How to Sell Your Candles at Craft Shows

Light Up Your Sales: How to Rock Craft Shows with Your Audible Candle Business

You’ve poured the wax, chosen the fussy wick, picked perfect scents, and now it’s time to take your candles out into the world. Craft shows are magical: the place where your creation meets real people, glowing feedback, and real sales. If you want to make the most of these in-person moments, here’s a how-to guide that’s practical, fun, and inspiring. Check out my YouTube video to see how I make craft shows work for me.

Why Craft Shows Are Gold for Candle Makers

• Real connections: Smell, touch, and story matter. At craft shows you get to share the fragrance, the burn, the unique aspects of your candle materials, and forge relationships with customers in real time.

• Instant feedback: Which scents draw people in? Which jar styles excite them? You’ll get clarity fast.

• Brand visibility & word-of-mouth: Even folks who don’t buy immediately may remember your booth, tell friends about your candles, or follow you on social media.

• Test & grow: You can try new scents, packaging designs, or bundles, see what sticks, and adjust accordingly.

Prep Smart: Before the Show

1. Choose the right shows

   • Scout events with an audience likely to love your style, price point, and aesthetic.

   • Consider indoor vs. outdoor: heat, humidity, weather can make or break your display (and your wax).

   • Research vendor fees, expected attendance, space dimensions, provided amenities (tables, chairs, electricity, etc.).

2. Stock up, but be realistic

   • Bring enough inventory, especially your best sellers and seasonal scents. But avoid overpacking unproven scents that might just take up space.

   • Bring extras of small / lower-cost items: they’re easy add-ons for impulse purchases.

3. Display & packaging are more than just pretty

   • Use risers, shelves, or tiered displays so candles are visible at multiple heights.

   • Signage that clearly shows your brand name, what candles are made of (soy, beeswax, etc.), scent names, burn time, price.

   • Let people smell your candles: unlidded jars, sample melts, or if permitted, a lit candle/wax warmer.

4. Logistics & tools

   • Payment: cash + card + mobile payment options. Make sure your reader works offline if needed.

   • Packaging: bags, wrapping, labels, candle care cards, business cards.

   • Comfort: bring a helper, if possible, water, snacks, comfortable shoes.

5. Promoting ahead of time

   • Let your audience know via social media, newsletter, flyers that you’ll be at the show.

   • Show sneak peeks of what you’ll bring: new scents, special displays, bundles.

   • Share the location, times, maybe a map if possible.

During the Show: Shine Bright

• Be approachable: smile, greet people, invite them in.

• Tell your story: people love hearing why you make candles, what makes yours special.

• Sampling & scent: let people sniff! Sometimes even a small sample or melt scent can convert a curious browser into a buyer.

• Bundling & special offers: maybe “buy 2 small candles get 1 free,” or “bundle discount” to increase average sale.

• Be organized at checkout: clearly visible prices, smooth payment process, easy wrapping.

After the Show: Reflect, Recharge, Improve

• Tally up your sales. Which scents, sizes, styles sold best? Which didn’t?

• What about the display? Did people struggle to see items, or did the layout flow well?

• Gather contacts: customers who signed up for mailing list, social followers — follow up with “thank you” messages or special online offers.

• Rest! Trade shows are exhausting. Recharge and use your observations to adjust for the next one.

Inspiration to Keep Going

Every booth, every scent, every handshake matters. Some of the most successful candle businesses started at small weekend fairs, perfected their craft over years, and built loyal followings. Let each show be a learning lab: your aromas, your creativity, your interaction — all refine your voice and your business.

You are turning wax into something people love. That’s magic. Lean into it. Keep innovating with scent blends, eco-friendly packaging, or creative names. Let your candles tell stories. Your booth isn't just a sales point — it’s an expression of your passion. When customers feel that, they don’t just buy a candle — they buy into your vision.