Google Trends show that October through January is when candle sales truly spike; in fact, on average, candle makers earn nearly 50% of their yearly income during these months alone. The cozy comfort candles bring during the winter, plus their popularity as holiday gifts, make the colder months the perfect time to plan on being busy!
Let’s look at what steps you can take now to maximize your profits and set yourself up for a stress-free, successful candle season.
Take a Look at Last Candle Season
Before you dive into new ideas, take a step back and review what worked (and what didn’t) last year. What were your best-selling scents? Which candle sizes and jars sold out first? Did you get requests for gift sets or specific packaging?
Use this data to guide your product planning and inventory strategy.
Tip: Plan gift sets for the season. If you want to include more than candles, consider adding products like our ready-to-label items to create something unique and memorable. Also, review your pricing — adjust based on rising material costs and to protect your profit margins.
Start Planning for Fall & Winter Candle Season in July
Take time now in July to plan out your winter candle collection. We know fragrances like pine and pumpkin spice might feel out of place in summer, but you’ll thank us later! Use this time to design your winter line. Choose your fragrances, jar styles, and label designs while things are still calm.
Here are some seasonal favorite candle fragrances, both new and classic:
Getting ahead during the summer means you’ll be fully prepared when candle season arrives.
Stock Up on Candle Season Supplies
Once you’ve decided on your winter lineup, it’s time to order supplies. Make sure you have plenty of wax, wicks, jars, lids, labels, dyes, and fragrance oils. Stocking up early helps you avoid supply chain delays as other makers also prepare for candle season. If you want to review the best wicks and waxes for your brand check out: The Ultimate Candle Maker’s Guide: Choosing the Right Wax and Wick for Perfect Results.
Plan Events, Markets, and Sales
Pull out your calendar and mark down key dates: Small Business Saturday, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are all massive opportunities for candle makers. We see a large spike in candle sales as customers actively look for deals and gifts.
Plan your promotions in advance with teasers, launch day announcements, sale reminders, and last-day posts. Consider offering a percentage discount, buy 2 get one free, or a free gift with purchase to stand out.
For markets and in-person events, review what worked last season. Note important signup deadlines, prepare enough inventory, and make sure your booth is stocked with business cards and marketing materials.
Plan Your Marketing Content
August is the perfect time to prepare your marketing content before candle season begins. Create your candle names and write your product descriptions. Record videos of you making the candles, so you’ll have plenty of content to share during the selling season.
Take professional product photos, for tips on product photos, check out: Photography Tips for Candle Makers.
Bonus points: Start drafting your email newsletters now. If you schedule them ahead of time, you will save stress later.
Monitoring for Candle Season
As candle season approaches, it’s time to get everything ready for launch. Monitor your inventory closely so you don’t miss out on potential sales. Start offering pre-orders for the holiday gift season, and stay current on trends in your industry by following other makers and key hashtags on social media.
Check and re-check your website, shipping supplies, and packaging. Having everything lined up ensures a smooth candle selling season ahead.
Winter is the ultimate candle season, and proper planning makes all the difference between overwhelm and success. By reviewing your data, planning early, stocking up, preparing marketing content, and keeping a close eye on trends and inventory, you’ll set yourself up for a record-breaking season.
At Bulk Apothecary, we’re here to support every step of your candle-making journey. From premium waxes and wicks to your favorite seasonal fragrance oils, we’ve got everything you need to make this your most successful candle season yet.
