Candle Making Business :
Here’s a comprehensive guide on starting a Candle Making Business – covering all important aspects from types of candles to legal requirements and income potential:
What is a Candle Making Business?
It involves manufacturing and selling candles in various shapes, colors, fragrances, and purposes – from basic utility to decorative, religious, aromatherapy, and gifting.
Types of Candles:
- Standard/Utility Candles – Used for lighting during power cuts.
- Decorative Candles – For home décor and events.
- Scented/Aromatic Candles – Infused with essential oils for relaxation.
- Religious Candles – Used in temples, churches, etc.
- Gel Candles – Made from gel wax, often decorative.
- Floating Candles – Small, water-floating candles.
- Birthday & Party Candles – Small and colorful for celebrations.
- Soy/Beeswax Candles – Eco-friendly, chemical-free options.
Infrastructure Required:
- Small Room or Workshop – For melting, pouring, and setting candles.
- Molds & Tools – For shaping candles.
- Wax Melter/Double Boiler
- Thermometer, Weighing Scale
- Tables & Storage Racks
- Ventilation & Lighting
Raw Materials Needed:
- Paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax
- Wicks
- Fragrances & essential oils
- Dyes/Colors
- Molds (various shapes)
- Containers (for jar candles)
- Packaging materials
Investment Required:
- Home-based setup: ₹20,000–₹50,000
- Small-scale unit: ₹1–3 lakhs
- Medium-scale: ₹5–10 lakhs
- Cost includes wax, molds, tools, fragrance oils, packaging, branding, marketing, and setup.
Market Potential:
- High demand in festivals, weddings, hotels, spas, and gifting.
- E-commerce is a booming platform for scented/decorative candles.
- Export opportunities (especially for handmade and eco-friendly candles).
- Demand from religious institutions and households.
Business Opportunities:
- Sell online (Amazon, Etsy, Meesho, own website).
- Supply to gift shops, boutiques, hotels, salons, and spas.
- Corporate gifting and event decor.
- Franchise or wholesale distribution model.
- Collaborate with interior designers or wedding planners.
Scope of Business:
- Growing wellness and home decor industry.
- Rising interest in handmade and organic candles.
- Great startup idea for small towns and cities.
- Seasonal boosts during Diwali, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc.
Income Potential:
- Profit margin: 30% to 60%
- Home business: ₹20,000–₹50,000/month
- Small-scale business: ₹50,000–₹2 lakhs/month
- Large-scale or brand: ₹5 lakhs/month and more
Legal Requirements & Government Licenses:
- Firm Registration – Proprietorship, Partnership, or Pvt Ltd.
- GST Registration
- Trade License – From local municipal authority.
- MSME/Udyam Registration – For government benefits.
- FSSAI License – Not needed unless you make edible candles (rare).
- Trademark – For brand protection (optional but recommended).
- Fire Safety Compliance – If large scale or industrial unit.
Government Support:
- MSME schemes – Subsidies, credit support, training programs.
- PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme) – Loan + subsidy for small business setup.
- Skill India programs – Provide training in candle-making and marketing.