Starting Your Own Online Candle Store? Take These Light Tips
The internet may be nerve-wracking to some people, but to others, it's the ultimate open door. Now, anybody who's ever wanted to start a small business can. However niche or unusual your idea, you can find an audience for it somewhere in the world. Candle making may not be such a niche idea, but it can be hard to find local buyers who are interested in the specific work you do. That makes the internet the perfect marketplace.
However, there is a disadvantage to this openness, too. Unfortunately, it means that you'll be encountering a lot of competition from other prospective business owners. However, if you're serious about making this work, there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Be User-Friendly
If you're experienced enough to even think about selling candles professionally, you're likely very familiar with the names of scents and their properties, and all the different terminology associated with the craft. However, your buyers may not be. As such, take care to craft names and descriptions for your products which directly express their value to the customer, instead of just declaring what they're made of. For example, don't just describe it as a 'lavender-scented candle' — describe it as an effective relaxant and sleep aid after a difficult day at work.
Remember that Looks Matter
People are extremely exacting about what they spend their money on, especially online and even more so with a luxury product like hand-crafted artisinal candles. They aren't able to touch and feel the product before they part with their hard-earned money. As such, you need to sell the smell of the candle in its appearance. Decorate it even if those decorations won't affect its use at all. Take high-quality, well-lit photographs. In essence, you should consider the crafting of your photographs as vital a part of the process as crafting the candles themselves.
Reward Your Customers
There are a thousand different stores and websites your customer could visit — so if they come to you, prove that they made the right choice. Including a small free gift or handwritten message with their purchase may cost a little more in the short-term, but will really stand out in the customer's mind. They'll feel valued and they'll want to purchase from you again. Take the same approach to any problems your customers may have with your products. Occasionally, chancers will try and get things for free — but more often than not, your candle really did get damaged in the mail or include a defect. Politely replacing the product at a small cost to you, instead of blaming the customers, will prove that they're interacting with a real professional, and will pay dividends in the long run.
It's extremely difficult to run your own business, but very rewarding too. The hardest part is just getting off the ground — so hang in there and work hard until you see those successes come rolling in. It'll all be worth it in the end. For more information, on candle making supplies, contact a local supplier or professional.
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