Quick Answer
Candle pricing typically starts by calculating the full production cost of a candle and then applying a markup to ensure profitable retail and wholesale pricing. A common approach used by many candle brands is to multiply production cost by two to determine wholesale price, then double the wholesale price to determine retail pricing. This structure helps candle businesses maintain healthy margins while covering materials, packaging, labor, and overhead.
Why Candle Pricing Matters
Pricing candles correctly is one of the most important steps in building a sustainable candle business. Many candle makers underestimate the true cost of production and end up selling candles that generate little profit.
A profitable candle price must account for every component used in production, along with the time and resources required to produce the product.
Proper pricing allows a candle brand to grow, reinvest in production, and support wholesale opportunities with retailers.
The Basic Candle Pricing Formula
A common pricing model used by many small product brands is:
Production Cost × 2 = Wholesale Price
Wholesale Price × 2 = Retail Price
Example:
Production Cost: $8
Wholesale Price: $16
Retail Price: $32
This formula gives candle businesses enough margin to support both direct sales and retail partnerships.
Costs to Include When Pricing Candles
To determine an accurate price, candle makers should account for all materials and production costs.
Typical candle costs include:
• Wax
• Fragrance oil
• Wick
• Candle vessel
• Labels
• Packaging
• Shipping materials
• Labor
• Overhead expenses
Leaving out these costs often leads to candles that are priced too low to sustain the business.
Use the Candle Pricing Calculator
Instead of calculating costs manually, the Six Figure Wick pricing tool can estimate production cost and help determine profitable retail pricing.
Use the Candle Pricing Calculator
Related Candle Tools
Candle Pricing Calculator
Fragrance Load Calculator
Jar Fill Calculator
Batch Scaling Calculator
Learn More About This Calculation
Want to understand how this calculation works?
• How to Price Candles for Profit
• What Fragrance Load Should Candles Use
• How Much Wax Does a Candle Jar Hold
This article covers one part of candle making.
The Six Figure Wick guide explains the full framework behind building a profitable candle brand.