Selling candles in Morocco: is it profitable?

Profitability comes down to three numbers

A candle business pays when the selling price comfortably covers the full cost price, and you sell enough candles for the difference to matter. Three numbers decide everything:

• the cost price of one candle: materials, jar, packaging and your time;
• the price your customers actually pay;
• the number of candles sold each month.

The first can be worked out before you sell anything. The other two you measure by testing, with small batches.

The cost price of a candle

Take a 200 ml jar candle in soy wax 4130, scented at 8 %. Here is the cost of the materials at the current prices in our catalogue:

Small sizes: wax by the kilo, fragrance in 250 ml, bases by 50. Large sizes: wax in 20 kg, fragrance in 1 litre or 1 kg, bases by 1,500. We use the cheapest fragrance in each size; a pricier scent changes the total. The detailed sums are in how many candles from 1 kg of wax.

On top of the materials, add:

• the jar, often the biggest cost, and its lid;
• the label, box or pouch, and ribbon;
• test candles and the ones that fail: count a few per batch at first;
• your time: preparing, pouring, finishing, photos, answering customers;
• delivery if you offer it, and advertising if you run any.

Setting your selling price

The most common mistake is pricing from the materials alone. A candle whose materials cost a few dozen dirhams can cost much more once the jar, packaging and time are counted. Build your price in this order:

1. 1

   The full cost

   Materials, jar, packaging and a share of the losses, for one candle.

2. 2

   Your time

   The time spent per candle, multiplied by what you want to earn per hour. A batch of 20 candles takes far less time per candle than a single one.

3. 3

   Selling costs

   Advertising, a market stall, a shop's commission, free delivery.

4. 4

   The margin

   What is left to invest in equipment and new scents, or to get through a quiet month.

Then compare with the handmade candles sold around you. If your price is much lower, you are probably not counting everything. If it is higher, your candle must justify it: plant wax, a well-chosen scent, beautiful presentation, personalisation. If you want to sell to shops one day, your price must also leave room for their margin.

Packaging and presentation

People buy a candle with their eyes first, especially online. A neat jar, a clear label and a simple box often do more than the scent itself for a first purchase.

• On the label: the scent name, the wax weight, your name or brand, and safety instructions (never leave a burning candle unattended, trim the wick).
• Gift presentation (box, ribbon, a short note) sells well for holidays, birthdays and weddings.
• Personalisation (names, date) opens up event orders: see our guide to wedding favours for a Moroccan wedding.

Where to sell candles in Morocco

Instagram and WhatsApp

This is where most makers start. Good daylight photos, videos of pouring, stories when a batch comes out, and quick replies to messages. In Morocco many customers prefer to pay on delivery, so plan for it.

Markets, pop-ups and fairs

They let people smell your scents, which a photo cannot do, and give you feedback. Bring enough stock, testers and a way to find you online afterwards.

Shops, cafés, hotels and companies

Concept stores, beauty salons, riads or corporate gifts: these customers buy in quantity but expect a trade price, consistent quality and deadlines met. Only go there once your recipe is stable.

Buying materials in large sizes

Once your sales are regular, large sizes bring the cost price down:

• Soy wax 4130 in 20 kg: 1,940 MAD, about 97 MAD per kilo against 125 MAD by the kilo.
• Soy wax 46 in 17 kg: 1,230 MAD, about 72 MAD per kilo.
• Fragrance oils in 1 litre or 1 kg, from 590 MAD.
• Wick bases by 1,500 and braided wicks on large reels.

Do not buy in bulk before testing your recipes: a 20 kg bag of a wax that does not suit your jars is an expensive mistake. Start with the beginner kit (199 MAD) or 500 g and 1 kg sizes.

Delivery in 2 to 3 days anywhere in Morocco, free from 450 MAD; minimum order 70 MAD, cash on delivery. For a large regular order, contact us.

Frequently asked questions