I ordered candle supplies the other day. I was in great need of some more wax and a few select scents. Thankfully one of the scents was on sale and that brought my total to, after shipping, the wonderful amount of $416.96.

I swear, this time last year and I would have paid half that. Two years ago when I started this, a case of wax cost me $36. Now it’s $49.02. A certain scent I have in mind (that is thankfully a good seller for me) was $14.90 a year ago. Now it’s $22.95.

If you ask me, this is a big increase. I understand that prices go up, but this is rediculous. I am beginning to think it’s time for a new supplier. Of course, the wax I buy is a custom blend specific to this company I am currently buying from. I really like it, it works well for me. It’s two pour but I don’t have to buy any other special additives (and it’s cheaper than other waxes they offer that are not their own). And, of course, at another company I may not be able to find the same scents I have now.

I am not sure, at this point, what to do. I cannot raise my prices any more. I am presently at the top I want to be, I’m getting all I can, but staying lower than all my competitors. Plus, honestly, I scent mine more than they do. (I occassionally buy a candle from a competitor at a fair, so far mine have always outdone theirs.)

I have been thinking of ways to cut costs and production on items that don’t sell as well. But in the meantime I still need more supplies for those items that do sell well, and all my Christmas scents/preparation.

However if this keeps up, I’m screwed. My business credit cards are already too high. *sigh*