What to Prepare Before Requesting a Candle Quotation

Published by Lumen Narrate • Candle Sourcing Guide

If you are reaching out to a candle manufacturer for the first time, the quotation process can feel unclear. You might not know what information the factory needs, or what details will affect pricing. Here is a practical checklist based on how we handle buyer inquiries.

The more complete your request, the faster and more accurate our quotation will be. You do not need to have everything figured out — even a rough idea is enough to start.

1. Product Type

Tell us what you are looking for. Be as specific or general as you prefer — both work fine.

Specific example:

I need a 200g soy wax candle in a matte glass jar, private label, with custom fragrance.

General example:

I am looking for Christmas candle gift sets, around $5-8 per unit.

Common product types we handle:

• Jar candles (soy wax, paraffin, blended)
• Pillar candles and carved decorative candles
• Candle gift sets (multiple pieces, mixed scents)
• Jelly wax candles and wax melts
• Christmas and gift-ready candle collections
• Themed and seasonal candles

If you are not sure which type fits your project, tell us your use case and we will suggest options.

2. Estimated Quantity

Quantity affects pricing, packaging options, and production route. You do not need an exact number — a range works.

• Test launch or small batch: We can discuss selected lines with lower volume options. See our low MOQ guide for details.
• Regular wholesale order: Project-specific pricing applies. See the Wholesale page for the MOQ planning framework.
• Large or ongoing orders: We can plan production schedules and discuss volume discounts.

3. Target Market

Where will these candles be sold? This matters for several reasons:

• Target-market requirements: Labeling, fragrance documentation and product obligations vary by destination and intended use. Confirm the required documents and responsible parties before production.
• Shipping considerations: Distance, handling and climate affect packing needs. Review the proposed packing for the selected candle, route and seasonal conditions.
• Style preferences: Different markets prefer different aesthetics, sizes, and price points.

4. Customization Scope

Let us know what level of customization you need:

Light customization:

• Label change on existing candle design
• Packaging update on standard products
• Color adjustment on existing styles

Full private label:

• Custom fragrance development
• Custom jar or container selection
• Custom packaging design with your branding
• Label, hang tag, and insert design

OEM/ODM development:

• Entirely new candle design from concept
• Custom mold for unique shapes
• Complete gift box structure development
• Multi-product collection planning

Each level has different MOQ and lead time implications. We will clarify this in our reply.

5. Packaging Requirements

Packaging is often the biggest cost variable. Tell us:

• Do you need gift-ready packaging? Single box, multi-piece set, window box, sleeve, etc.
• Do you have packaging designs ready, or do you need us to suggest options?
• Any specific materials or printing requirements?
• Will you ship by container or express? This affects box strength and packing method.

6. Fragrance Direction

You do not need to pick an exact fragrance at the inquiry stage. Just tell us the direction:

• "Warm, holiday scents — cinnamon, vanilla, pine"
• "Fresh and clean — citrus, ocean, linen"
• "Floral — rose, jasmine, lavender"
• "I want to match an existing fragrance from another brand"
• "I have no idea — please recommend"

If you are developing a collection, tell us how many different fragrances you want across the line.

7. Timeline

When do you need the products?

• Urgent (within 2 weeks): Limited to stock-like items with label changes only.
• 1 month: Sampling may be tight but possible for simpler projects.
• 2–3 months: Comfortable timeline for most custom projects.
• 3+ months: Full development scope possible, including custom packaging and fragrance testing.

8. Budget or Target Price

Optional but helpful. If you have a budget range:

• Per unit target: "Looking for jar candles around $3-4 per piece"
• Total project budget: "Total budget around $5,000 for the first order"
• No fixed budget: We will give you options at different price points

What Happens Next

After you submit your inquiry (through our RFQ page, WhatsApp, or email):

1. We review the request and reply with clarification questions or the appropriate quotation path.
2. We recommend suitable products, MOQ tiers, and packaging options.
3. We provide reference pricing or a quotation path.
4. We discuss sampling if needed — optional but recommended for custom projects.
5. We confirm timeline and next steps.

You do not need to have all 8 items figured out before reaching out. Even a rough idea is enough to start the conversation.