ProfitDrawer's candle business guide gives an example budget of about $340 to $2,500 for a small home candle business. Wax, wicks and fragrance oils ($100 to $400) and jars, tins and lids ($60 to $300) are the core supplies; tools, warning labels, test candles, packaging, a local license and product liability insurance make up the rest. Testing, packaging and insurance are the costs new makers most often leave out. These are example ranges; your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Wax, wicks and fragrance oils | $100 | $400 |
| Jars, tins and lids | $60 | $300 |
| Pitcher, thermometer, scale, heat source | $40 | $200 |
| Labels with warnings | $20 | $150 |
| Test candles and samples | $30 | $150 |
| Boxes and shipping supplies | $40 | $200 |
| Business registration and local license | $50 | $300 |
| Product liability insurance (first months) | $0 | $500 |
| Marketing and photos | $0 | $300 |
| Total | $340 | $2,500 |
To keep the start small, launch with one wax, one jar size and two or three scents, and sell a small batch before buying more. Too many scents at once ties up cash in fragrance oil.
Do not cut the testing line. Burn every new wax, wick, fragrance and container combination before you sell it, and read the CPSC candle guidance; metal-cored wicks are limited to 0.06% lead by weight. The guide's worked price for an 8 oz candle costing $8.50 to make is $14. Check your city or county home business rules, then total your list in the free startup cost calculator.
Source: How to Start a Candle Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.