Over the past few weeks I have been dedicating some time over my weekends to creating candles in jars, as part of my Mini Company. I have been researching and visiting various markets, including Blackrock Market, to find out where I could potentially sell my product. As my mother is part of the Greystones Folk group at the Holy Rosary, she informed me that they were holding an annual sale on Sunday the 16th of October. I was, to say the least, very excited with the idea that this annual sale could be the first venue to sell and promote my product! I managed to secure a spot at this market, which was in aid of ‘The Homeless Peter McVerry Trust and schools for Syria’. Over the weekend I was very busy decorating jars, printing business cards and logos, buying and making candles and figuring out an appropriate price for my product. You can click here to find out how I came up with the idea for my Mini Company. It was all very exciting, as I felt as if I was running a proper business! The process of finding good quality materials to make the product at a good price and creating a product that people would like to buy was challenging but very useful, as I have learnt many things from it. I understand vaguely how a business operates from the Junior Cert Business course, but I received at different point of view on running a business from putting the theory from the book into practice. Although I have done countless accounts for the Junior Cert, it was almost difficult to do my own accounts as I am used to being provided with the figures instead of having to find out the figures myself. On Saturday evening I went to the St Kilian Family Centre in the Holy Rosary Church to set up my table. I brought fairy lights to add a warm and inviting element to my product. I had made a poster outlining what my product was and about myself, as I believe people prefer to have the information presented to them, rather than asking questions. I had brought a batch of candles with me so I wouldn't have to carry them all at once the next day. I also brought many plastic and paper bags with me, so that I could provide the customers with bags if needed! I was almost nervous in the morning before I was to sell my candles. The adrenaline was pumping fast as the doors were opened and people entered the hall to browse at the things for sale. At first I felt a bit awkward standing at my table alone, and business was a bit slow at the start. Thankfully Emma kindly came to join me and help promote and sell the candles with me! The time flew by and quickly my candles were exchanging hands from our table to customer’s bags. We wrapped up the candles in colourful tissue paper and ribbon to make it look professional and put my business card in their bags! The experience was very fun and I enjoyed it very much. Nearing the end of the sale I still had about 15 candles left over. Then a lady told us she was hosting a memorial for the ashes of a loved one in her house the following week and she would like us to give her an offer for the last 15 candles! She thought the candles would be very inviting and atmospheric in her house as the visitors came. Emma and I calculated the cost price and then came up with a reasonable offer of €30 for 15 candles of various shapes and sizes. The lady was thrilled! Together we efficiently wrapped all the candles in coloured tissue paper and carefully placed them in paper bags. It felt good to put up a small sign reading “Sold Out” for the last few minutes of the market! All together I made a profit of €42.50, this was more than I could've ever expected for my first time! I gave €30 to the charity this sale was for and kept the €12.50 to buy more materials for the next match of candles I will make. I returned home very satisfied that all my work paid off, and very grateful Emma came to join me! This was a very useful experience as I have discovered which candles sold best, and if my prices were reasonable, also I have learnt how to best present my product. I can’t wait for the next time I will sell my candles!
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My Mini CompanyFor Business this year we have to create our own mini company. I have decided mine would be called 'Sophie's Little Candle Shop' and that my company would be specialized in candles in jars! Click here to find out more about my mini company and how I came up with the idea. Archives
April 2017
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