Do You Really Know What You're Buying?

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a popular gift show in my local area. My purpose in attending this gift show was to scope out my competition and the quality of their soy candles compared to what I offer. I was truly surprised with the results of how many candle exhibitors were present and was more so surprised with the results of how well they didn't know their product.

Now my results are in no way to badger the company in anyway, but to open the eyes of our consumers, the results are:

Candle Exhibitor #1:

This exhibitor stated that they're soy candles were handmade. I was told that their soy candles burned great had no soot or mushroom build up and had an awesome scent throw. Well, fortunately the exhibitor had several candles burning and I notice on their candles that the wick that was chosen had a lot of mushrooming and a little bit of soot build up and no scent throw unless your nose was directly above the flame. Speaking of flame, the flame on these candles was high and had a wild burn, which can be a fire hazard.

Candle Exhibitor #2:

This exhibitor informed us that she handmade her candles as well, but honestly the candles appeared to be machine poured because every candle look the same and had no imperfections. When candles are handmade properly, there are imperfections that actually make the candle perfect because it gives it a unique design. With handmade candles no two are alike. My business associate was asking various questions to see if the soy wax was compatible with essential oils. This vendor kind off "skated" around the question and wasn't too sure. We were offered a sample of the candle where I later tested the candle. This particular votive candle was actually made using palm wax and then burned all the way down in 2 ½ hours. That's the fastest burning candle I have ever seen. When this vendor found out that I was a candle maker, her eyes had gotten wide and at that point wanted to end the conversation. It's interesting how one candle maker can be intimidated by another candle maker.

Candle Exhibitor #3:

Lastly, this exhibitor primarily advertised that their soy candles can also be used as body oil and that you can deep your finger in the candle while the candle is burning. Well, Kandle Indulgence highly suggests that you don't put her finger or anything near and open flame serious injuries can occur. Yet again, my business associate asked the question concerning essential oils and/or what type of essential oils did their company use. She kept saying the fragrances come from flowers, but the question was what type of flowers, are these essential oils? Finally, after the exhibitor couldn't fully explain the company's product and was getting caught up in lies she basically said "I don't know." My question is "if you make the candles why wouldn't the candle maker know where the fragrances come from and what type of fragrances is used?"

In the seven years that I've been making candles I have received positive and negative feedback always concerning the scent throw of my candles and I took those negative comments and turned into positive feedback by constantly studying and researching my product also doing a lot of testing. Although other research was conducted from other exhibitors the three mentioned above sums up the most important part of a business?know your products, business and to be honest to your consumers because you never know who you may meet.

By Jameel Nolan