Top 8 Mistakes New Candle Brands Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Launching a new candle brand is an exciting venture, but it's easy to stumble if you're not prepared. With the global candle market projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, there's plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurs using private label or wholesale candles. However, common pitfalls can derail even the most passionate startups, from poor supplier choices to ineffective marketing.

At Lumient, we've helped countless brands avoid these errors through our premium candle manufacturing services. In this post, we'll cover the top 8 mistakes new candle brands make and provide actionable advice to sidestep them, drawing from industry insights and real-world experiences.

Many new brands dive in without researching customer preferences, leading to products that don't sell. For instance, choosing scents that appeal to you but not your target market can result in unsold inventory.

To avoid this, use tools like Google Trends or survey potential customers. Focus on popular niches like wellness or seasonal scents.

Partnering with inconsistent suppliers can lead to variable product quality, delayed shipments, and customer complaints. This is especially risky in candle manufacturing where ingredients affect burn time and scent throw.

Vet suppliers thoroughly by checking reviews and ordering samples. Look for those offering USA-sourced, premium materials.

New brands often launch dozens of scents and styles, overwhelming inventory and confusing customers. This can lead to high costs and slow sales.

Start small with 4-6 core products. Expand based on sales data.

Setting prices too low to compete erodes profits and positions your brand as cheap. Many overlook overheads like marketing and shipping.

Calculate costs accurately and aim for 50-70% margins. Use value-based pricing for premium features.

Generic labels and packaging make your candles forgettable in a saturated market. Customers buy with their eyes first.

Invest in professional designs that reflect your brand story. Eco-friendly packaging appeals to modern buyers.

Misjudging demand leads to tied-up capital or lost sales. New brands often order too much without sales data.

Use forecasting tools and start with low MOQs. Monitor trends seasonally.

Overlooking labeling laws or burn testing can lead to accidents, recalls, or lawsuits. This is critical in candle manufacturing.

Follow ASTM standards and include proper warnings. Partner with compliant manufacturers.

Without a solid plan, even great products go unnoticed. Many brands neglect digital channels early on.

Build an online presence with social media, email lists, and SEO. Collaborate with influencers.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, your new candle brand can thrive in a competitive market. Remember, success comes from learning, adapting, and partnering wisely.

Ready to launch without the pitfalls? Explore Lumient's Private Label Builder or Wholesale Builder to get started with premium, customizable candles today.