Thinking about starting a candle dropshipping business on Shopify, but not sure where to begin? Candles never go out of style – they are cozy, in-demand, and loved by customers everywhere. The best part? With dropshipping on Shopify, you can easily sell handcrafted, eco-friendly candles without managing inventory or shipping hassles.

In this post, we’ll explore how to start your candle dropshipping business using Shopify. After reading, you will have on hand essential tips for setting up your store, selecting suppliers, and marketing your products effectively. Let’s get started!

Is Dropshipping Candles Profitable?

The answer is YES. Dropshipping candles can be a highly profitable venture due to several factors:

1. High-Profit Margins: Candles often yield high-profit margins, with some products offering margins of up to 60%. Supplier costs typically range from $5 to $25, while retail prices can be between $10 and $60.
2. Growing Market: The candle industry is expanding as people seek unique candles for decoration and gifting. This growth contributes to the profitability of selling candles online.
3. Niche Opportunities: Focusing on specific niches like eco-friendly, handmade, or luxury candles allows for higher pricing and attracts loyal customers.
4. Wide Audience Reach: Effective online marketing can connect you with a large audience, enhancing sales potential.
5. Minimal Startup Costs: Dropshipping involves minimal upfront costs since you only pay for products after they are sold, reducing inventory risks.
6. Easy Shipping: Candles are small, sturdy, and easy to ship, reducing shipping costs and damage risks.
7. Repeat Business: Candles are consumable, providing opportunities for repeat sales and customer loyalty.

Statistics:

• Profit Margins: Up to 60% for certain candle products.
• Candle Sales Peaks: Significant during holidays and special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
• Dropshipping Success Rate: Generally estimated at 10% to 20% for all dropshipping businesses.
• Global Dropshipping Market: Projected to reach $1.67 trillion by 2031 with a CAGR of 27.1%.

To make money dropshipping candles, you need to understand the market opportunity. The global candle market offers an attractive opportunity for dropshipping businesses, with revenues expected to hit US $11.11 billion in 2024 and an annual growth rate of 3.43% through 2029. This growth demonstrates the potential profitability of selling candles online, especially as traditional candles continue to be popular.

Particularly in the United States, where the market revenue is projected at US$2,199 million in 2024, there’s a significant opportunity for dropshippers. With a per capita spending of US$1.43, the broad consumer interest in different regions further underscores the potential for a scalable dropshipping business that doesn’t require a significant initial investment.

How To Start A Candle Dropshipping Business On Shopify

Starting a candle dropshipping business on Shopify can be rewarding if you know the right steps. Here’s an easy guide to help you set up your business effectively:

Step 1: Sourcing Your Suppliers

First up, you need to decide what to sell, such as soy candles or candle sets. Of course, you can and should offer various products in your store. Brainstorm it into a list and decide what you want to sell. 

Next, find suppliers for your products. You can consider the suppliers we’ve suggested or search for others on platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress. Once you’ve identified potential suppliers, start discussions with them to establish terms for dropshipping. This step is really important as it will make or break your business.

Step 2: Build Your Online Store

To start selling, you’ll need to sign up and create a store on Shopify if you don’t have one. Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs, and start setting payment methods, shipping, adding your store’s policy, etc.

To make your store look great, choose a theme that matches the aesthetic of your candle business. Some Shopify Candle Themes that work well for visually oriented products include Minimalista, Responsive, Trade, and Broadcast, all of which are customizable and designed to showcase products beautifully. You should head to the Shopify Theme Store to explore more designs.

Step 3: Add Your Products

You can add products to your Shopify store manually or use automation tools. Manually involves entering product details yourself, which is feasible if you have a small inventory.

If you want to go big, you can automatically import products from the suppliers to your store using automation apps like Spocket, AutoDS, Zopi, or others to streamline the process. These apps can help you sync product data and shipping information directly from your suppliers to your store, simplifying the process and ensuring efficient management as you scale.

Step 4: Launch Your Shopify Candle Dropshipping Store

Once your products are uploaded and your website is polished, you’re ready to launch. Ensure all functions, from navigation to checkout, are tested to guarantee a smooth customer experience.

Step 5: Marketing And Promotion

For a successful Shopify candle dropshipping business, implement diverse marketing strategies to drive traffic. Beyond standard SEO optimization, explore social media trends—particularly TikTok marketing, which has proven exceptionally effective for visual products like candles.

Create content highlighting eco-friendly candles and other sustainability trends to connect with environmentally conscious consumers. Develop an editorial calendar that addresses social media trends and seasonal demands for candles. Partner with micro-influencers in the home décor and wellness spaces to expand your reach and establish credibility.

Step 6: Managing Orders and Customer Service

Order management and customer service are pivotal for maintaining customer satisfaction.

You can take advantage of Shopify’s built-in tools for order and inventory management. Keep customers informed with automated updates and respond promptly to inquiries to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Another aspect to put effort into is setting up a system for handling customer inquiries and complaints. Good customer service can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.

5 Best Candle Products To Start Dropshipping on Shopify

Here are five types of candle products that you might consider for starting a dropshipping business:

Eco-Friendly Candles: Soy Candles

Luxury soy wax scented candles represent one of the most promising product categories in the candle dropshipping space, with substantial market growth and consumer demand. These premium candles are manufactured using refined soy wax derived from soybean oil, offering a plant-based alternative to traditional paraffin candles.

Market Statistics

• The soy candle segment grew by 23.4% in 2023, outpacing the overall candle market growth of 6.2%
• The average order value for luxury soy candles is $42.80, approximately 35% higher than paraffin alternatives
• 68% of soy candle purchasers cite environmental concerns as a primary buying motivation
• The customer retention rate for soy candle brands averages 38%, compared to 29% for general candle retailers

Product Specifications

• Typical burn time of 40-60 hours (30% longer than paraffin equivalents)
• Optimal size range: 8-12 oz vessels perform best in e-commerce
• Most popular scent families: woodsy (cedarwood, sandalwood), botanical (lavender, eucalyptus), and gourmand (vanilla, caramel)
• Premium packaging elements, including wooden lids, minimalist labeling, and eco-friendly material,s drive 22% higher conversion rates

Target Demographics

• Geographic concentration in urban centers and college towns
• Primary audience: urban professionals aged 25-44 with household incomes above $75,000
• Secondary market: eco-conscious consumers across all income brackets
• Gender distribution: approximately 76% female, 24% male purchasers

Decorative Geometric Candles

Geometric candles represent the intersection of functional home fragrance and decorative art pieces, creating a dual-purpose product that resonates strongly with design-conscious consumers and performs exceptionally well on visual social platforms.

Market Statistics

• Instagram engagement for geometric candles averages 2.3x higher than traditional cylindrical designs
• TikTok videos featuring geometric candles generate 42% higher completion rates than standard candle content
• The decorative candle segment grew by 31% in 2023, driven primarily by unique shape innovations
• 47% of geometric candle purchasers buy multiples in a single transaction

Product Specifications

• Most popular geometric forms: pyramids, cubes, spheres, and polygonal structures
• Optimal material: paraffin-soy blends offering structural integrity while maintaining clean burning properties
• Color palettes trending toward earthy tones (sage, terracotta, mustard) and pastels
• Unscented varieties account for 38% of sales, emphasizing the visual rather than aromatic appeal

Target Demographics

• Primary audience: design enthusiasts and home decor hobbyists aged 25-40
• Income bracket: middle to upper-middle class ($60,000-110,000 annual household income)
• Education level: 72% possess bachelor’s degrees or higher
• Professional concentration in creative fields, education, and technology sectors

Customizable Message Candles

The personalization trend continues to dominate e-commerce, with customizable message candles offering a perfect gifting solution that combines sentimentality with practical utility, driving exceptional margins and repeat business.

Market Statistics

• The personalized gift market reached $31.6 billion in 2023, with candles representing a 4.8% share
• Conversion rates for customizable candles average 4.7%, significantly higher than the e-commerce average of 2.5%
• Gift-giving occasions account for 78% of customizable candle purchases
• Return rates for personalized candles are 82% lower than non-customized alternatives

Product Specifications

• Standard vessels: clear glass jars (8-16 oz) allowing maximum visibility of personalization
• Customization options: laser-engraved messages, custom printed labels, or embedded message cards
• Popular customization categories: anniversary dates, inspirational quotes, inside jokes, and memorial tributes
• Complementary gift packaging increases average order value by 22%

Target Demographics

• Primary purchasers: women aged 30-55 buying for gifting occasions
• Secondary market: corporate gift purchasers (representing 18% of total sales)
• Seasonal peaks: December (27% of annual sales), May (Mother’s Day), and February (Valentine’s Day)
• Average customer lifetime value: $127, approximately 35% higher than standard candle customers

Wooden Wick Crackling Candles

Wooden wick candles offer a multisensory experience that differentiates them in the crowded candle market, combining visual, olfactory, and auditory elements to create a premium product with strong appeal to experience-focused consumers.

Market Statistics

• Wooden wick candles grew by 27% in market share during 2023-2024
• 78% of wooden wick candle purchasers cite the crackling sound as their primary purchase motivation
• Social media videos featuring the crackling sound generate 3.1x the engagement of standard candle content
• Average review ratings are 0.7 stars higher than traditional cotton-wick alternatives

Product Specifications

• Wood types: cherry and cedar provide the most consistent crackling sound
• Optimal width: 10-15mm wicks perform best for sound without excessive smoke
• Vessel requirements: wide-mouth containers (3.5″+ diameter) allow for proper air circulation
• Popular complementary scents: fireside, whiskey, forest, and cabin-inspired fragrances enhance the sensory experience

Target Demographics

• Primary audience: experience-seeking consumers aged 30-60
• Gender distribution: more balanced than traditional candles (58% female, 42% male)
• Seasonal preference: 68% of sales occur during fall and winter months
• Geographic concentration: cold-weather regions show 35% higher demand

Crystal-Infused Intention Candles

Crystal-infused intention candles represent the convergence of the wellness movement and home fragrance, tapping into the growing consumer interest in metaphysical products and mindfulness practices.

Market Statistics

• The spiritual wellness market grew by 15.7% in 2023, with crystal products representing a significant growth driver
• Crystal candles command a 40% premium over comparable non-crystal candles
• Average session duration on crystal candle product pages is 2.8 minutes, 74% longer than standard candle pages
• 65% of crystal candle purchasers also buy other metaphysical or wellness products

Product Specifications

• Most popular crystals: amethyst (calming), rose quartz (love), citrine (abundance), and clear quartz (clarity)
• Crystal placement options: embedded within wax, affixed to vessel exterior, or included as separate items
• Complementary elements: herbs, essential oils, and zodiac associations enhance perceived value
• Packaging importance: 82% of successful crystal candle brands include detailed meaning cards and rituals

Target Demographics

• Primary audience: spiritually-inclined women aged 25-45
• Income brackets: middle to upper-middle class ($55,000-120,000)
• Interest correlation: 87% overlap with yoga, meditation, and alternative wellness practices
• Education level: 65% possess bachelor’s degrees or higher
• Geographic concentration: coastal urban areas and wellness-oriented communities

For those interested in entrepreneurship, these candle making kits also offer the potential to sell homemade products. This product taps into the “maker” culture and is a wonderful product to dropship. For those interested in entrepreneurship, these kits also offer the potential to sell homemade productsThe craft kit market is forecasted to grow as consumers seek hands-on experiences and personalized products. This product taps into the “maker” culture and is a wonderful product to dropship.

Top 5 5+ Wholesale Candle Suppliers For Shopify Dropshipping

When considering suppliers for dropshipping candles, it’s essential to select partners that offer quality, variety, and reliability. Here are the top 5 suppliers renowned for their excellence in the candle dropshipping industry:

Faire

Faire is an expansive wholesale marketplace connecting retailers with over 100,000 independent brands globally. It is an ideal platform for dropshippers looking to source a variety of candles, including soy wax, festive, and creative designs. 

Established in 2017, Faire aims to level the playing field for small businesses against retail giants, offering benefits like free returns on initial orders and no membership fees for resellers. This platform is especially beneficial for those looking to source unique candles not commonly found on other marketplaces or in traditional stores.

Key Features

• Net-60 payment terms for qualified retailers
• First-order insurance with free returns on initial orders
• Advanced algorithm for product recommendation based on store performance
• Sophisticated Shopify integration with automatic inventory syncing
• Direct communication channel with brand owners
• 3,500+ candle brands representing every niche and price point

Pricing Structure

• No membership fees for retailers
• Wholesale pricing typically 50-60% below MSRP
• Volume-based additional discounts negotiable with individual brands
• Commission model that adds 15-25% to wholesale price (paid by the brand, not retailer

Private Label by Velavida

Located in Richardson, Texas, Private Label by Velavida stands out as a supplier specializing in customizable candles for dropshipping. They offer a flexible choice between unlabeled or private-label candles, allowing for significant customization to match any reseller’s brand vision. 

With over 15 container styles and more than 40 fragrances to choose from, the options are extensive. Additionally, their low minimum order requirement of just 12 units makes it feasible for drop shippers to conduct small-scale test runs before scaling up their orders, reducing the risk and upfront investment typically associated with new product lines.

Key Features

• 15+ container styles with seasonal additions quarterly
• 40+ premium fragrance options with custom scent development available
• White labeling and full private label capabilities
• Low minimum order quantity of just 12 units
• Detailed fragrance profiles with custom blending options
• In-house design team for custom packaging development
• 2023 expansion added wooden wick and specialty vessels to product line

Pricing Structure

• Tiered pricing starting at 12 units with significant breaks at 48, 96, and 144 units
• Private label setup fee: $100 (waived for orders over $500)
• Standard wholesale pricing at 45-55% below suggested retail
• Expedited production available for 20% premium

Match Fragrance

As a UK-based supplier operating out of a substantial 10,000-square-foot factory in Plymouth, Match Fragrance dedicates itself exclusively to producing candles, ensuring expertise and quality in every product. They offer various soy candles, wax melts, and melters, catering to different consumer preferences. 

For drop shippers looking to brand these products, Match Fragrance provides options for white label (under their May & Maple line) and private label customization. This focus on specialized production and branding flexibility makes Match Fragrance an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and expert partner in the candle market.

Key Features

• Exclusive focus on candles and wax products ensuring specialized expertise
• Premium soy wax blends with sustainable sourcing
• May & Maple white label line for immediate branding
• Custom fragrance development with proprietary blending technology
• International dropshipping capabilities to 32 countries
• Advanced Shopify integration with automatic currency conversion
• Recently added luxury reed diffuser line complementing candle offerings

Pricing Structure

• Wholesale pricing at 40-50% below UK retail rates
• Volume pricing breaks beginning at 24 units
• Preferential rates for recurring monthly orders
• Shipping costs calculated by destination zone

Bulk Apothecary

Based in Aurora, Ohio, Bulk Apothecary is a versatile supplier catering to DIY enthusiasts and businesses looking to sell finished products. For those interested in crafting their candles, Bulk Apothecary offers an extensive array of raw materials, including various types of waxes, fragrances, containers, and essential oils. This allows for complete customization in candle making. 

Additionally, for drop shippers who prefer to focus on selling rather than production, Bulk Apothecary provides a range of private-label products, such as pre-made candles, bath bombs, and cold-process soaps. This dual approach makes Bulk Apothecary a valuable resource for hands-on creators and those looking for ready-to-market goods in the personal care niche.

Key Features

• Extensive raw materials catalog for custom production
• Over 800 fragrance options including essential oils and premium scents
• Ready-to-ship private label candle program with quick turnaround
• Comprehensive Shopify integration with inventory management
• Educational resources for product knowledge development
• Recent addition of luxury coconut-apricot wax blend exclusive to their platform
• FDA-registered facility ensuring compliance standards

Pricing Structure

• Tiered wholesale pricing with deeper discounts at volume
• Raw materials pricing 30-60% below retail depending on category
• Private label program with competitive margins (45-55% typical)
• Shipping calculated by weight with free options at order thresholds

Tropical Labs

Tropical Labs is a wholesale supplier specializing in plant-based and organic personal care products in Tampa, Florida. It is an excellent choice for drop shippers looking into the eco-friendly market. In addition to a variety of personal care items such as skin creams, lotions, shave gels, and hair care products, Tropical Labs also offers candles.

Tropical Labs also provides opportunities for branding through its private label services and supports product innovation with its research and development capabilities. This makes Tropical Labs a versatile partner for businesses that cater to niche markets in the organic and plant-based sectors.

Key Features

• Certified organic ingredients across all product lines
• Plant-based wax formulations with environmental certification
• Clean-burning cotton and wooden wick options
• Extensive R&D capabilities for custom product development
• Private label program with low MOQs (24 units)
• Recently expanded essential oil-based fragrance library
• New (2024) zero-waste packaging initiative for eco-conscious brands

Pricing Structure

• Premium wholesale pricing reflecting organic inputs
• Typical margins of 40-55% depending on product specifications
• Custom formulation fees for proprietary blends
• Volume discounts starting at 100 units

CandleDelites

CandleDelites is a specialized manufacturer based in Portland, Oregon, focusing exclusively on high-end geometric and decorative candles with artistic designs not readily available through other wholesalers.

Key Features

• Proprietary molding technology for complex geometric shapes
• Collaborations with noted designers for exclusive collections
• Custom color matching services for brand alignment
• Award-winning packaging design included with wholesale accounts
• Specialized in Instagram-worthy visual products
• Recent introduction of marble-effect and terrazzo-inspired designs
• Shopify-integrated product feed with lifestyle photography included

Pricing Structure

• Premium wholesale pricing (35-45% below specialty retail)
• Exclusive design licensing available for brand differentiation
• Graduated discount structure based on quarterly order volume
• Designer collection pricing approximately 15% higher than standard line

Wholesale Candle Supply Comparison Table

Supplier	Minimum Order	Processing Time	Shopify Integration	Average Margin	US Shipping
Faire	None	Varies by brand (1-5 days)	Complete API + App	50-60%	Varies by brand
Private Label by Velavida	12 units	5-7 business days	Manual export	45-55%	Free over $500
Match Fragrance	24 units	3-4 business days	API with currency	40-50%	$25 flat rate
Bulk Apothecary	$50 for PL, none for raw	2-3 business days	Full integration	45-55%	Free over $250
Tropical Labs	24 units	5-7 business days	CSV export	40-55%	Calculated by weight
CandleDelites	10 units	3-5 business days	Product feed	35-45%	$10 flat rate

Candle Dropshipping in : FAQs

Candle Dropshipping in Shopify: Bottom Line

You’re now equipped to launch a candle business with Shopify dropshipping. By selecting trending candle niches, integrating with reliable AliExpress suppliers or specialized wholesale partners, and leveraging Shopify apps for store management, you can create a profitable online candle shop with minimal upfront investment.

Focus on social media trends and TikTok marketing to build visibility, and maintain attentive customer service to ensure satisfaction and repeat business. With strategic planning and attention to market demands, your candle ecommerce venture can generate meaningful candle dropshipping income while offering customers products they truly value.