WAHM Forums

Hello you guys! smileys/smiley1.gif I have my own aromatherapy business and I used to make and sell vegetable wax candles. I have stopped selling themtemporarily for a couple of reasons, and I really would like your feedback about these: 1) liability. Can anyone give me names of good business insurance? I'm so worried I will sell a candle that someone will leave unattended and burn down their house and come back to sue me. Should I be worried about that? 2) the wax I was using was actually discontinued by the manufacturer so now to use another type of wax I will have to RE-TEST EVERYTHING to make sure it is suitable with my wicking, etc. I would like to start selling candles again, because it is fun and I know people would buy them, but I haven't had the time to research other soy-based waxes. Does anybody have any suggestions on what soy or veggie wax to use that works great and that I can use in pillars as well as containers? I would really appreciate any suggestions any of you have.


Thank you so much!!!

Hi! I've just started making soy candles, and use EZ Soy (Bitter Creek's). It's been working for me so far, and the scent throw hot and cold is incredible! Only problem I have to work out now is obtaining full melt pool (I have serious hangups in my 8 oz. tins, but I'm working on that) and smoothing out the tops (also working on that).


As for business insurance, it depends on where you live. I haven't called anyone yet, but I'm going to try Hartford, State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, and Farmer's.


Good luck! smileys/smiley1.gif

Hi Have you tried the palm wax? It is a natural wax and it makes a beautiful candle holds scent like a dream. I would try a supplier as close to you as possible to cut on the shipping charges, you may get really lucky and find one in driving distance.


Insurance I cannot help you with it is a bugger to get and very expensive when you can even find a company to cover you.


HTH

Just a curious thought, but isn't that the whole purpose of warning labels at the bottom of candles? A kinda "burn at your own risk" label. Doesn't this put in you in the "maker not at fault" category?

No it doesn't we live in a world where people sue for any and everything. The warning lables are a CYA type thing not a substitute for insurance. And depending on where you live business insurance may be mandatory. One suggestion though if you make your candles at home DO NOT try and get insurance with the company that does your home-owners they will more then likely drop you. Your best bet for finding it is to google business insurance in your state and surf alot. The premiums on candlemakers insurance are prohibitively high and most companies will not even cover you so it will take alot of research to find one.

I got my insurance from an underwriter for Ohio Mutal. Just Google them and you can find an underwriter. I only pay $501 a year for $1,000,000 coverage per occurance. Also, you may want to check out greenleaf. The owner, Brenda is the best. She will give you suggestions on wich wax, containers, wicks, etc... go together. Really helps with the testing process. She offers soy, palm, paraffin, and soy blends. Her FO's are AWESOME too! www.greenleafcandlesupply.com (http://www.greenleafcandlesupply.com/)

HTH!
Brandy

Edited by: funnygirl

Hi April -



I can totally understand your concerns ... they are not misplaced!



Unfortunately, when you're the manufacturer, you can be held responsible for everything that happens with your product.



I'm sorry I can't help with a wax suggestion, I've always been a
jeweler. Now I'm replacing that production with a veggie candle line
that I don't have to worry over all that stuff with.



I do know of a really great candle maker forum that should be able to help. Wanna PM me??



Would love to hear more about your aromatherapy biz too. Might have another connection worth making ...



Andrea

Taz -



Do you do a topping off pour for smoothness??



Andrea