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Online BeeMaster2

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Wax candles
« on: January 01, 2015, 01:31:18 pm »
What is the going price per ounce for good quality wax candles?
Jim
« Last Edit: January 02, 2015, 06:46:59 pm by sawdstmakr »
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Online BeeMaster2

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #1 on: January 02, 2015, 03:17:41 pm »
No one on this site sells wax candles?
Must be someone out there that can give me some idea. I did a search on Google and found a dollar an ounce but that was from 2007.
Jim
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Offline tefer2

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2015, 03:27:56 pm »
Whats a guilty candle makr?

Online BeeMaster2

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2015, 06:55:35 pm »
Whats a guilty candle makr?
Thanks Tefer. I corrected it to be good quality wax candles. Probably should have said "good quality bees wax candles".
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Offline jredburn

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2015, 06:45:19 pm »
Jim,
First lesson in business 101 is "All the market will bear".   

Basic guidelines,  cost of material if you had to buy it times three; +  cost  of labour if you had to hire it done, times 2 (minimum) + markup for equipment, permits, insurance, store rental, shipping, stocking, advertising + profit.

If you cannot sell them for a profit, then don't.  Going into business for fun or experience is a quick way to go broke.

Regards
Joe

Offline divemaster1963

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2015, 09:24:42 pm »
Jim I was getting 5.00 a set of two 8 inch hand filed tapered candles and 7.50 for 12 inch pair. I made a gig to dip 4 sets at a time out of welding wire wheels and a piece of rod. Welded it together. I made 10 each for the 8 and 12 inch. I can dipped 80 sets in about and hour. Made my own wicks from treated twine . final cost per set is 1.50.

I had a post of the gigs on hear some where. I think its tied to the couple from fl. Who's home burned if I remember right.

John
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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2015, 07:16:17 am »
Jim,
First lesson in business 101 is "All the market will bear".   

Basic guidelines,  cost of material if you had to buy it times three; +  cost  of labour if you had to hire it done, times 2 (minimum) + markup for equipment, permits, insurance, store rental, shipping, stocking, advertising + profit.

If you cannot sell them for a profit, then don't.  Going into business for fun or experience is a quick way to go broke.

Regards
Joe
Thanks Joe.
My wife wanted to sell the large candles, one is the pine cone-14 ounces and the other is a fancy cylinder-16 ounces, for $12. I searched the Internet for the price of the wax alone and found it ranged from one to 2 dollars an ounce. The wax we are using is very white.  I used my solar wax melter over and over to bleach it.
I finally got her to raise the price to $20.00 for the large ones. She says the people that she sell to cannot afford that.
I  do not think we are in a profit range yet but she enjoys it and that is what is important.
Jim
Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
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Online BeeMaster2

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2015, 07:23:31 am »
Jim I was getting 5.00 a set of two 8 inch hand filed tapered candles and 7.50 for 12 inch pair. I made a gig to dip 4 sets at a time out of welding wire wheels and a piece of rod. Welded it together. I made 10 each for the 8 and 12 inch. I can dipped 80 sets in about and hour. Made my own wicks from treated twine . final cost per set is 1.50.

I had a post of the gigs on hear some where. I think its tied to the couple from fl. Who's home burned if I remember right.

John
Hardwood. Getting old.
Thanks John. I remember that thread. We also make a molded, twisted that is about that size that she sells for $5.
How much do they weigh? I think ours are about one ounce.
Jim
Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
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Offline divemaster1963

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2015, 07:33:41 pm »
Never really weighed them. I was. Making them for the catholic churches around the area then had people that wanted them. So I never really figured it up. The catholic churches stopped buying 100% beeswax candles and went to a 50-50 candle because of cost. I offered it at the older price so they could still have them. The church has a better aroma with the 100% beeswax candle.

John

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #9 on: January 17, 2015, 08:57:43 pm »
John,
Not only does it smell better, the only candle that does not produce toxic vapors Is pure bees wax.
Jim
Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
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Offline rookie2531

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2015, 09:25:30 pm »
Maybe your wife could make smaller ones. I know if I wanted the best, but can't afford it, I do settle for something the like that I can afford.

Offline Ben Framed

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2020, 12:50:51 am »
BUMP

Keep in mind this thread is 5 years old. Is there anyone here that can offer updates on this subject along with pricing? 
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Offline The15thMember

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2020, 11:54:13 am »
I can't speak to the price of a candle, but the thing I've found so cost-prohibitive is the molds.  We tend to use candles around Christmastime, and I'd love to make some with my own beeswax, but $50 for a reusable 15 count tealight mold seems outrageous.  Even a 10 in. taper mold is like $30.   
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Offline JurassicApiary

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2020, 02:05:12 pm »
I've been using silicone molds with good success to produce candles and wax bars.  Also making a lip balm in tubes.  Molds are an in investment--they're equipment.  If you're not going to make a lot of product, then they may be viewed as expensive.  Because they're reusable and can generate a lot of product before they fail, I believe this is why manufacturers charge a fair amount for them--particularly metal molds.  The silicone molds are able to yield more intricate designs, however, they will fail long before the metal ones typically.  Also, the silicone molds are very easy to use and don't require a releasing agent to be applied--you literally just pop the candle out once cool (carefully extract it for the complicated designs.)

When I calculate my cost on a product I include a small figure to recover the cost of the mold.  For example, I buy a simple silicone mold for $15 and can reasonably expect to get 250 candles from it before it fails or becomes unusable.  $15/250= $0.06.  I add this 6 cents to my hard-cost to make the candle, which I will later use to determine a sale price.  So, in the long run, I've already accounted for the mold-investment and I recover the cost over it's production life.

As to pricing, I like to search around and see what the market price is before setting my prices.  I will weigh this when pricing my wax products.  While I'm in the production phase, I currently see Tea-lights go for around $0.75-$1.00 each and pillars sell for around $1.50-$2.00/ounce.  I myself don't plan to sell solely based on weight.  Some types or designs may require more attention to produce, or greater risk of failure due to mold or other production challenges. I will adjust price on these in accordance with their value and my time; Don't undervalue your time.  People are willing to pay a more for hand-crafted, locally produced products.  It's a premium.  And, in this case, we all know that beeswax is the best material.  The buyer knows they're getting straight from the beekeeper, so it's the real deal, and they trust us.  I tend to start with pricing that is on the higher end for jewelry and other products that I sell to test the market.  You can always lower your price if something isn't moving.  But, people will him-and-haw if you start raising prices.

As to a brief lesson in the value of time valuation... My mother has learned to blow glass leading in to her retirement and it's definitely a skill that takes time to refine.  She once had a customer ask her how long it took her to to make a particular pendant she was selling, and my mother said about 10 minutes.  The customer replied asking why she was charging $45 for it then if it only took ten minutes to make...to which my mother replied without missing a beat, "it may have only taken ten minutes to make, but it took me 8-years to figure out how to make it."  Again, never undervalue your time; It's in investment that should yield a worthwhile return.

Offline The15thMember

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2020, 02:20:57 pm »
I've been using silicone molds with good success to produce candles and wax bars.  Also making a lip balm in tubes.  Molds are an in investment--they're equipment.  If you're not going to make a lot of product, then they may be viewed as expensive.  Because they're reusable and can generate a lot of product before they fail, I believe this is why manufacturers charge a fair amount for them--particularly metal molds.  The silicone molds are able to yield more intricate designs, however, they will fail long before the metal ones typically.  Also, the silicone molds are very easy to use and don't require a releasing agent to be applied--you literally just pop the candle out once cool (carefully extract it for the complicated designs.)
I guess it makes more sense when you look at it that way.  It is a one time purchase after all.  I have been making lip balms as well.  My mom found a really good deal on like 100 of them over Christmas and gave them to me for a present.  I've been so happy with the lip balms I've made; they are much better than any ones you can buy. 

As to a brief lesson in the value of time valuation... My mother has learned to blow glass leading in to her retirement and it's definitely a skill that takes time to refine.  She once had a customer ask her how long it took her to to make a particular pendant she was selling, and my mother said about 10 minutes.  The customer replied asking why she was charging $45 for it then if it only took ten minutes to make...to which my mother replied without missing a beat, "it may have only taken ten minutes to make, but it took me 8-years to figure out how to make it."  Again, never undervalue your time; It's in investment that should yield a worthwhile return.

Great story, and that's absolutely amazing that your mother can glass blow.  I had the pleasure of visiting the Corning Glass Museum in NY when I was a kid and it was amazing!   
I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led.  And through the air, I am she that walks unseen.

Offline CoolBees

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #15 on: May 27, 2020, 03:53:24 pm »

Great story, and that's absolutely amazing that your mother can glass blow.  I had the pleasure of visiting the Corning Glass Museum in NY when I was a kid and it was amazing!   

15th - I grew up near the Corning Glass Works. As I kid I'd sit for hours watching the Glass Blowers at work there. Usually 20 to 40 of them. My favorite - they'd always hand over bags of glass marbles to us kids.  :grin: Great memories, and an amazing place!

Jurassic - great story, and very true! Your mother is a smart woman.  :cool:
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Offline The15thMember

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #16 on: May 27, 2020, 05:51:24 pm »
15th - I grew up near the Corning Glass Works. As I kid I'd sit for hours watching the Glass Blowers at work there. Usually 20 to 40 of them. My favorite - they'd always hand over bags of glass marbles to us kids.  :grin: Great memories, and an amazing place!
That is so cool!  Kids today never do stuff like that anymore. 
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Offline Ben Framed

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #17 on: May 28, 2020, 12:15:48 am »
JurassicApiary, Cool and Member,I really enjoyed reading the comments from you three. Your stories added charter to the already good information that was posted way back then. Also thank y'all for the added information. Brian D Bray was quite a fellow. I have read much of his work here at beemaster. I would have never thought of braiding feed sack strings to make wicks. Do any of yall make candles as he described? I will confess, I have never lit or even had a beeswax candle. YET...... 

 :happy:
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline CoolBees

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2020, 01:45:27 am »
Phillip - I've never made wax candles, but I'm going to.

A couple years ago, I stopped at a friend's store in Montana and he had beeswax candles for sale for $3 ea. I asked him how many he had. I bought 3.5 cases of candles. He calls me a week later - very unhappy. Says "their $20 now!".  :cool: ... I knew what I was buying.  :grin:

I think the price varies a lot by location. Here in California they are very expensive also.

If I was going into candle making - I'd buy or build good quality molds. I definitely think there's money in them, if you live in the right market. ... candle dipping also looks interesting  ...
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Offline Ben Framed

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #19 on: May 28, 2020, 07:36:55 am »
Thanks for sharing that Alan. Sounds good! What design or style candle was that? Size?
Thanks Phillip
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline Ben Framed

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #20 on: May 28, 2020, 07:45:27 am »
From you experienced candle makers, what size and style candle seem to be your Best seller?
2 Chronicles 7:14
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Offline CoolBees

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #21 on: May 28, 2020, 02:00:43 pm »
They are a straight candle, about 8 inches long, 1 inch dia. Approx.

I enjoy burning them - beautiful smell. ... I'm saving all my wax right now though, so that I can wax-dip my wooden ware in the future. So it was nice to get all those candles from him.
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Offline JurassicApiary

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #22 on: May 28, 2020, 02:15:49 pm »
JurassicApiary, Cool and Member,I really enjoyed reading the comments from you three. Your stories added charter to the already good information that was posted way back then. Also thank y'all for the added information. Brian D Bray was quite a fellow. I have read much of his work here at beemaster. I would have never thought of braiding feed sack strings to make wicks. Do any of yall make candles as he described? I will confess, I have never lit or even had a beeswax candle. YET...... 

 :happy:

BF, I have not heard of this, nor tried it, but I bet it works just fine!  Looked through several posts searching for the original you mentioned by Brian where he describes making candles, but cannot locate it.  Can you post a link to the thread?  I learned a lot of Brian in the process of searching.  He is legendary on the forum, wow.  98k+ posts...just, wow.  It looks like the anniversary of his passing is coming up next month.  Currently, I am using pre-waxed hemp wick for the candles I am making. 

I may try making tapered candles in the future.  There's a festive video on this posted by a member named Hardwood that can be found here:
https://beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=30857.msg248062#msg248062

Offline JurassicApiary

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #23 on: May 28, 2020, 02:26:48 pm »
Great story, and that's absolutely amazing that your mother can glass blow.  I had the pleasure of visiting the Corning Glass Museum in NY when I was a kid and it was amazing!   

15th, yes, I agree.  I think it's great she's found something creative to do for a hobby.


15th - I grew up near the Corning Glass Works. As I kid I'd sit for hours watching the Glass Blowers at work there. Usually 20 to 40 of them. My favorite - they'd always hand over bags of glass marbles to us kids.  :grin: Great memories, and an amazing place!

Jurassic - great story, and very true! Your mother is a smart woman.  :cool:


I enjoy watching artists blow glass.  There's a 2-season show on Netflix called Blown Away that you all might enjoy.  It's a glass blowing competition.

Offline Ben Framed

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #24 on: May 28, 2020, 03:42:37 pm »
Here you are JurassicApiary


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Re: driping candles
? Reply #1 on: November 16, 2009, 06:15:38 pm ?
Quote
True bee's wax tapers are meant to be dipped not molded. Taper molds are meant for Parifane.  I use feed sack strings and weave them into a 3 or 4 string wick.  I then dip them into the pot of moulten wax.  The wicks are initially weighted with a split-shot sinker which is removed after about 6 dippings as the developing candle is then strong and rigid enough to not require the weight.  I made a rack out of J hooks and make 2 candles on each string by weighting both ends and holding the wick in the middle.  I get 2 nice 8-10 inch tapers. The rack can old up to 12 candles at a time and if the right sized pot is used the rack can also be used as a jig to dip all candles at the same time.

I must say it is fun to watch the candles take form and substance with each successive dipping in the wax.  Want colored or scented candles, add food dyes and/or essential oils.
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14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline Seeb

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #25 on: May 28, 2020, 04:29:38 pm »
Have enjoyed reading about beeswax candles

There's a 2-season show on Netflix called Blown Away  will definitely check this out - thanks for sharing

Offline Seeb

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Re: Wax candles
« Reply #26 on: May 28, 2020, 05:15:54 pm »