Starting Wax Melt business

[Titchymum]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to start a Wax Melt business at home. I know nothing about business but I've been doing some research. I want to do things properly. Has anyone else started their own wax melt business? Is it worth it, too much hassle etc? Any advice or comments appreciated. Thanks in advance

I’m sorry I don’t want to rain on your parade but why do you think this is a good idea? Is it an MLM that has approached you?
You say yourself you know nothing about Business and I think there are so many people already doing these, it doesn’t sound like a plan

It's a pretty saturated market.

Hiya, yea I get where you're coming from. I'm unable to work due to my own health issues and DD SEN. I'm not expecting to be the next Alan Sugar, I just love wax melts etc but find some aren't great quality so won't to try myself. It isn't MLM, Im not keen on those. I suppose it will be more of a hobby but want to make sure Im doing things properly ie insurance

I would say that if you're going to dabble in wax melts, then you'd need to approach it in a unique way, with unique melt moulds, as the market is so saturated with plain standard-shaped melts.
There are also so many sellers on Etsy and TikTok of handmade wax melts, many of which I've seen come and go as they just don't sell any due to harsh competition and lack of advertising.
You'd need to look around at the other sellers who are doing well and try to see what's helping them sell.

Not wax melts but I used to sell other handmade items. The main thing is: will they actually sell? If the market is already oversaturated then you’re going to need a really unique selling point to squeeze your way in there and climb amongst the top.

Roughly work out the costs you’d need to outlay and then how much you’d have to sell to
A) cover those costs
and more importantly B) make the equivalent of a good hourly wage, including all the time you’d spend marketing and dealing with admin and p&p etc.
Then decide whether it’s actually possible to sell that much. Look at new wax melt businesses on Etsy for example and see how many sales they have.

As other PP have said, it’s a saturated market so work out first whether you have a solid route into it and whether it’s worth your time.

The main thing is, is there a market for this at a price point that is worth your while? How will you sell them? Draft a realistic business proposal including start up costs, on going costs, will it be profitable. Wax melts are something that is discretionary, not sure a cost of living crisis is a good time to launch

Just make sure you know to the penny what everything costs, the last thing you want to do is actually lose money

I don't like them sorry they set off my allergies but good luck x

I used to make candles. Note the word used. I spent a fortune on wax, colouring, scent etc. I’m not even convinced I broke even as I ended up giving a lot away. I loved making them, but it’s just so hard competing with the “known” brands

I see loads of stalls selling these at craft fairs, and the stalls never look busy. Sorry, but I agree that the market is over saturated.

Hi,
Have you been making wax melts already? It's good to start with something you know about.

In a busy market like wax melts you'll need a really good Unique Selling Point that sets you apart from other makers/sellers and a niche within wax melts. With the economy like it is you'll need to market to the people with disposable income who are still spending. You would have to make sure you're branding/marketing conveys luxury. You don't want to be competing with B & M and co on pricing, who buy in bulk and aren't 'hand made'.

There's lots of info on Simply Business/Enterprise Nation about starting up and details of legal stuff etc. Your local council might run some free workshops about starting a business.

Good luck 🤞

Also check your home insurance- it doesn't always cover business which operates from the home. If you rent check the landlord will allow it.

This is a pretty good guide of the considerations and legalities
https://craftovator.co.uk/blogs/academy/selling-your-handmade-candles-and-wax-melts-what-you-should-know
The market is totally saturated, everyone is making them. You'll have to work out very carefully if they can sell at a price that makes it worth your while. Don't just look at listings, these tell you nothing, you need to see what has sold. This is easy to do for eBay, on Etsy there is a website that can help you track. The name has escaped me but if I remember I'll let you know.