Candle making has always been an excellent choice for generating income for individuals and families during tough economic times.

For many, candle making can be so fun it is easy to lose focus that you are doing this as a source of income.  In part 1 and part 2 we are going to highlight some of the areas that sometimes do not seem like it should be a "margin drain", but without careful evaluation they could result in not to maximizing your income.  

Establish the Right Scent Load
This can be a very tough subject and one that everyone has varying opinions on.  Without doubt we have written numerous times that fragrance is considered the biggest factor in selling your candles and keeping repeat customers.  The key is finding that right balance of fragrance for your candle without adding more then you need.  Adding more scent than you need will be costly and may not be necessary.  This is commonly referred to as the point of diminishing returns (you are adding more fragrance but it does not result in a better product). For many candle makers the tendency is to add more fragrance because you may think there is not enough.  The best thing to do is test your different formulas with friends and neighbors.  Be sure to evaluate the fragrance in a location other than where you pour the candles.  Fragrances can easily take over the room when you pour your candles and when you then try and smell them your ability to sufficiently evaluate can be compromised.  Also it is very difficult for you to be the own judge of the finished product.  

When smelling fragrances for to long of a time period your senses can become somewhat dull and you become accustomed to smelling them at stronger doses. While it can be hard, let other people help you determine if your candle smells strong enough.

The last four tips are coming in part 2!