The Guide To Buying The Perfect Candle For You : eBay Guides

All candles were not created equal.  From mass produced to smaller manufacturers such as the kitchen candlemaker, there are differences in quality, performance, size, scent throw, melt pool, color and availability.  Let's explore two of the most common myths regarding candles, and go on from there.

Myth Number One

Many manufacturers and crafters will claim that their candles are double scented or triple scented.  There is no such thing.  The fact is, every candle wax known to man, has a threshold.  That threshold varies from .5% to 1.5% of fragrance oil per pound of wax.  The myth of double or triple scented candles is just advertising fluff to get you to choose their candle over another company's candle.

The only exception that can even be considered as a possibly double or triple scented candle is a layered candle.  In that case, you may have 2 or 3 scents that layer together, but again, it does not mean that the candle contains more fragrance oil then a competitor's candle.

Myth Number Two

Placing a candle in the freezer before lighting will allow it to burn longer.  This simply is not true.  All you may succeed in doing is cracking your candle before it is ever lit.  A waste of money.  A true candlemaker will test burn their candles, know the approximate burn time of their candles and give you that time either in a description or when asked.  Different formulas burn for slightly different amounts of time, different containers will burn for different amounts of time.

Myth Number Three

A "mushroom" at the tip of my wick means my candle has more scent then other candles.  This is not correct.  There are several reasons for a "mushroom" or that black cap that seems to grow larger on the tip of your wick.  It usually means that there is too much oil in the candle for the wax to handle.  This doesn't increase your scent throw, it just increases the black smoke and soot that will coat your walls, ceilings and floors.  A properly made and burned candle should not form a mushroom at the top of your candle.

Myth Number Four

My candles must be triple scented, there is droplets of oil on top of the wax.  This means that the manufacturer exceeded the maximum threshold of the wax, and it is a fire hazard.  If you take the chance of burning a candle such as this, be sure it is in an area that you will be available to attend to it 100% of the time.  Better yet, just don't buy one that looks like this.  The risk isn't worth the non-existent rewards.

Choosing The Right Candle For You

Every candle is different.  Most candlemakers use different formulas.  From parrafin, to soy, to lotion candles, to beeswax...there are so many choices out there it can be confusing!  I am the first one to say, I am a strict advocate of the handcrafted candle.  No matter the formula, there seems to be a  silent code between handcrafted candlemakers that states "We will test burn our candles before we sell them.  If we wouldn't use them, why would anyone else?".  Ever wonder when the last time was that Yankee or Partylite test burned one of their candles?

Follow these steps to ensure you are getting the best price for the best candle!

1.   Look for a soy candle.  Soy typically burns longer then a parrafin wax.  It also burns more cleanly, leaving little to no soot on any surface in your home.  Soy will also give you an excellent scent throw when lit and when cold.  I tested one of my new jars some time ago in my bedroom and it continued to scent the room for a month after it was lit.  You see...I lit it for 3 hours, snuffed it and promptly forgot to light it again due to the scent that was in the room!  About a month later, I lit it for the second time.

2.  Talk to the seller!  Find out if they test burn, how often they test burn, if they craft their own or if they mass produce them in large amounts.  Look for a seller who lists smaller quantities so that you can try their product before buying a larger amount.

3.  Check their feedback!  If you are buying from a seller in an auction house, review their feedback.  Is it more then 95% positive?  Is it all from buying or from selling or from both?  Does it pertain to candles or another item they may have sold?  Chances are, if your seller has great feedback from buying and selling, they are reputable.  If it's not right, they will make it right.

4.  If you can purchase a small quantity, their feedback is good, and they have answered all of your questions, give the seller a shot! 

5.  If you are purchasing from a web site, ask your questions via e-mail.  Does the person responsible for e-mail contact answer quickly and reliably?  Are they PayPal verified?  Once again, purchase in a small quantity to ensure that you will not only like their product, but also that you are dealing with a reputable seller.

Once you receive your candles, get ready to enjoy!  Be sure to follow every burning instruction found on the candle, including removing the label/packaging, recommended time to allow your candle to stay lit, and keeping your candle on a heat resistant surface.  Also, ensure that your candle is in a place where pets and children cannot get to it, and that it is not near any flammable object such as curtains.  If your candle can be knocked over, it is a fire hazard. 

Be safe, and if I missed a myth or two, please let me know!