How to start an online candle business in Australia

Hand-poured candles are one of the most popular small businesses to start in Australia - and getting online is what turns a market-day hobby into a real income. Here's a simple path from first pour to first order.

1. Nail your brand and photos

Candles are a visual, sensory product. Good, consistent photos on a clean background do most of the selling. Pick a name, a colour palette and a font, and use them everywhere so your store looks like you.

2. Price for profit

Add up wax, wicks, fragrance, vessel, packaging and your time, then price so there's margin left after fees. Wholesale buyers will expect roughly half your retail price, so make sure retail leaves room.

3. Get an online store

You want a branded store where customers can browse scents, read descriptions and check out securely. Look for product photos and variants (sizes, scents), a clean layout, and payments that just work.

4. Sell locally too - delivery & markets

Most candle makers start local. Offer local delivery to nearby suburbs and pickup at markets so customers can order online and collect at your stall.

5. Add wholesale & stockists

Once you're rolling, cafes and gift shops will want to stock you. Approve them as wholesale customers with their own pricing, and send invoices they pay online - no separate system.

The easy way

Invictus gives candle makers a beautiful branded store, local delivery and pickup, wholesale pricing and online invoices - everything above - for one simple price. See the candle makers page.