FAQ's
ABOUT NI CANDLE SUPPLIES
Where is NI Candle Supplies Based?
Set amidst the picturesque backdrop of Co. Down in Northern Ireland, you'll find us nestled at: NI Candle Supplies, Unit 7A, Milltown Industrial Estate, Greenan Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3FN.
What is the origin of NI Candle Supplies?
NI Candle Supplies has evolved from a spark of passion into a thriving flame. Our founder, Sarah Lowther, was initially a hobbyist candle maker and gradually pivoted her craft to chandling for weddings after celebrating many successes. With over 1,500 brides dazzled by her bespoke candle designs, she ventured into NI Candle Supplies alongside her family. With hands seasoned in wax and wicks, our family-driven team at NI Candle Supplies pledges unrivalled customer service.
What experience do you have with candle making?
We've been in the candle-making game for over 16 years, learning tricks of the trade both here in the UK and abroad. Simply put, we know our stuff, and we dedicate lots of time to sharing this knowledge through our regular blog posts. Got any questions? Just give us a shout; we're always here to help!
What makes NI Candle Supplies different to other candle suppliers in the UK?
Our journey through diverse candle terrains across the globe has ingrained in us the essence of unparalleled customer service, swift deliveries and product uniqueness. With our curated selection of premium fragrances and candle-making supplies from around the world, we offer a selection that not only stands out but has some exclusives you'll only find with NI Candle Supplies.
POLICIES, SHIPPING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Where do you ship to and how much does it cost?
Shipping costs vary depending on your location, weight and number of boxes required to ship your goods.
We offer a shipping calculator on the cart page, so that you can calculate your shipping costs before starting the checkout process.
For detailed information on shipping options, please click here.
Do you offer returns and refunds?
We strive to ensure all our customers are satisfied with their purchases. If, for any reason, you'd like to return an item or request a refund, you can find the step-by-step process on our Refund and Returns Policy page.
How can I contact NI Candle Supplies?
Find out how to contact us here.
My order hasn’t arrived, what do I do?
If there's a delay or you haven't received your order within the expected timeframe, we're here to help. You can get in touch via the methods listed on our contact page.
Which payment methods do you accept?
NI Candle Supplies accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and Paypal. For those who prefer to space out payments, we also offer Buy Now, Pay Later options via LayBuy and Clearpay in selected countries.
Is there a minimum order requirement?
No minimums here! We believe in catering to all our customers, whether you're just starting out in candle making or running a full-fledged business. From single-item purchases to large bulk orders, we welcome and value every order, big or small.
Are you VAT registered in the UK?
Yes, we're a proud VAT-registered business in the UK. For those who need it, our VAT registration number is GB 301 357 739.
Do you offer free shipping?
Indeed we do! For deliveries within Northern Ireland, free shipping is available for orders of £99 or more (excluding VAT). For Mainland UK and the Republic of Ireland, free shipping is available on orders over £199 before VAT. This offer excludes full cartons of wax and will be automatically applied at checkout when the conditions are met.
Will I have to pay Customs charges?
We operate out of Northern Ireland, which means we're still part of the EU for Customs purposes. If you're shopping from the UK, ROI or anywhere in the European Union, there won't be any additional customs charges. However, for other international destinations, any potential customs charges will be the responsibility of the customer.
OUR PRODUCTS
Which brands do NI Candle Supplies stock?
Continually hunting for the best in home fragrance, we're thrilled to stock renowned names such as NatureWax, Golden Wax, Sasol, Bekro and PureRocks. We also take immense pride in our very own line of premium fragrance oils. Should you have a particular brand or product in mind that you can't spot on our site, don't hesitate to drop us a line.
Are all products CLP certified?
Safety and compliance are at the top of our list. By forging a strong partnership with a trusted UK-based CLP company, we've ensured that every product falling under CLP regulations meets the mark. So, you can purchase with confidence knowing you're getting CLP-compliant products.
Do you offer a loyalty program or discounts for loyalty?
We recognise that loyalty is a two-way street, and we love giving back to our dedicated customers. You can gain access to exciting perks and discounts by signing up for our NI Rewards scheme. And if you're keeping your eye out for sales, discount codes and exclusive promotions, be sure to join our mailing list.
Do you offer special discounts for large bulk orders?
Every candle maker’s need is unique, and we get that. If you're in the manufacturing business and need products in large quantities, we’re here to accommodate you. Reach out to us, and let's tailor a solution that suits your wholesale or bulk-buying needs.
Are your fragrance oils vegan-friendly?
Yes, all our products are 100% vegan. Our fragrance oils, as confirmed by our expert perfumers, steer clear of any animal-derived ingredients and have never been tested on our furry friends.
CANDLE MAKING QUERIES
What's required for my candle labels to sell legally?
To stay on the right side of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, your candles should be accompanied by clear information and safety warnings. This means you need candle safety labels and CLP compliance. The CLP Regulation harmonises how the EU classifies, labels and packages chemical substances and mixtures. For a deep dive into CLP compliance, this article should be your go-to.
With fragrances composed of several chemicals, some can be potentially harmful. You need this information on your packaging. At NI Candle Supplies, we've got you covered. Our products come with all the necessary details so that you can clearly state them on your candle safety labels.
For the average candle, the fragrance oil limit is typically 10%. We've made things easier with a CLP label template for 10%—you can find it on our Safety Data Sheets (SDS) page. Simply download, print and stick! Do bear in mind, however, if you’re blending different scents, you’ll need a unique CLP label for that blend as it is not possible to apply two (or more) separate labels to a single product.
While it’s crucial for you, the maker, your customers don't need it unless your candles end up on shop shelves. For these scenarios, you'll need to give shopkeepers the 10% SDS, along with the CLP label. If you require further clarification on the matter, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Why don't I get a full melt pool with certain fragrances?
This usually points to a too-small wick or a too-short burn time. Here’s a reliable guideline: for every inch (2.5cm) of your candle's diameter, allow an hour of burn time. If problems persist, your fragrance might be the culprit. Fragrances have distinct flash points affecting the wick size required. For the nitty-gritty on flash points of our fragrances, check out individual product details.
Why does my candle crack?
Candle cracking often stems from temperature inconsistencies during the crafting process. Factors like cooling the candle too rapidly, using the wrong pouring temperature or even the room's ambient conditions can lead to cracks. Other culprits include excessive or vigorous stirring (which introduces air bubbles) and pouring wax too quickly (trapping these bubbles).
The proximity of containers during cooling and even unconventional methods like freezing can exacerbate the problem. For consistent results, maintain a steady room temperature, pour wax slowly, and avoid over-stirring. Adjustments and testing might be needed based on the specific conditions in your crafting area. For a comprehensive guide on avoiding cracks, refer to our detailed resource centre.
My candle has white streaks post-production. Why?
Often, these ‘jump lines’ emerge when your container or wax is too chilly. Warm up your container beforehand or pour your wax at a slightly elevated temperature to combat this.
How to prevent air bubbles in candles?
Cold vessels are typically the culprit. Aim to warm the vessel to around 70°C to keep those pesky bubbles at bay.
Why isn't my candle emitting fragrance?
If you’re wondering “why does my scented candle not smell?”, there could be various reasons. Wick style and size, wax type, the timing of when you add the fragrance oil, fragrance quality and concentration—all play roles. We recommend using 100% concentrated fragrances we stock, and following our comprehensive guide on influencing scent throw variables (coming soon!).
Re-pour layers not blending: What gives?
If you’re pondering how to blend candle layers, bear in mind that the second pour might be cooler than it should be. Aim for a slightly higher temperature than the first pour while the candle remains warm.
Why does my candle have wet spots?
Often mistaken as trapped air bubbles, candle 'wet spots' result from wax contracting away from the glass due to temperature changes. Once this happens, the wax will not re-adhere to the glass. The good news, however, is that wet spots won’t affect the performance of your candle.
Increasing your pour temperature and avoiding leaving them to set overnight can help. However, note that shifts in internal or external climate, or even transit, can introduce wet spots.
Why is my candle smoking?
Smoking candles? A too-large wick or an overload of fragrance oil might be to blame. If your wick size and fragrance proportions are on point, trim your wick to ½ cm before each lighting.
How do I ensure the wick remains upright?
Use a wick stickum to attach the pre-tabbed wick to the container's bottom. To keep it straight and centred, our adjustable wick holders are a handy tool.
Why is there leftover wax on the side of the container?
Your candle’s initial burn might have been too brief. Adhere to the 1-hour-per-inch rule to prevent tunnelling. If this doesn't help, consider a larger wick.
Help! I keep making mistakes when making my candles.
Candle crafting can be tricky, but don't worry, we've all been there. Our handy resource centre is full of tips and tricks to help you perfect your craft. We’re in this together!
How much fragrance do I pour into the wax?
A general tip is to add about 10% fragrance oil by weight. So for 1kg of wax, pour in 100g of fragrance oil. For the best accuracy, digital scales are your best friend over spoons or cups.