Online candle wax and supplies shop

Hobby candle makers, small candle brands, market stallholders, craft teachers and people buying starter kits as gifts.

You buy wax in bulk and sell it at a higher price per kilo in smaller quantities. Extra sales come from add-ons like wicks, jars and starter kits, and from repeat orders.

• Organising stock and orders
• Basic online shop setup
• Knowing how candle wax and wicks work together
• Customer service

• Fragrance oils may be classed as hazardous, so check safety data sheets and labelling rules before selling them
• If you import wax or additives, check Australian Border Force and chemical import requirements (AICIS)
• Check whether your council allows a home-based business and whether storing stock at home affects your home insurance
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Wax is heavy, so postage can eat into margins; test your shipping prices first
• Register for an ABN, and for GST once your turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how much wax and stock you buy, your packaging and your website setup. These are estimates only. Test your shipping prices first, as wax is heavy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Postage can eat into margins because wax is heavy, so check your costs per order.

Check safety data sheets and labelling rules before selling fragrance oils, which may be classed as hazardous. If you import, check Australian Border Force and AICIS requirements. Also check council rules for home businesses, your insurance, and ABN and GST registration.