Is the Quality of Candles from Big Companies Really Worth the Hype?
- Jaime P. Morales
- Apr 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 18, 2024
Abstract
A detailed look into the candle market with a brief history of candle making, how the market is now, and how JPM Collections, LLC's is changing the way consumers buy candles. With an in detail look into the production of JPM Collections candles, on their ingredients, quality products, and execution of the final product before going out to buyers. A comparable analysis of competitors and how the company stacks up. With what makes JPM Collections different and how that is a good thing. Also, including statistical analysis on minority run businesses and the importance of shopping at these establishments.
JPM Collections & Candle History
Human society has been making and using candles for more than 5000 years (History - National Candle Association, 2020). Before the invention of the lightbulbs or electricity there were candles that lit up the night. From serving in religious practices to illuminating the night, to today serving as decorative centerpieces in our homes, candle making still holds the test of time. (History - National Candle Association, 2020). From having them made from tallow or beeswax, having a wick, and placing it in a container, making a direct connection to candle making from the past. (History - National Candle Association, 2020). At JPM Collections we continue the tradition of having beeswax as the base for our candles, with a mix of coconut wax that allows the candle to burn longer and evenly. The company has a great pride in showing that the materials used are of the highest quality. From the fragrances, to the wooden wicks. Our candles have been tested extensively to make sure that the right products are being used to light up the homes of our customers.
As of 2024 the United States market for candles was reported to be 2.2 billion USD (Statista, n.d.). Indicating that there is still a drive for purchasing candles and a market need for it, with an estimated four year growth of 2.94% (Statista, n.d.). The bulk of these sales go to major candle companies that cut costs on products, and charge astronomical prices for what it actually cost to make the candles.
Not All Candles Are Made The Same
While most consumers don't tend to see or care what goes into their home, it's important to understand what's going on in our spaces and how they are created. At JPM Collections we expertly craft our candles, starting by buying quality products from other small local businesses across the United States. The company has made sure that everything that goes into making our candles is of the highest quality.
The products that goes into candles are extremely important, most candle companies use synthetic oils in many candles, causing harmful toxins to be released in our homes. “ The synthetic fragrances that are used in making candle scents usually contain phthalates. As the candles burn, phthalates are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. When the phthalates enter the bloodstream, they can exacerbate allergic symptoms and asthma and alter hormone levels [4].” (Extent of Exposure to Scented Candles and Prevalence of Respiratory and Non-respiratory Symptoms Amongst Young University Students, n.d.). When looking at wax types most companies will use paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is not hypoallergenic like beeswax. Leaving people with asthma or allergies possibly at risk from the phthalates (BeeHiveCandles.com, 2022). When comparing candle products to buy, it's important to shop for candles like JPM Collections where we won't add unnecessary chemicals, and not have synthetic oils in our candles.
When wondering why a candle company might use paraffin wax compared to beeswax would ultimately be for the price. When compared to beeswax there is a major difference between prices. From average price of paraffin wax $4.99 USD and beeswax being $14.95 USD (Earley, 2021). Which most companies will use to cut prices in production of the candles but not in the final price of the product. Beeswax also burns for a longer time compared to paraffin wax, making the candle burn at a faster rate compared to beeswax (Earley, 2021).
When doing a hypothetical cost analysis using Amazon to buy candle supplies, you could quickly see how using low quality products could make a large profit in the final sale.
Price Breakdown
Paraffin wax (10lbs $34.99 USD/ 1oz $0.22 USD)
100% Cotton Wick (100 $6.99 USD/ 1 $0.07 USD)
Fragrance oil (3.38 Fl Oz $8.99/ 0.5 Fl Oz $1.50 USD) - Typically will use 0.5 Fl Oz per candle*
Candle Tumbler (12 $31.99 USD/ 1 $2.70 USD)
Bringing a grand total of $82.96 USD before tax or shipment. This could make 12 candles making each candle about $6.47 USD not including labels packaging etc. When looking at different prices of candle companies that sell 10 oz candles at random, the median price is $32.57 USD. Meaning hypothetically, someone could make $390.84 USD for selling 12 candles. When subtracting the cost of goods hypothetically, a seller could make a profit of $307.88 USD. It should be stated that major candle companies would have discounts specific to them, provided by the suppliers for buying a large quantity of materials. Making their profit even higher for less money being spent on the cost of materials.
Choosing JPM Collections, LLC
When looking into supporting big business compared to small business the answer should be simple, support small businesses. The direct consumer to owner profit is direct compared to big businesses. Major candle companies will upscale the prices of their candles, leaving the customer with a low quality product. That might be bad for their health also, not being cost effective for the consumer in the long run by making the candle burn out sooner, creating a fast burn and use of the candle.
When looking at the United States statistical reports on businesses, 2020 stats show that 6.5% of all businesses that are run in the United States are Latino owned (Gottlieb, 2024). The stats for queer owned businesses is 7% of all businesses run in the United States as of 2021 (Watson et al., 2021). Creating a gap in marginalized communities especially when they are businesses run by queer and Latino people.
Overall, when you purchase a JPM Collections candle, you not only buy a candle that was crafted with high quality ingredients, but a candle that burns longer and won't compromise your health. Also, with your purchase you are directly involved with the help of growing a queer and latino owned business.
Disclaimer
*Please use your own judgment when buying candles. Research materials and ingredients before shopping at these companies. No major candle companies has been mentioned in this article, all research and statistical analysis have been created by JPM Collections, LLC, and is meant to show hypothetical profit earnings using low quality products. With proper citations listed below.
Citations
BeeHiveCandles.com. (2022, April 5). Beeswax vs Paraffin - BeeHiveCandles.com. Bee Hive Candles. https://www.beehivecandles.com/help/beeswax-vsparaffin/#:~:text=Beeswax%20burns%20hotter%20than%20paraffin,in%20a%20draft%2Dfree%20environment.
Earley, B. (2021, March 3). Understanding the differences between each type of candle wax. Martha Stewart. https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-typeguide#:~:text=Paraffin%20wax%E2%80%94a%20very%20inexpensive,candles%2C%20from%20containers%20to%20pillars.
Extent of exposure to scented candles and prevalence of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms amongst young university students. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9832800/#:~:text=The%20synthetic%20fragrances%20that%20are,alter%20hormone%20levels%20%5B4%5D.
Gottlieb, B. (2024, February 20). Census data shows increase in Latino business ownership. Roofing Contractor. https://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/99026-census-data-shows-increase-in-latino-businessownership#:~:text=Hispanic%20Ownership,employed%20about%202.9%20million%20employees.
History - National Candle Association. (2020, July 23). National Candle Association. https://candles.org/history/Statista. (n.d.). Candles - United States | Statista market forecast. https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/furniture/home-decor/candles/united-states.
Watson, S., Casey, L., Goldberg, N., Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research, Movement Advancement Project, Broisman, B., Badgett, M. V. L., Cleveland Federal Reserve, & University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2021). LGBTQ-Owned small businesses in 2021 [Report]. Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research. https://www.lgbtmap.org/file/LGBTQ-Small-Businesses-in-2021.pdf.
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