1. LEGAL + TAXES:
- Set up a consultation with a local certified personal accountant to ask tax questions.
- Set up a consultation with a local business attorney to ask legal questions and form a business entity if desired.
- Choose a business name and make sure it is not already taken/trademarked.
- Secure that business name: Create social media handles, a business email address, and purchase a website domain.
- Purchase business insurance, a business license (if needed), and a seller's permit (aka resale license, this should be free).
- Open up a separate checking account with your bank for all your business transactions.
- Set up your bookkeeping software (I use QuickBooks) and inventory management software (I use Inventora).
2. YOUR PRODUCTS:
- Determine your target market (who you will be selling your candles to).
- Determine how many sizes/styles you will offer.
- Calculate and understand your cost of goods per product.
- Choose a set price for each of your products with profit in mind (COG X 4 + 10% is recommended but not mandatory).
- Figure out how you are going to ship out your products and how much you will charge in shipping.
- Purchase shipping supplies and packaging materials.
- Order your jars, wicks, fragrance oil, wax, labels, etc., so that you have these in stock before launching.
- Make your products at least 10 days before launching. I recommend making 4-6 candles in each scent, in each size. I recommend offering 4-8 scents when starting out. (Just a guide).
- Create a designated space in your home to store your finished products.
3. WEBSITE & MARKETING:
- Create either an Etsy shop or Shopify store to sell your products on.
- Take product photos for social media posts and for your website or hire a photographer.
- Write down the top keywords that describe your products to use in product listings.
- Write your product listing descriptions.
- Prepare some social media posts (Get to know me, Product Spotlight, This or That, etc.) to market your products on social media.
- Create a marketing strategy that targets your ideal customer & marketing materials: flyers, business cards, free samples, etc.
- Take action: Tell anyone and everyone about your business, get the word out, and have fun throughout this process!
