My Candle Sales Are Down, What Is Happening?! + Full Candle Making Tutorial With Free Recipes

Hello everyone! In this video I talk a lot, lol! I wanted to post a video on how my candle sales have been going lately and the reasons why I think sales have suffered. I also take you through a full candle making tutorial, sharing with you how to make three different candles as well as making a single candle for test burning purposes. I hope you enjoy this chit chat about the business side of things and I would love to hear from you about your sales! Even if you are not a candle maker, are there items of yours not selling and why? Let me know in the comments section. Please give this video a thumbs up and don't forget to subscribe to my channel, it really means a lot to me!
To access this formula and almost 4 years of archived skincare, hair care and candle making tutorials please visit my Patreon Campaign! You can unlock the vault of recipes at $5 level.
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Recipes:
90% 50.4 ounces of No. 7 Wax by @Sixteen Seventeen
10% 5.6 ounces of Sea Minerals Fragrance Oil by ‪@candlescience‬
2 CDN-3 wicks by @Sixteen Seventeen
90% 50.4 ounces No. 7 Wax
10% 5.6 ounces Cashmere Plum Fragrance Oil by ‪@candlescience‬
2 CDN-3 wicks
90% 50.4 ounces No. 7 Wax
10% 5.6 ounces Island Fresh Type by ‪@Naturesgardencandles‬
2 CDN-3 Wicks
#candle #candles #candlemaking #candlemakingathome #candlemakingbusiness #diy #howto

[@salemthorup9536]

Anyone wondering if the Patreon campaign is worth it--- yes. She offers so much value, just do it. Only $5!

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Thank you!

[@kathypelot2187]

I am a Patreon of Cory. I really enjoy her Patreon.

[@ammerinolopez]

Have learned so much from you Cory ! Thank you 🙏

[@LisaSaliture]

If you want, unique and more challenging recipes, that not everybody is making out there than I say yes this is a great group to join.

[@gracefernandez1955]

I like that you stick with high end products and a gorgeous aesthetic that I can’t find anywhere else. I can trust that if I treat myself with your product or give it as a gift, it will be incredibly special. A family member purchased some of your products for me last Mother’s Day. I used it so sparingly because I didn’t want it to run out- so more than a year later, I still have the product on hand!

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Thank you! I love this!

[@sallymoore6920]

Wow this is like the 5th video posted in the last two weeks about very slow sales on KZbin from candlemakers..

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

I'm glad I'm not alone...

[@henhousebathco]

I did ok with holiday/fall candles or wax melts but seasonal soap has never done well for me. Sales were down for me last holiday season across the board and fell off a cliff this year. I’ve pulled back on inventory and trying to offer some additional year round scents. I also reduced the number of items I’m offering. Good luck to us all and stay strong, hopefully this fall will be better.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Yes, I have strongly considered scaling back on the amount of items I carry on my website as well. It is a tough choice to balance that!

[@jobo8819]

Great informative vid discussing your current experience with the drop in candle sales. Definitely with financial strains put on people right now would have a huge impact on non necessary purchases. And yes so much more competition out there nowadays. I too personally love fall and xmas scented candles burning anytime of the year. Beautiful candles.

[@xinyichua9613]

I sell handmade skincare and I change things up all the time and I get what you're saying the guilt when things didn't work out and when you're hoping for the best. It gets me down sometimes when I have bad sales from 2022 to now I get what you say about the slow moving sales. I've taken break on and off as sometimes I get discouraged, but right now I'm starting back up and hope things changes.

[@jenniferd2305]

Hi, I hope everything else is going well for you. I just wanted to add that for me, it always feels risky buying a candle I've never smelled. I was hoping to see your Christmas Spirit candle and would've bought one for sure because l know I love that scent, but I didn't see it last Christmas. I also hate paying for shipping so going to Bath & Body Works when candles are on sale and I have a coupon and I can smell them makes most sense for me. I'm sure that a lot of people are on a fairly tight budget these days.

[@angielilliank.1109]

I’m sorry to hear about this disappointment! Thanks for sharing.

[@loribarton7480]

The scents you used sound so wonderful for the summer. I’m not gonna lie, I found some holiday candles for 75% off and I purchased several. But I think I want a nice one for myself from you. I am also on a fixed income, tight budget and I’ve cut down on a lot of the fun things. I hope you sell all of those you just made.

[@kandaliaco2920]

I make 100% Soy candles and I do a lot of big events (2-3 day events). I have seen a drastic reduction in sales from 2022 to 2023. I redid a lot of the events from last year and so far all are complete flops. Nothing in comparison to 2022. Because of this I have decided to take a break from doing events until the market is better. Really hoping things will pick up in September. On a side note its not just candle makers feel the burn. Lots of complaints across the board.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Yes, across the board sales are suffering!

[@kimberleeratzlaff4802]

Honestly candles are a winter thing for me because I am inside, spring and summer just don't use them because I am outside! So a very seasonal for me!

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

I agree with cost increase. My Candles have become cost prohibitive as people will go to Walmart and the dollar stores and buy from them as they are so cheap ; yes cheap. I still have good luck with my soaps and lotions. but stopped making candles for sale and only make for my self and my family now :). Love your channel and I am a patron! Keep up the great work!

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Thank you for you support of my channel and my patreon campaign! I totally agree with your statement.

[@thefragranceapothecary7281]

Yes, we are definitely being undercut by those $7-10 candles at Target, Walmart, etc. I have even had people tell me they can get cheaper candles at the store.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

@@thefragranceapothecary7281 quality is subjective I guess…🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Justcetriyaart]

They have zero smell though and now even bbw seems to cut down their fo as they don't smell much any more

[@Handmadebusinesstips]

I'm so glad I saw this pop up. I don't make candles, but I do soap and I can relate to this. I did a video at the end of 2022 that got a lot of responses from others who were also frustrated with sales. I'm just starting your video now, but I am anxious to hear what you have to share.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Yes, I feel it has been a rough year or so across all platforms. It's such weird feeling to be working harder than ever but not getting the same feedback.

[@Handmadebusinesstips]

It's interesting to hear this perspective about candle businesses exploding. This is really the same for soap making and it's another reason that it's so difficult to keep sales moving and scaling a business. I'm moving in some different directions now, but I don't want to teach (other than on KZbin) because I have spent 21 years in education as a career. I stopped craft fairs due to time, business direction and also the saturation of the soap market there as well. Anyway, thanks for this video and giving us a space to share our own thoughts and reflections.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

@@Handmadebusinesstips you are welcome!

[@andreaproudlove7140]

I appreciate your insights and honesty! I do agree with the increase of candle makers. I do wonder if we could speak to someone at Candlescience or other suppliers to see if wax and vessel sales are down. See if the extra makers are affecting sales or if people are just not buying.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Thank you Andrea! Yes talking with suppliers has also occurred to me, I wonder the same things.

[@yvettemitchell9928]

My wax melt sales were down too at Christmas, I still have seasonal scents as well I have them on a deep discount right now, I have slowly sold them at my vendor shows. Inflation is hitting everyone hard people need food more than their wants. We just have to be careful how we by supplies. Like you said FO are just getting so expensive. I have finally got my candle making right after months of trail and error., I will only make a few to see how they will sell. Hang in there we will make it through this. 😊

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Thank you!

[@doraharboyan2574]

I love your videos thank you Dora 😊

[@TessieDobey]

Hey gorgeous, I love your hair! Great and informative information as usual

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

Hi Tessie, thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the content!

[@cliviascreations]

I totally understand your frustration. My sales in October last year were more than during Christmas. One thing I struggle with is my customers likes. I have one of my customers placing last week an order for Earth Chai Candle, unscented pumpkin soap and a pineapple lip scrub? She got my last candle from last year and was a travel size when she was looking for the full size one that I just gave away to my sister since I got tired of the candle setting on the shelf. My best seller right now are lotions, body oils and sugar scrubs

[@thebarnstop4380]

Mine too!! That's so weird.. October was good, but It was the worst Christmas season I've had.. and it's been slow since. I'm a soaper and sell wax melts, but not candles. I think it's just the economy. Everything is so expensive right now. Even my regular customers have cut back on purchasing.

[@cliviascreations]

@@thebarnstop4380 let’s just pray for better year!

[@user-ce6zt2sq8r]

Cory, sorry for your distress. I think your issue was the tins.....I haven't had the same issue. I have a straight sided series (my entry line) Of coarse I've had a luxury line before my straight sided line. I know weird, right? I also do a lot of weddings. I do use tins for weddings and weddings only, That is mostly as thank yous for guests. In fact I'm making 300 this weekend, along with the 300 for my son's own wedding. I have noticed a down trend. ever so slight after Valentine's Day. However, I've never done a spring release. It's either summer or fall/winter. I think scent can be a huge driver is and can be huge. Custom scents for me are always better than say Fruit Loops straight up. There are just so many variables. I still do Farmer's Market each week. Right after pandemic there were 3 or 4 others selling. They are now gone and I'm alone again. Good for me, but it does nothing for you. I also sell in a pharmacy and a boutique. I have for 8-10 years. I think perhaps you've figured out your own problem. To many changes....vessel, labels, etc. Go with what is you! even if we're bored, is not neccasarily is what the customer is thinking. If I can help, please reach out!

[@kathypelot2187]

The thing is the cost of the container. When I went on sites those containers run about $10 then there's shipping to get it to you , then the wax and supplies, then a mark up. Just to make with a nice container is expensive.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

You are so right!!

[@reginagreco8673]

Sales are way down because the economy is bad people are having a hard time paying bills and buying food. Also to many makers now and to high of a cost for supplies I've seen many candle makers go out of business this year. On a good note my melts are still selling good

[@genasyoutubevideo3140]

How big are the first containers. You didn't mention

[@aiakhang9503]

I feel like it's a really tough competition when Bath and body works sells their 3 wick candles for half price or even less. BBW candles are huge. The people who will buy from a small business like you are people like me who support small businesses.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

yes...

[@exoticbeautybrina2156]

The reason for low sales is the facts that people are seeing what is going on around us and people are saving their money. Many people are losing their jobs so if they were a customer, and no longer ordering is maybe because of things like that. Some households were 2 income and are now 1 income because 1 is laid off. So as for businesses they need to start scaling back on how many products they are making, because it might not get sell. I would advice making candles by order only, so you dont have a bunch of products not getting sell. It is a recession so most people are picking their $$$$ for rainy days. Hopefully we get out of this soon, but study is showing that this recession is going to be worse than 08 and longer, they are even saying for us to prepared for a depression. Even big bucks stores are cutting back on products, certain things that was so easy to find now we have to check at least 3 stores before finding it and thats extra gas using up. But we have to get our pantry and home ready for whatever is about to come onto us. Also many are moving back home because rent have tripled but income remain the same. So many are preparing again for multigenerational homes again. It already started by the people that lost their jobs and had to sell their house. It is way cheaper to sell and move back home and help parents with their mortgage and bills and it will be much easier for everyone, while your rest money is in savings or you have hiding somewhere safely until things pick up again where you can get a new job and eventually buy something again. Be wise in your businesses now and start preparing your homes everyone. Like our great great grandparents had to do and live through for years. But we are heading back to those days again so get ready. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@tradergirl7067]

ive been selling at a flea market. I have a permenent booth and they are my cashier's and its open 7 days a week.. the place is mad busy I mean a line always and parking lot full. its a huge place people come from all over to visit this giant market. I have been there 18 months. summer by far the worst for candles. holidays are awful I barely sell any holiday scents they go to waste so I stopped making most. I sell candles and melts and have been doing better on my melts than anything. thank the lord ive profitted every single month but some by barely.. the market sends emails telling us April May June and July are their worst sales as people are outdoors.. ive also noticed where I live soy and coconut and luxury does not sell.. wood wicks dont sell.. handmade concrete jars dont sell. expensive luxury jars dont sell. what does sell is the basic clear glass tumbler witn colored wax at a decent price point. same with melts.. named the acutal scents ...ive had to adapt to sell instead of make what I like.. whats even better is getting a video camera and watching people and their faces while they shop your booth. you can really get an idea of what they like.. there is one other vendor at the market that is my competition but she has boxed herself into the country store mason jar look.. so I just make the complete opposite to keep it competitive. now in the last 6 months the cost of supplies and shipping them to me is much higher.. so profits getting smaller and smaller. as long as I profit I will keep it up but its never going to be more than a side hustle for me.

[@sarachan8932]

Way too many videos on KZbin now and even if some don’t sell too well, they could still somehow get some income from making videos on youtube 🙏🏻🙏🏻 good luck to all small business owners 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💙

[@Amaymay1000]

Yep, extremely overly saturated.

[@eileengraham2997]

Everything has gone up almost double or double in price. It's been horrible.

[@grannyscandlekitchen]

If the candle suppliers would stop selling to the general public maybe us ligit business owners would have a chance again maybe they should ask for sales tax id or other licences we have to pay for every year.

[@tamiyoung2036]

Do you have a patreon account for candle making?

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

I only have one campaign but it includes all my candle tutorials as well! 😊

[@angief892]

Hope your candle sales pick up Cory it's a worrying time for everyone.

[@SunshineSoapandCandleCompany]

thank you!

[@Buddhavibez]

Candle sales are probably down for two reasons. One people are now making their own, as you have given them the recipes. Two, people just don’t have the money anymore, even more reason for people to make their own as it’s more cost effective

[@angief892]

There are candle tutorials all over the internet for people to use, not just here.

[@Amaymay1000]

@@angief892 Yes and no. Sure.... people can make their own. But lots of folks, like me, are lazy and would not bother. Just rather buy it online or go to the store. I see recipes for hair products too, doesn't mean I will make my own lol. I will buy hair products that I love, as well as the candles.

[@pearsrtasty3326]

I checked out your website to see what you were asking for the candles in the tins (I really like that look) but not for $15.00 plus shipping. I'm sorry. I really hope you are able to sell those for what you asking for them. I like farmhousey, non-luxurious looking items. The vessels you are using here, those are very pretty, not my style. But, everyone has their own style :D I hope your business picks back up. Everyone with home businesses seem to be having a real hard time. Heck, even normal businesses are having hard times :( it's a very sad sad thing. Lets' hope we can make it through this one.

[@gracierosemiller4411]

$15.00 for a 15 ounce candle is super cheap you won't get it at that price in most places.

[@MisterWhatWhat]

$15 for a 15 ounce candle is super cheap! There’s a TON of candle makers who sell 6oz candles for more than that!

[@c0cochan3l29]

Inflation

[@deborahlee2515]

Elections have consequences. I am only making candles for friends and family now. They have become a non essential item in this economy. Hopefully this can be remedied if people choose wisely for next election. IMO.

[@ladybug9171]

Couldn't agree more. Yet our beloved media is telling us otherwise. Strange times we live in.

[@thefragranceapothecary7281]

Oh you mean the pandemic that started in 2020??? Convenient memory.