I want to start a candle business, but where do I start?

[teraoka]

I want to start my own business (candle, bath and body shop) but I don't know how to put it all together.



If anyone has any business experience and can help me with any advice please do so.



I am going to be making my own candle products and bath products so what do about labeling, trademark and packaging?



I feel so stuck! please help me!



I am looking to start small by setting up shop at my local flea markets and with an online store operating from home.



I am open to any advice so please feel free!



thanks in advance

[dca2003311yahoocom]

you have to make sure you know who you're going to sell to. And always remember: location, location, location!

[Livermore]

Start with talking to an attorney to get registered with the state and all the legal information you need.

[smiley021989]

Starting a business is not all that difficult. There are many items that must be covered:
1.) Have you chosen the name? Give that some thought, since it will be the name you trade under. It should be a name that can be associated to the product you intend to sell. Research on the web.
2.) You have chosen a name. Now see if the domain name is available for that name ( Business name:My Candles, check to see if www.mycandles.com is available). Web site names should be short with powerful key words. If it's available, buy it. It's only a $3-10 investment. Think about a Brand Name. Try to tie all three together. Research on the web.
3.) You goal is to start a candle, scent and soaps store. I assume you know how to make. Get your suppliers lined up to make sure you can purchase what you need. Make sure you can make a profit on what your going to sell. Test what you make by going to flea markets and you can sell what your making without having to have any licenses. Research on the web- there are firms that will get you started in the line of business you chose to go into. BE WARY of long term agreements. Think hard and twice before you proceed on these.
4.) Still want to do this - go see an attorney for getting the business established.
5.) Develop a business plan. Research on the web and you will find many programs that walk you through this step. You might want to do this before Step 4 and show your attorney your plan.
6.) Help available:SCORE - an association of retired business execs. that provide guidance to new business owners. Most branches are within a 45 min drive in the Delaware Valley and you can see them as often as you like. Might be a good idea if you go there and see if they have a handout on the steps to take to start a business.

Starting a business will be the most frustrating experience in your life and many times over you will ask yourself over and over, Why did I do this? Before you even begin the formal process of starting, make the committment to follow through because this is what you want to do.Then NEVER FORGET THAT OR WAIVER from your goal.
A business is like a plant. When young it must be nutured into maturity. One mature it still needs to be taken care of. Trust me when I state it will take tons of hard work to get your business going but well worth the effort in the end.
Example - It took me 2.5 years to get where I am in my business. You can visit at HTTP://Stores.Far-EastGifts.com. If you have any questions or think I can be of assistance, feel free to contact me through the website.