Candle makers in the US are tapping into a booming market — handmade candles remain one of the top-selling craft products both online and at local events. Whether you're just starting out or scaling an existing operation, choosing the right sales channel directly impacts your profits and reach. Per Hive and Honey Candle Co., sellers who diversify across multiple platforms consistently outperform those relying on a single channel. If you're already exploring selling handmade goods online or want to sell locally near you, this guide covers every viable option. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
You can sell handmade candles on Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and your own website online, or locally at craft fairs, farmers markets, and boutique shops. Diversifying across multiple channels consistently increases profits. Both online marketplaces and local events remain top-performing options for candle makers across the US.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $19–25/month | E-commerce Entrepreneurs | Visit Site |
| Etsy | $0.20/listing + 6.5% fee | New Sellers & Hobbyists | Visit Site |
| Farmers Markets | $25–$150/booth/day | Local Community Sellers | Visit Site |
| Craft Fairs and Festivals | $50–$300/booth/event | High-Volume In-Person Sellers | Visit Site |
| Own Website | $13–$39/month | Brand-Focused Sellers | Visit Site |
| Wholesale to Local Shops | 50% wholesale margin | Established Makers Scaling Up | See details |
| Amazon Handmade | 15% referral fee | Sellers Wanting Mass Reach | Visit Site |
| Drop Ship Marketplaces | Free–$29/month | Hands-Off Passive Sellers | Visit Site |
Where to Sell Handmade Candles: 8 Top Places (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each aspect, including important details and considerations.
1. Shopify
Shopify lets candle makers build a fully branded online store to sell handmade candles directly to customers without relying on a third-party marketplace. You control pricing, branding, and customer relationships, making it ideal for candle businesses ready to scale beyond hobby selling. Plans start at $19–25/month with a 3-day free trial.
Key features:
- Built-in payment processing, shipping tools, and inventory tracking
- Pre-built themes — no coding required to launch your candle shop
- Best for: Entrepreneurs wanting a standalone branded storefront
2. Etsy
Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for selling handmade candles online, with millions of buyers actively searching for artisan and handcrafted goods. Listing fees are $0.20 per item, plus a 6.5% transaction fee — low enough for new sellers to test products without major upfront costs. The built-in audience means you spend less time driving traffic and more time making candles.
What to know:
- $0.20 listing fee per item; 6.5% transaction fee per sale
- Search-friendly platform — buyers already look here for handmade goods
- Best for: New candle makers wanting fast access to a ready audience
Local farmers markets are a proven in-person channel for moving handmade candles, letting customers smell and experience your products before buying — something online platforms can't replicate. Booth fees typically range from $25–$150 per market depending on location and size. Face-to-face selling also builds loyal repeat customers and immediate word-of-mouth referrals in your community.
Notable perks:
- No platform fees or transaction percentages on cash sales
- Direct customer feedback helps refine scents and packaging instantly
Craft fairs and festivals are one of the most direct ways to sell handmade candles face-to-face, letting customers smell and experience your products before buying. Local and regional events attract shoppers specifically looking for artisan goods, making them a strong fit for candle makers. Booth fees typically range from $25–$300 depending on the event size and location.
What to know:
- Higher profit margins — no platform fees, just the booth cost
- Immediate customer feedback helps refine scents and packaging
- Great for building a local customer base and repeat buyers
5. Own Website
Selling candles through your own website gives you full control over branding, pricing, and customer data — none of which you own on third-party marketplaces. Platforms like Shopify (from $29/month) or WooCommerce (free plugin, hosting costs vary) let you build a branded candle shop without technical expertise. You keep 100% of revenue minus payment processing fees, typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Key advantages:
- No listing fees or marketplace commissions eating into margins
- Build an email list and loyal customer base you fully own
- SEO-optimized product pages can drive long-term organic traffic
6. Wholesale to Local Shops
Supplying candles wholesale to boutiques, gift shops, spas, or home décor stores puts your products in front of established foot traffic without running your own retail operation. Wholesale pricing is typically set at 50% of retail, so strong production volume and low material costs are essential for healthy margins. It's a reliable channel for consistent bulk orders rather than one-off sales.
Notable perks:
- Recurring bulk orders provide more predictable revenue than marketplace sales
- Local shop partnerships build brand visibility in your community
Amazon Handmade gives candle makers access to Amazon's massive customer base while keeping the focus on artisan products. Unlike the main Amazon marketplace, Handmade is exclusively for handcrafted goods, so your candles compete alongside similar products rather than mass-manufactured alternatives. Amazon charges a 15% referral fee per sale with no monthly fee for approved sellers.
Key details:
- No listing fees; 15% referral fee per transaction
- Access to Amazon Prime shipping benefits and fulfillment options
- Application required — approval typically takes 1–2 weeks
Drop ship marketplaces let candle makers wholesale their products to third-party sellers who handle customer fulfillment and marketing. Rather than selling directly to consumers, you supply inventory to retailers or online resellers who list your candles under their own storefronts. This model works best for makers who want consistent bulk orders without managing individual customer transactions.
What to know:
- Lower per-unit revenue but higher order volume
- Platforms like Faire and Modalyst connect makers with retail buyers
- Best for established candle brands ready to scale production
Final Words
Selling handmade candles successfully comes down to matching your platform to your audience and goals. Start with one or two channels, master them, then expand — or explore other creative ways to earn alongside your candle business.