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 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?” That puzzled my
business associate and me.

In the seven years that I’ve been making candles I have received
both 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 in addition to 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.