Income & freelancing: The cost of candle making: a starter kit and what to sell for
The cost of candle making covers wax, wicks, fragrance oils, containers and a few tools like a pouring jug and thermometer. In a worked example, a starter setup costs about 100 and each candle costs about 4 in materials.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- The cost of candle making covers wax, wicks, fragrance, containers and tools.
- In a worked example, a starter setup costs about 100 and each candle about 4 in materials.
- Containers and fragrance are the biggest costs per candle.
- Check safety and labelling rules before selling candles.
What is the cost of candle making?
Candle making is a popular craft for gifts, home decor and small side businesses. It needs only a few tools and some basic materials: wax, wicks, fragrance oils and containers. A starter setup with a pouring jug, a thermometer and materials for a first batch costs about 100 in a worked example. After that, each container candle costs about 4 in materials, depending on the size and the quality of the wax and fragrance.
It's easy to start at the kitchen table, but candle making involves hot wax and open flames, so safety matters. Work on a clear surface, never leave melting wax unattended and keep a lid nearby in case of a fire.
The first few batches are part of the learning, so expect some candles that tunnel, smoke or don't smell as strong as you hoped. Making small test batches with one or two jars, and writing down the wax, wick and amount of fragrance each time, helps you get it right without wasting much. Once you find a combination that works, you can repeat it reliably and buy materials in larger amounts.
Many people start making candles as gifts, then find friends asking to buy them. That's often how a hobby turns into a small side business, so it's worth keeping track of costs from the start. You'll know exactly what each candle costs to make, which makes pricing much easier if you ever decide to sell.
What does each candle cost to make?
Here's a worked example of materials for one container candle, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Container | 1.50 |
| Wax | 1.20 |
| Fragrance oil | 1 |
| Wick and label | 0.30 |
| Total | 4 |
Buying materials in bulk brings the cost per candle down. Reusing jars and tins cuts the container cost to almost nothing.
What are the main candle making costs?
Wax
Soy, rapeseed, paraffin and beeswax all have different prices and qualities. Natural waxes are popular but can cost more. Buying in larger amounts lowers the price.
Wicks
Wicks need to match the size of the container and the type of wax. The wrong wick can make a candle burn badly or unsafely, so testing matters.
Fragrance oils
Fragrance oils are often the most expensive ingredient. Use oils made for candles, and follow the supplier's guidance on how much to add. Adding more doesn't always make a stronger scent and can make a candle burn poorly.
Containers
Jars, tins and glasses can be the biggest cost per candle. Recycled jars from home or charity shops are a cheap alternative. Clean them thoroughly and check for cracks, since damaged glass can break when it heats up. Matching sets look more professional if you plan to give or sell your candles.
Tools
A pouring jug, a thermometer, a scale and wick holders are the basics. They last a long time.
What else adds to the cost of candle making?
Testing new candles uses materials without producing anything to sell or give away, but it's essential for safety and quality. Burn-testing each new design for several hours shows how it behaves, so you can fix problems before anyone else lights one. Labels, packaging and postage add up if you sell online. Selling usually means fees for marketplaces or market stalls. In many places, candles sold to the public must carry safety warnings, and some rules apply to fragrance labelling. Insurance for selling at markets may be needed. Check what applies where you live before you start selling.
Can candle making make money?
It can, if you price carefully. Say you sell a candle for 12. After 4 in materials and about 2 for packaging and fees, you have about 6 left per candle before counting your time. Making candles in batches saves time and lowers costs. How to earn money selling crafts covers pricing in more detail. If you start earning, keep track of the income and check whether you need to declare it. How to declare side hustle income and how to track side hustle income cover both.
Keep costs down
Reuse jars, buy wax and fragrance in bulk once you know what sells, and test small batches before committing to big orders. How to save money on a hobby has more tips.
How do you track candle making in Wealtie?
Add a crafts category to your expense categories for materials, and log sales in the income tracker, so you can see whether candle making covers its costs. Set a budget for supplies to keep spending in check.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, a starter setup costs about 100, and each container candle costs about 4 in materials.
Containers and fragrance oils are usually the biggest costs per candle. Reused jars cut the container cost.
Yes, if you price carefully. In a worked example, a candle sold for 12 leaves about 6 after materials, packaging and fees.
In many places, yes, such as safety warnings and fragrance labelling. Check the rules where you live before selling.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
