Types of Candles

A company that offers a wide variety of scents and candle sizes is recommended. Some candle companies offer only one or two sizes, and a limited number of scents. This could limit the profit potential of your fundraiser. If lower priced items are not available, some customers will not be able or willing to buy. On the other hand, there may be some who would like larger candles and be willing to pay the higher cost. Therefore, look for a candle company that offers a wide variety of merchandise.

Sales Literature or Catalogs

Catalogs should be full color and have attractive pictures of the products. Multiple page catalogs are preferred, as they are usually offer more merchandise and better quality descriptions and photographs.

The price of items should be clearly printed and easy to understand. Order forms should be included with the fundraiser packets and be easy to fill out.

Commission

The amount of commission the company offers is very important. You may find a variety of commission levels offered, from 25% to 60%. I would recommend at least 40-50% commission, as this will give you the greatest return on your investment of time and effort.

Advantage to Candle Fundraisers

Candles are very popular items for home decoration, as well as gift giving. It is easy for people to buy from your candle fundraiser if they see a scent or candle they like. The price points are also usually agreeable to most people.

Drawbacks to Candle Fundraisers

As with any product sale campaign, you may encounter resistance from your organization or the people you try to sell to. Your customers may have already bought something from other product sale type fundraisers in your area, and may not be able or willing to buy another fundraiser product. Candles are also readily available in many gift shops, home decor stores and discount stores so in some ways your fundraiser competes with these retail outlets.

The second drawback to candle fundraisers is the weight and fragile nature of the merchandise. They can be heavy and cumbersome to deliver to your customers. Second, as candles are vulnerable to extreme heat, special care must be taken when receiving delivery from the company and delivering merchandise.

How to Maximize Your Sales

Consider the additional costs related to the fundraiser. If the candle company will ship candles for free this will help maximize your profits. Considering the weight and usual expense, this is a big advantage.

Ask the fundraiser company if they offer sample pack candles. Since fragrance is a big factor in choosing any candles, having samples will be a big advantage.

Another way to create higher sales, is to have a “party.” This works just like a direct sales party, where you invite as many friends as possible and then demonstrate the merchandise. When I did a candle fundraiser, I held two parties and raised a lot of money this way.

Choose a Candle Company

Use the information above to evaluate all of the fundraising candle companies. Look for high quality sales brochures, sample candles, a commission rate of 40-50%, and be sure to ask about shipping policies.