How To Start Print-on-Demand Candles Business In 2025

Candles have a way of lighting up more than just a room—they illuminate memories, set moods, and even spark creativity. The candle market is burning brighter than ever, and print-on-demand (POD) candles are carving out a unique space in this thriving industry. But how do you turn this glowing idea into a successful business? 

In this blog, we will guide you on how to start a print-on-demand candle business. Ready to light up your entrepreneurial journey? Let’s get started and make your candle dreams come true!

Can You Do Print-on-demand Candles?

Absolutely! Print-on-demand candles are a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a candle business without the usual hassles of inventory or high startup costs. This business model allows you to focus on creativity and marketing while leaving production and shipping to your supplier.

Why Print-on-Demand Candles Work:

• No Inventory Hassles: Forget about renting storage space or managing stock. Your supplier handles the production, so you only deal with what’s sold.
• Low Startup Costs: With no need for bulk purchasing or inventory, you pay only for the candles your customers order. It’s a budget-friendly way to kickstart your business.
• Easy Customization: Design possibilities are endless. From minimalist aesthetics to bold statements, you can cater to diverse audiences with unique, personalized candle designs.
• Scalability: As demand for your products grows, scaling up your business is seamless without worrying about production capacity or storage.

With print-on-demand, you can test ideas, explore niches, and build a thriving candle brand with minimal risk. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and practicality!

Pros & Cons of Selling Print-on-Demand Candles

The print-on-demand model is a shining opportunity for entrepreneurs, offering flexibility and minimal risk. With print-on-demand candles, you can focus on building your brand and designing products while leaving the production and logistics to the experts. However, like any business, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know before diving in.

How to Start a Print-on-Demand Candles Business

Step 1: Choose a Platform

The first step in starting your print-on-demand candle business is choosing the right platform to sell your products. There are two main options: eCommerce marketplaces and dedicated eCommerce platforms. Let's break down the differences:

Once you’ve selected the platform that suits your needs, you can start building your online store. Most platforms, such as Shopify, make it easy to customize your site using apps like EComposer Shopify Page Builder, which offers ready-made templates and powerful features. If you're new to Shopify, they offer a special deal where you can use the platform for just $1 for the first three months, giving you a risk-free opportunity to get started.

Choosing the right platform is the foundation of your print-on-demand business, setting you up for success as you move forward with product design and marketing.

Read more: Top 12 Design Tips to Make a Professional Shopify Store

Step 2: Choose a Niche for Your Candles

The next step in building your print-on-demand candle business is selecting a niche that resonates with a specific audience. Focusing on a niche helps you stand out in the competitive candle market and allows you to tailor your products and marketing efforts more effectively. 

• Luxury Candles for Home Décor Enthusiasts: Appeal to customers who want candles that complement their sophisticated home decor. Focus on high-end designs and premium scents.
• Relaxation or Aromatherapy Candles for Wellness Lovers: Cater to individuals seeking stress relief and relaxation by offering candles infused with calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile.
• Personalized Gift Candles for Weddings, Birthdays, or Holidays: Offer custom candles for special occasions, allowing customers to add their personal touch to meaningful gifts.
• Eco-Friendly Candles for the Environmentally Conscious Crowd: Target customers who prioritize sustainability by offering eco-friendly candles made from natural waxes, such as soy or beeswax, with biodegradable packaging.

Your niche helps inform your product offerings, marketing strategies, and even your branding, ensuring your candles speak directly to the customers who will appreciate them the most.

Step 3: Find a Reliable Supplier for POD Candles

While your print-on-demand service will handle the printing and shipping of your custom candle designs, it's essential to partner with a reliable supplier to source high-quality candles. You have two main options: you can either make the candles yourself or collaborate with a trusted supplier who provides pre-made candles for customization.

When choosing a supplier, look for one that offers:

• High-Quality Candles: Ensure that the candles are of excellent quality and burn well. Look for options that provide a clean, long-lasting burn and pleasant scent throw.
• Customizable Labels: Choose a supplier that allows you to design and print your unique labels so your brand identity shines through.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Consider partnering with suppliers that offer eco-friendly candles made from 100% soy wax, aligning your products with environmental values.
• Reliable Shipping: Choose a supplier that can guarantee fast and reliable shipping, ensuring that your customers receive their candles in perfect condition and on time.

Before launching, it's essential to order samples to check the product quality and make sure it aligns with your expectations. A reliable supplier is a key partner in the success of your print-on-demand candle business.

Step 4: Design Your Products

One of the most exciting aspects of starting a print-on-demand candle business is the ability to create unique, customized candle labels that perfectly align with your brand and niche. 

• Use Design Tools: Leverage design platforms like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate to create visually appealing and professional candle label designs. These tools offer easy-to-use templates and customization options, even if you’re not a graphic design expert.
• Reflect Your Brand's Style: Whether your brand is elegant, fun, rustic, or eco-friendly, ensure your label designs represent that style. The design should be cohesive with your overall brand identity and appeal to your target audience.
• Consider Personalization: To make your candles even more special, consider offering personalized options for your customers. Allow them to add names, special dates, or personal messages to the labels. This makes your candles perfect for gifting on occasions like weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries.
• Create Mockups: Before launching, it’s important to visualize how your candles will look. Use your print-on-demand platform’s mockup tool to create digital mockups of your candles. This will help you see how the design will appear on the actual product and make adjustments if needed.

Designing your product labels is your opportunity to showcase your creativity and stand out in the market. With thoughtful design and attention to detail, you can create candles that not only smell amazing but also look stunning and reflect the uniqueness of your brand.

Read more: 

• Top 15 Best Graphic Design Software From Beginner to Expert
• Top 15 Best Logo Design Software To Elevate Your Brand Identity

Step 5: Add Products to Your Online Store

Now that you've created your unique candle designs, it’s time to add them to your online store. Here’s how to do it:

• Integrate with Your Chosen Platform: Whether you’ve chosen Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, or another platform, make sure your print-on-demand provider integrates seamlessly with your eCommerce platform. This integration will automatically sync your products, manage orders, and handle fulfillment without manual input.
• Create Product Listings: For each candle design, create detailed product listings that include High-Quality Images, Compelling Descriptions, Pricing, and Variations
• Optimize for SEO: Optimize your product listings with relevant keywords so that potential customers can find them easily through search engines. Use terms like “soy candles,” “personalized candles,” or “eco-friendly candles,” depending on your target market and niche.
• Set Up Payment & Shipping Options: Ensure that your payment gateway is set up properly to accept payments, and define your shipping policies. With print-on-demand services, shipping is typically handled for you, but you’ll need to configure shipping costs and delivery times on your platform.
• Preview & Test: Before you officially launch, preview your online store to ensure everything looks good, from product images to pricing. Test your checkout process to confirm it’s working smoothly for your customers.

Step 6: Market Your POD Candles Store

Now that your print-on-demand candles are available in your store, it's time to attract customers and boost sales. Here are some effective marketing strategies to get the word out about your candles:

• Leverage Visual Platforms: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your beautiful candle designs. Post high-quality images of your candles in various settings (e.g., lit in a cozy room, as part of a gift set, etc.) and use popular hashtags such as #customcandles and #candlegifts to reach a broader audience. Engage with your followers by encouraging them to share photos of their candles at home.
• Run Targeted Facebook Ads: Use Facebook Ads to run highly targeted campaigns. Focus your ads on specific interests such as home décor, wellness, or gifting—audiences who are more likely to purchase candles. Facebook’s advanced targeting features let you customize your ad’s reach based on age, location, interests, and behaviors.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers or bloggers in your niche can provide a big boost. Reach out to influencers who have a following related to home décor, wellness, or gifting, and offer them free samples of your candles. They can create content like product reviews or unboxing videos to promote your brand and drive traffic to your store.
• Email Marketing Campaigns: Email marketing is a powerful way to keep your customers engaged. Use Shopify apps like Klaviyo to send personalized email campaigns. Feature your latest candle designs, seasonal promotions, or special offers. You can also send reminders about abandoned carts or exclusive discounts to encourage purchases.

Best Print-On-Demand Candle Companies You Want to Work With

Printify

Printify is a leading print-on-demand platform that integrates seamlessly with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix. While its primary focus spans a wide range of customizable products, it also offers a candle option sourced through Candle Builders, making it a versatile choice for entrepreneurs.

Outstanding features:

• Offers a customizable candle label for unique branding.
• Provides three delightful scents: Vanilla Bean, Comfort Spice, and Sea Breeze.
• Easy scalability with access to a vast catalog for expanding your product range

Website: printify.com

Candle Builders

Candle Builders is a dedicated print-on-demand candle supplier, ideal for businesses targeting customers in the US and Canada. They offer high-quality candles with customizable labels and direct integration with Shopify, streamlining the process for eCommerce sellers.

Outstanding features:

• Provides two candle sizes: 9oz and 13.75oz.
• Offers three enticing scents: Vanilla Bean, Comfort Spice, and Sea Breeze.
• Free Shopify integration for seamless online store management.

Website: candlebuilders.com

Merchize

Merchize is a versatile print-on-demand platform that integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and WooCommerce. Known for its unique range of candle designs, Merchize offers options that stand out, catering to both traditional and creative tastes.

Outstanding features:

• Offers diverse candle styles, including 3oz and 8oz candles and wooden candlesticks with a heart-shaped cutout.
• Three delightful scents: Lotus, Green Tea, and Lavender.
• Affordable pricing starts at $6.49 for essential 3oz candles and flexible storefront setup from $29.00/month.

Website: merchize.com

MyCandlefy

Candlefy is a dedicated candle-selling platform that offers a partner version, mycandlefy.com, which integrates with Shopify for seamless customization. You can create your custom candle labels and sell under your brand, with 12 unique candle varieties to choose from.

Outstanding features:

• Offers 12 different print-on-demand candle varieties for brand customization.
• Allows quick startup with free pre-created labels if you haven’t decided on your brand yet.
• Dropshipping is currently available only in the US.

Website: mycandlefy.com

Printed Mint

Printed Mint is a print-on-demand and dropshipping solution that integrates directly with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Squarespace. It offers beautifully designed candles as part of a broader collection of customizable products, making it easy to create a unique brand presence.

Outstanding features:

• Offers 9oz hand-poured candles with four scent options: Cinnamon Stick, Crimson Berry, Mountain Pine, and Vanilla.
• Provides custom packaging to ensure your candles arrive in your branded packaging.
• Free integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Squarespace.

Website: printedmint.com

Contrado

Contrado is a print-on-demand platform that caters to a luxury market, offering high-end candles for those looking to create a premium brand. Their candles are handmade by artisans, and eco-friendly and recycled materials are used in their products.

Outstanding features:

• Offers three designer candle types: glass tealight holder, candle set in glass, and candle set in a jar, starting from $38.00.
• A range of exotic scents, including Orange, Clove, and Cinnamon, or Relax with essential oils from lavender, geranium, sweet orange, and ylang ylang.
• Handmade by artisans using recycled and eco-friendly materials, it is perfect for a luxury brand.

Website: contrado.co

Common Types & Scents of Custom Candles

Popular Types of Candles

Each type of candle has its charm, offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs:

Popular Scents for Custom Candles

The right scent can transform any space, evoking emotions and creating memorable experiences. Here are some favorite scent categories and their top picks:

Top 5 Design Ideas for Custom Candles

When it comes to custom candle designs, creativity knows no bounds. Whether you want to create candles that are bold and vibrant or subtle and elegant, the design possibilities are endless. Here are five top ideas to inspire your custom creations:

1. Bright & Bold Designs

Perfect for brands with a lively personality, bold and vibrant designs grab attention instantly. Bright colors, striking patterns, and playful aesthetics turn candles into statement pieces that stand out on social media and brighten up any space.

Best for: Younger audiences and brands looking to make a splash.

2. Zodiac-Themed Candles

Astrology-inspired designs tap into the mystical allure of the zodiac. Each candle can reflect a zodiac sign’s personality traits through unique scents and design elements. For instance, a Leo candle could feature bold scents like sandalwood and dazzling gold accents.

Best for: Astrology enthusiasts and personalized gift seekers.

3. Festive Holiday Candles

Bring festive cheer with holiday-themed candles. Think cozy red and green for Christmas, spooky Halloween motifs, or pastel hues for Easter. These designs evoke nostalgia and joy, making them must-haves for special occasions.

Best for: Seasonal promotions and gifting.

4. Minimalist Chic Candles

For a sophisticated touch, minimalist designs use neutral colors, clean lines, and simple patterns that blend seamlessly into any decor. These candles appeal to customers who appreciate understated beauty and timeless aesthetics.

Best for: Modern, chic, and decor-conscious customers.

5. Nature-Inspired Creations

Earthy tones, botanical illustrations, and even real dried flowers create a nature-inspired vibe. Pair these visuals with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus to craft a serene, eco-friendly feel.

Best for: Eco-conscious customers and brands promoting relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I ensure the safety of my print-on-demand candles?

To ensure the safety of your print-on-demand candles, it's essential to collaborate closely with your chosen print-on-demand partner. Verify that they follow industry safety standards and regulations, such as using non-toxic materials and ensuring proper candle-wicking and burning instructions. Make sure they provide certifications or documentation confirming their compliance with safety guidelines. Additionally, ordering samples of the candles before launching your products allows you to check the quality and safety firsthand, ensuring they meet your standards and are safe for consumers.

2. Can I offer eco-friendly or organic candles in print on demand?

Yes, you can offer eco-friendly or organic candles in print on demand. To do so, collaborate with suppliers who specialize in sustainable materials, such as soy wax, beeswax, and natural fragrances. These suppliers can help you create candles that align with eco-conscious values, appealing to customers who prioritize sustainability. Make sure to highlight the organic and eco-friendly aspects of your candles in your marketing to attract environmentally aware buyers.

3. What are the key design elements for print-on-demand candle labels?

The key design elements for print-on-demand candle labels include:

• Compelling visuals: Use eye-catching graphics and colors that reflect the essence of your candle, whether it's calming, luxurious, or fun.
• Brand identity: Incorporate your logo, brand name, and any brand-specific colors or fonts to make your candles easily recognizable.
• Descriptive text: Clearly display important details, such as the scent, candle type, and any eco-friendly or organic attributes.
• Personalization options: Consider offering space for customization, such as names or special dates, especially for gift-oriented candles.
• Clear, readable fonts: Ensure that all text on the label is easy to read and complements the overall design.

4. Are candles still in demand?

Yes, candles are still in high demand. They evoke various emotions and create a cozy ambiance, making them popular for both personal use and gifting. This consistent demand makes candles a profitable product for building a lifestyle business.

5. Do candles sell well online?

Yes, candles sell well online, particularly with the convenience of e-commerce platforms like Shopify. By selecting the right products and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can successfully reach a broad online market.

6. How much does it cost to start a candle business?

The cost to start a candle business varies depending on whether you're making candles yourself or using a print-on-demand service. If you're making candles at home, costs include supplies, equipment, and workspace, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. 

For print-on-demand, the supply cost is minimal since the supplier handles production. Additional costs include packaging (custom packaging can range from $0.60 per product) and marketing, which can also vary widely based on your strategy. Overall, it's possible to start with a minimal investment, but careful planning is essential.

7. What do you need to print on candles?

To print on candles, you’ll need a print-on-demand supplier that offers custom candle printing services, such as Printful. Additionally, you’ll need your unique designs, which can be integrated into the manufacturing process for personalized candles.

Ready To Start A POD Candle Business?

With the right platform, niche, reliable suppliers, and creative designs, you can launch a successful business that resonates with customers. Remember, it’s not just about selling a product—it’s about creating a brand that reflects your unique style and values. The world of print-on-demand candles awaits you with limitless potential, so light the way to your new venture and let your creativity shine!

May You Also Like

• Top 15 Best Print-On-Demand Jewelry Suppliers
• Top 16 Best Print-On-Demand Sites For Artists
• Top 17 Best Print On Demand Companies
• Top 25 Best Selling Print On Demand Products
• How To Start a Print-On-Demand Business
• How to Create a Shopify Print on Demand Store
• How to Sell With Print on Demand on Etsy