Wax and Bubbles

If there’s one drawback to making soap and candles, it’s the expense. Things like molds are a good investment because you can use them over and over again, but the soap base or wax, colourants, scents, and additives can end up costing quite a bit. That’s why I started selling the soap and candles that I made - I had to justify the expense to my husband!

There are a few ways that you can save some money when purchasing your supplies. First, try looking for a wholesaler close to your home. You’d be surprised at how many outlets there are! Search Google for “soap making supplies wholesale,” for example, and see what turns up. You’ll also find online retailers selling their supplies at discounted prices, so it’s worth the time to compare these and see if you can find some good deals. Remember to factor in the shipping costs though - they can really add up.

You can also find some good bargains on eBay. Be careful here; make sure that the item descriptions are detailed. You’ll want a manufacturer’s name and an ingredient list on base products, a manufacturer on colours and scents, and if you’re making candles, a flashpoint on any additives. You need to know that the product is suitable for what you’ll be using it for.

Check Yahoo groups or any other online mailing list centre for groups that discuss soap and/or candle making. These groups sometimes have swaps or round robins, where you can trade the supplies you don’t want or need any longer for ones you can use. A list is made up of the people who want to be involved, and a box of supplies is sent from the first person on the list to the next; when you receive the box, you take out what you want and add some things of your own. You then mail it on to the next person on the list.

Mailing lists also have local groups, and if you can find one of these you’ll be in luck. A group of crafters living within driving distance of one another has wholesale purchasing power! Get together with the group and order your supplies in bulk. You split up the cost and everyone gets their supplies much cheaper.

Buy your seasonal products off-season. January is the best time to buy Christmas scents and molds, as they’ll be on sale just like excess wrapping paper and Christmas tree decorations are! Most suppliers have sales on discontinued fragrances too, so check for those often.

Save all of your scraps and mistakes too! Most candles and soaps can be either remelted or cut up into chunks to use in a different project. You get to reuse the stuff that you thought was toast, and bring out your creative side in figuring out just what you can do with them.

Got another money-saving tip for soap and candle makers? I’d love to hear it! Leave a comment below, or drop me an e-mail.

candle making supplies, soap making supplies, saving money, purchase craft supplies