CANDLE DIPPING. WHAT’S THE ACTUAL COST?

Traditional dipping is the oldest method of making candles. Today, it’s still as popular way of manually producing candles that score very well in terms of creativity and quality. The method is based on a simple and repetitive motion, characterised by dipping. During the dipping process, the candle is built up layer-by-layer to form the top-quality end product.

Then, there’s also a range of decoration techniques for giving the candle a special look that clearly distinguishes it from “standard” mass-produced candles. On average, traditionally-made dipped candles burn 30% longer than factory-made candles.

But what costs are involved in starting up a candle dipping enterprise? Unfortunately, safety reasons mean that it’s not possible for us to put together an entry-level starter package. However, this is possible when it comes to moulded candles (see ‘Starting a candle moulding enterprise. What does it cost?’ blog). All the below options can be expanded to include an electric dip lift, with service contracts also available. We haven’t included our top-of-the-range package – the Combi-Complete – in these options, because we tailor-make this option for you.

Candle dipping option A: If you intend to dip candles as a group of 2-3 persons in an institutional capacity over 1 to 2 days a week, your initial investment will be approximately € 2,000 in equipment and € 475 in ingredients. This option forms a great foundation for entrepreneurs to build on. Equipment that comes with option A includes: a Junior dip set, a Junior colour set, a melting urn, a stringer, dippers and other useful accessories. Ingredients that come with option A include: 100 kg T119 dipping wax, colourant (granules) and wick.

Candle dipping option B: If you intend to dip candles as a group of 2-5 persons throughout the whole week, your initial investment will be approximately € 5,000 in equipment and € 1,250 in ingredients. Entrepreneurs get the substantial Combi 2 along with everything necessary to start production. Equipment that comes with option B includes: a Combi 2, a large melting urn, a deco and most of the equipment that comes with option A. Ingredients that come with candle dipping option B include: 250 kg T119 dipping wax, coating wax and the ingredients that come with option A, but in larger quantities.

Candle dipping option C: If you intend to dip candles as a group of max 8 persons throughout the whole week, your initial investment will be approximately € 8,650 in equipment and € 2,150 in ingredients. This investment buys entrepreneurs a fully-fledged candle making operation in which all facets of candle dipping are possible. The only thing that could improve efficiency is a dip lift. Equipment that comes with option C includes: a Combi 3D with 12 colour canisters in addition to the equipment that comes with option B. This extensive option guarantees continuity and quality. Ingredients that come with candle dipping option C include: 500 kg T119 dipping wax, 100 kg coating wax and more colourants than option B.

When it comes to the options that include the Combi, a dip lift is available that can be attached to the Combi itself. The Junior is also compatible with a dip lift, but must be fixed to a wall. And a special system attaches to the dip lift to keep its level at just the right point. We’re currently adding the finishing touches to this system.

If preferred, these configurations can be expanded to include equipment with more capacity and/or custom-made worktables, i.e. our Combi-Complete.

* Specified prices can fluctuate and are linked to the date of this blog.

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