Candle production: business plan
To begin with, it is worth noting that such a business has a number of advantages. For example, it does not require too much start-up capital. By the way, some specialists started their own business by making candles right in their apartment. In addition, you are going to produce a fairly in-demand product at a relatively low cost.
On the other hand, in order for your business to become truly successful, you need the right approach and attention to detail. First, you should carefully research the market and decide what kind of product you are going to offer to customers.
In the future, you can begin to prepare official papers, purchase equipment and materials, as well as develop your own production technology. All stages of creating a business will be discussed below.
How to start a business? Preparation of official papers
Naturally, the production of candles requires registration with the tax service. It is best to register as an individual entrepreneur - this way you can simplify your bookkeeping. If you are opening a business together with a partner or intend to cooperate with other companies, then you can open a limited liability company.
The production of candles does not require any special license. On the other hand, you will need an inspection by the fire safety service, as well as the sanitary and epidemiological station. Having received all the necessary documents, you can begin work.
Where to rent premises for production?
In fact, the location of production is not important (unless, of course, you are going to open a store selling products here). As already mentioned, many manufacturers at the initial stages even made candles in their own apartments.
On the other hand, if you have registered your business, you will have to undergo an inspection by the fire service and sanitation station.
Since candle making is considered an environmentally friendly business, the requirements for the premises are not so high. However, the preparation of products, storage of raw materials and finished candles should not be carried out in the same room.
In addition, the room where candles are made must be equipped with a fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and a constant air ventilation system. There should also be a system of electricity and water supply, sewerage. As for the minimum area, it is four square meters.
Room
You can make decorative candles in the kitchen, garage or any other separate room. Several conditions must be met:
- The workshop area is at least 15 square meters. m with space for a machine on which you will cast candles.
- Conditions for storing finished candles.
- Exhaust and ventilation. The room should not be hot so that the candles do not melt.
- Sanitary conditions. Candles should be made in a clean area, especially if they are intended to be placed on cakes.
Equipment for the production of candles
In fact, the required amount of equipment depends on the volume of candles you are going to produce. For example, many beginners working alone melt wax and paraffin in a water bath and decorate by hand.
If you are going to produce household or church candles, then most likely you will need a foundry machine and a tank for melting the candle mixture. You can purchase ready-made wicks or purchase a special machine for weaving them.
Packaging of candles can be done either manually or using a special machine. You will also need cutting equipment. Don't forget about the different shapes - they are necessary both for making standard wax candles and for handmade decorative products. Choose molds of different sizes, with different designs - this will give you the opportunity to produce candles with different patterns, designs, etc.
Original business idea for the production of paraffin candles
To make candles, we need to melt the paraffin in a water bath to a temperature of 85 C (carefully monitor the heating, since paraffin is explosive at 200 degrees!), add dye and flavoring to it and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Pre-lubricate the mold with sunflower oil, and soak the wick in paraffin for 5 minutes. Then you need to thread the wick through the hole in the mold, tie a toothpick on one side, and secure it with plasticine on the other side.
Attention
After this, you can begin pouring molten paraffin into the mold to the required height. While the first layer of the future candle is cooling, we prepare a paraffin mass of a different color, which we pour on top of the cooled layer. So, alternating dyes and flavors, we continue to pour the mixture until it is completely filled in the mold.
Basic materials for production
At one time, only beeswax was used to make candles.
Modern technologies make it possible to produce this product using cheaper materials, in particular, pure technical wax, paraffin, and stearin (makes candles more flexible and elastic).
To make decorative candles, a special transparent gel is often used.
Naturally, in addition to the basic materials, you will also need some other little things. In particular, dyes, flavors (some experts use essential oils for this purpose), as well as wicks and rings to secure them. It is worth thinking about packaging materials (boxes and boxes for household candles, gift wrappers). There are other decorative items that you should purchase.
Brief manufacturing technology
Before starting production, you need to purchase a variety of molds for casting candles. Among them there should be both simple shapes (cylindrical, square, round) and more complex ones. They are needed for making products in the form of fruits, animals, flowers. Forms must be made of materials that can withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees. Typically, paraffin is used to make decorative candles, and wax is used for household candles.
Paraffin or wax must be melted, but this should not be done over direct heat. Use a water bath. The material must melt slowly, otherwise it may burn and evaporate. Then it needs to be poured into a mold in which you first need to fix the wick directly in the center. Afterwards, the form and contents are cooled (it is best to do this within 24 hours). Carefully remove the frozen paraffin or wax from the mold - the candle is ready.
Simple household candles can be made on a special casting machine - this will significantly speed up the production process. You have to tinker with decorative figured products - they are cast by hand.
Raw materials for production:
- Paraffin or wax.
- Wicks (cotton).
- Pigments for creating colored candles (oil-based dyes are suitable).
- Flavorings (essential oils).
- Decorative elements (sequins, beads, ribbons, dried flowers).
- Metal sleeves for making candles for aroma lamps.
Manufacturing technology: paraffin and wax candles
It’s worth noting right away that the technology for making candles largely depends on what product you are producing and what equipment you use. For example, if you have all the necessary equipment, then by and large your work is reduced to a minimum.
But how to make a candle at home, using only improvised means? In fact, everything here is quite simple.
For production you will need wax or paraffin (paraffin candles usually contain about 20% stearin).
They need to be melted in a water bath to 80%. At this stage, you can add dyes and flavors. After this, the melted hot mixture must be poured into the appropriate mold, having previously secured the wick in it.
Naturally, when making gift candles using various decorative elements, this process is more complicated.
Manufacturing technology
Purchase molds for casting. Choose the simplest (cubes, cylinders, balls) and complex (in the shape of fruits, flowers or animals). Pay attention to the heat resistance of the material from which the molds are made, since you will be working with temperatures up to +100°C.
- Typically, decorative candles are made from paraffin, while household candles are made from wax. Both materials need to be melted slowly in a water bath.
- Wax (paraffin) is poured into a mold with a pre-fixed wick.
- The mold is cooled for 24 hours, and then the candle is carefully removed.
- Conventional household candles are poured on a special machine, the process is much faster and easier.
What kind of candles are profitable to make?
In fact, there are many ideas that can bring good income. That is why it is important to decide what kind of product you are going to make. For example, the production of church candles can be a good business.
In addition, do not forget about decorative candles, which are in great demand. For example, they are often used to decorate rooms. They are also suitable as a gift. This niche is also practically unoccupied, so it can be your ticket to big business. If you are going to make decorative candles, then it is worth purchasing the appropriate materials, in particular, dyes, glitter, fragrances, little things for decoration, etc.
By the way, please note that there is a special demand for this product during the holidays. New Year, Christmas, Valentine's Day, March 8 - a beautiful, original candle can be a wonderful holiday gift.
And, of course, we shouldn’t forget about household needs, because there are candles in almost every home. They are simply necessary during planned and unscheduled power outages. In addition, with their help you can create a romantic, relaxing atmosphere.
Small paraffin tablet candles, used, for example, for aroma lamps, are very popular. They are simple and cheap to produce, so they can be a good source of income.
Where to look for buyers?
Naturally, before opening a business, it is worth deciding on the target groups of buyers. The candle business can become extremely profitable, but only if there is a market. Of course, you can set up a small candle shop where you can sell your goods. In addition, you can inform about the production of candles to order - in this case there will also be customers.
In order for your business to become truly profitable, you need the maximum number of points of sale. For example, many businessmen draw up an agreement with various souvenir shops (shop owners receive a percentage of the profits).
You can supply goods for sale - you will receive money after the candles are sold. Selling decorative candles in tourist areas of the city can be quite profitable.
If you make household candles, you can offer them in household chemical stores, department stores or supermarkets. A small shop at the local market could be a good point of sale - there are always a lot of people here.
By the way, candles are used to decorate tables and decorate festive dinners in some cafes and restaurants - try becoming a supplier of such establishments.
Idea No. 211: features of a candle making business at home
It should be noted that paraffin should never be heated over an open fire. Its vapors burn well, and if a large volume is heated, the evaporating gases will ignite. Therefore, heating is done in a water bath. As a base, you can take simple household candles, which are sold in hypermarkets, or buy the base in specialized stores for handicrafts.
But in this case, the cost of one product will increase significantly. The wick is made of cotton thread. A skein of 200 meters will cost 50 rubles. Tetra Pak bags or self-made cardboard forms are used as a form. In order for the sale of decorative candles to be profitable, you need to use dye and fragrance.
Children's wax crayons are used as a dye.
How profitable can such a business be?
Of course, the production of wax candles, as well as paraffin products and special gels can become profitable. But again, it is important to take into account a lot of little things. For example, do not forget about the professionalism and experience of employees. In addition, it is important to conduct advertising campaigns from time to time.
You can always create an advertising page on the Internet or even an entire online store, which will significantly expand the geographic profile of customers. Newspaper advertisements, small banners and flyers will also help generate additional customer traffic.
In any case, even if we take into account the costs of premises and equipment for the production of candles, the initial investment pays off after 6-18 months, which, you see, is quite profitable.
