basically no money) I went to the school of Google and Youtube."
D’Shawn Russell is the founder of Southern Elegance Candle Company, a Southern-themed home fragrance business that started as a side hustle and grew significantly over four years.
Lauren Costanza
Founder of Bluminary ($500/month)
"I knew this would be a self-funded adventure, and I set aside $3,000."
Lauren Costanza is the founder of Bluminary, a nature-inspired candle business.
Elise Phillips
Founder of Coco & Bubbles ($14K/month)
"After a few email exchanges, the owner agreed to sell the business to me for just $3,000."*
Elise Phillips is the founder of Coco & Bubbles Candle Company, a handmade soy candle business that gained traction with its eco-friendly products.
Dianna Allen
Founder of TERRA ($2.5K/month)
"I started this business by myself with less than $100 and now, only 8 months later, I’ve made a name for myself and my brand in St. Louis."
Dianna is the founder of TERRA, a candle business that started in 2019 and has grown significantly since its inception with an initial investment of less than $100.
Brittany Taylor
Founder of Black Luxe Candle Co. ($20K/month)
"My initial investment to get Black Luxe started was between $1,000 and $1,500."*
Brittany Taylor is the founder of Black Luxe Candle Co., a luxury candle business that focuses on uplifting and self-care.
Eva Maganja
Founder of a:musé ($8K/month)
"When we launched a:musé, we did it with limited resources and a tight budget. In fact, the only major investment we made was purchasing a 3D printer and resin material for creating our mock-ups. We relied solely on our savings to fund the business, but we were determined to make it work."
Eva Maganja is the co-founder of a:musé Candles, a luxury sustainable candle business that she started with her partner, Urban Bradesko. They launched the business on a tight budget and have made significant strides in the market with their unique and eco-friendly candles.
Adam James
Founder of Vintage Vegan Candle Co ($4K/month)
"This initial income covered the costs to launch the business (approximately £300) and restock on the materials."
Adam is the founder of Vintage Vegan Candle Co, a soy candle and diffuser business that started in 2020.
Nicky Story
Founder of Supplies For Candles ($1M/month)
"I began Supplies for Candles with only £ 10,000, therefore I had to carefully select the startup stock to stay within budget."
Nicky Story is the founder of Supplies for Candles, a candle and soap making supplies business that has grown into a multi-million-pound enterprise, employing over 100 people and serving over 100,000 customers across Europe.
Enjoyed reading these real world examples?
Our platform is full of case studies of successful candle businesses that you can learn from.
Starting a candle business - what you should know:
Starting a candle business involves various costs that can add up quickly if not carefully managed.
Initial Setup Costs
The initial setup costs can range significantly depending on how you approach the business. For instance, setting up a small-scale home operation can cost between $500 and $1,000. This budget often covers basic equipment such as a melting pot ($50-$100), molds ($20-$50 each), fragrances ($10-$50 per pound), and waxes ($2-$5 per pound). Conversely, renting a commercial space and investing in industrial-scale equipment can push startup costs up to $5,000 or more.
Supplies and Materials
The cost of supplies is one of the most important ongoing expenses. High-quality waxes like soy or beeswax can cost around $3 to $5 per pound, which is more expensive than paraffin wax at $2 to $3 per pound. Fragrances and essential oils can significantly affect costs too, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per pound. Additionally, high-quality wicks and containers can cost $0.10 to $2 each and $1 to $5 each, respectively.
Marketing and Branding
Effective marketing is crucial for success in the candle business. Initial costs for logo design and branding materials can range from $200 to $1,000. Developing a website could cost between $500 and $2,500, depending on complexity. Digital advertising via platforms like social media can vary, but a budget of $100-$500 per month is common for startups.
Legal and Administrative Costs
Finally, don't forget to account for legal and administrative costs. Filing for a business license varies by location but typically falls within $50 to $400. Insurance can cost approximately $300-$600 annually, and obtaining necessary permits may add additional fees depending on local regulations. These are essential to operating legally and protecting your business.
Potential Costs of Starting a Candle Business
Starting a candle business involves a variety of costs that can add up quickly, from purchasing raw materials and equipment to marketing and labor. Below is a detailed breakdown of the potential costs involved.
| Category | Item | Cost Estimate | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Wax (Soy, Beeswax, Paraffin) | $400 - $1,000 per 100 lbs | Price varies based on type and quality of wax. |
| Fragrance Oils | $20 - $50 per lb | Different scents can vary in price. | |
| Dyes | $10 - $30 per lb | Cost depends on the type and quality of dye. | |
| Wicks | $10 - $30 per 100 wicks | Various materials (cotton, wooden) can affect the price. | |
| Containers (Glass jars, tins) | $0.50 - $2.00 per container | The cost per container varies depending on the material and design. | |
| Labels and Packaging | $100 - $300 per 500 units | Custom designs can increase costs. | |
| Tools & Equipment | Melting Pot | $50 - $200 | Crucial for melting wax uniformly. |
| Thermometer | $10 - $30 | Used to ensure wax is melted at the correct temperature. | |
| Pouring Pitchers | $10 - $50 each | Needed for the precise pouring of wax. | |
| Digital Scale | $20 - $50 | For accurately measuring wax and additives. | |
| Stirring Utensils | $5 - $20 each | For mixing fragrances and dyes into the melted wax. | |
| Heat Gun | $20 - $50 | Used to smoothen the candle tops. | |
| Operational Costs | Business Licenses & Permits | $50 - $500 | Cost varies by location and business type. |
| Insurance | $300 - $600 annually | To protect the business against liabilities. | |
| Leasing a Workspace | $500 - $2,000 monthly | Depending on location and size of the workspace. | |
| Utilities | $100 - $300 monthly | Electricity, water, and other utilities. | |
| Labor | $12 - $20 per hour | If hiring employees, costs will vary based on local minimum wages. | |
| Marketing & Sales | Website Hosting | $10 - $30 monthly | Basic hosting plans for eCommerce platforms. |
| Domain Name | $10 - $20 annually | Custom domain for your business website. | |
| eCommerce Platform Subscription | $30 - $300 monthly | Ranges from basic to advanced plans (e.g., Shopify, Squarespace). | |
| Social Media Advertising | $50 - $500 monthly | Depending on the scope and scale of ad campaigns. | |
| Packaging & Shipping Supplies | $50 - $200 monthly | Boxes, bubble wrap, and other shipping materials. | |
| Trade Shows & Events | $200 - $1,000 per event | Fees for participating in craft fairs and trade shows. | |
| Miscellaneous | Professional Services (Accounting, Legal) | $200 - $1,000 | For professional advice and services. |
| Contingency Fund | $500 - $1,000 | For unforeseen expenses that may arise. |
These estimates provide a comprehensive view of what it might cost to start a candle business. The actual costs could vary based on specific choices, scale, and location.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
