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View Full Version : Candle Affiliate Program & Orders
karadawn
10-06-2006, 04:57 PM
First let me clarify this so I don't get a inbox full of spam:
I am not looking for a company to join in any way.</span> I am a candle maker. I do NOT need to join another company. I'm seeking advice about my OWN affiliate program.
Now, my question for other candle makers....
We've discussed consultant programs and the like, but haven't really put any solid plans in place. The whole idea behind a consultant program I think would be just way too much work and I don't think we could accuratly cover our costs (which this is something I'm already worrying about with dropshipping and wholesale, since our prices are on the low side).
So now my thinking is an affiliate program would probably be less work. There's still plenty of things we need to have in place, and some I already have, but there's no way this would be introduced until at least Jan 2007 if not later.
However, my biggest concern is keeping up with production. In order for us to expand, we've got to get a better production system in place. It's got to be done without raising our costs or sacrificing our quality. So in other words, no hired help, no machines, no mass batches of candles. Candles will still need to be poured one pound at a time without adding employees.
Is there a system some of you could possibly share (either here or privately) that you use to keep up with orders? I would love to expand, but do NOT want quality to drop or cost to rise.
Thanks!
I am not looking for a company to join in any way.</span> I am a candle maker. I do NOT need to join another company. I'm seeking advice about my OWN affiliate program.
Now, my question for other candle makers....
We've discussed consultant programs and the like, but haven't really put any solid plans in place. The whole idea behind a consultant program I think would be just way too much work and I don't think we could accuratly cover our costs (which this is something I'm already worrying about with dropshipping and wholesale, since our prices are on the low side).
So now my thinking is an affiliate program would probably be less work. There's still plenty of things we need to have in place, and some I already have, but there's no way this would be introduced until at least Jan 2007 if not later.
However, my biggest concern is keeping up with production. In order for us to expand, we've got to get a better production system in place. It's got to be done without raising our costs or sacrificing our quality. So in other words, no hired help, no machines, no mass batches of candles. Candles will still need to be poured one pound at a time without adding employees.
Is there a system some of you could possibly share (either here or privately) that you use to keep up with orders? I would love to expand, but do NOT want quality to drop or cost to rise.
Thanks!
mnmommy
10-06-2006, 11:24 PM
Kara,
I would check out Prostores Enterprise. It is expensive to use, however it has tons of features and makes ordering/production much easier! Also, I would check out large batch wax melters, they allow you to have melted wax readily available throughout the day, then you can mix scents into a pouring pot and still do small batches. If you need any help let me know!
Cindy
I would check out Prostores Enterprise. It is expensive to use, however it has tons of features and makes ordering/production much easier! Also, I would check out large batch wax melters, they allow you to have melted wax readily available throughout the day, then you can mix scents into a pouring pot and still do small batches. If you need any help let me know!
Cindy
karadawn
10-07-2006, 05:28 AM
Ordering proceedure I'm not so worried about. I have the software to do the affiliate program, no big deal there. But I will check out the large batch wax melters. Thank you!
kmsty25
10-07-2006, 02:14 PM
What kind of software are you using for an affiliate program?? I'm thinking of starting my own company as well!
mnmommy
10-07-2006, 04:04 PM
Kara,
There are a lot of good melters at Candlewic www.candlewic.com.
Also, check out CES at www.waxmelters.com
Good luck!!
Cindy
There are a lot of good melters at Candlewic www.candlewic.com.
Also, check out CES at www.waxmelters.com
Good luck!!
Cindy
karadawn
10-07-2006, 05:46 PM
Thank you Cindy!
Lorrie48441
10-09-2006, 07:06 AM
Kara,
I own a candle company too. This time of year I get swamped with orders. I actually stock up as much product as I can in the summer months to help me keep up. (I work a full time job too and have a 3 year old.) When I get big orders. I enlist some family to help me with some of it. My husband melts wax, while I do all the coloring and scenting & pouring. My mom does the wicking and she marks each box with the wick sizes and my sister in law lables the candles. I do not pay the any $$ but I do give them free products. Soaps, candles, or I will make them a lotion or sugar scrub. This works very well for me and I can still say that they are hand poured.
I have had an affiliate program, which offers 10% of the completed sale. I know that it isn't a huge commision but they aren't taking any risk. They have no stock to carry and I ship everything directly to their customer.
I am thinking of starting a consultant program but I think that I would start small maybe with 10-15 consultants. Just to see how things would be and to help me work out any bugs in the system and than I would add more gradually. I hope that make sense.
I own a candle company too. This time of year I get swamped with orders. I actually stock up as much product as I can in the summer months to help me keep up. (I work a full time job too and have a 3 year old.) When I get big orders. I enlist some family to help me with some of it. My husband melts wax, while I do all the coloring and scenting & pouring. My mom does the wicking and she marks each box with the wick sizes and my sister in law lables the candles. I do not pay the any $$ but I do give them free products. Soaps, candles, or I will make them a lotion or sugar scrub. This works very well for me and I can still say that they are hand poured.
I have had an affiliate program, which offers 10% of the completed sale. I know that it isn't a huge commision but they aren't taking any risk. They have no stock to carry and I ship everything directly to their customer.
I am thinking of starting a consultant program but I think that I would start small maybe with 10-15 consultants. Just to see how things would be and to help me work out any bugs in the system and than I would add more gradually. I hope that make sense.
karadawn
10-10-2006, 03:25 PM
Completely makes sense, and thank you for the advice. There are already two of us working on the actual candles, myself and my mom. She makes the candles and I make lables (as well as put in supply orders). Her and I worked together at first making them, but now it's just her while I handle the rest.
We're working on getting past Christmas and then we'll see how well we can keep up. smileys/smiley2.gif
We're working on getting past Christmas and then we'll see how well we can keep up. smileys/smiley2.gif
Lorrie48441
10-11-2006, 05:44 AM
Completely makes sense, and thank you for the advice. There are already two of us working on the actual candles, myself and my mom. She makes the candles and I make lables (as well as put in supply orders). Her and I worked together at first making them, but now it's just her while I handle the rest.
We're working on getting past Christmas and then we'll see how well we can keep up. smileys/smiley2.gif
Good luck! But if you can enlist anyone else to help I would. I think that there is nothing better than barter their work for products! I call it cheap labor and everyone is happy.
We're working on getting past Christmas and then we'll see how well we can keep up. smileys/smiley2.gif
Good luck! But if you can enlist anyone else to help I would. I think that there is nothing better than barter their work for products! I call it cheap labor and everyone is happy.
