How To Become A Distributor For Circle E Candles?

Circle E Candles was founded in 2009 in Austin, Texas by entrepreneur Elena Smith. The company quickly grew from a small home-based business into a thriving manufacturer of soy candles, wax melts, room sprays, and other home fragrance products. Today, Circle E Candles operates a 35,000 square foot facility in Austin and sells products online and in over 2,000 retail locations across the United States.

The hallmark of Circle E Candles is their commitment to high quality ingredients and beautiful, sophisticated packaging. Their soy wax candles are phthalate-free and use natural fiber wicks. Fragrances are expertly formulated in-house to create signature scents like Sea Salt Breeze, Coconut Lime, and their top selling Cinnamon Chai. Products are poured into stylish apothecary jars, elegant tins, and other sleek, minimalist vessels.

One of the keys to Circle E’s growth has been their distributor program. A distributor buys wholesale quantities of Circle E products and then resells them at retail prices, keeping the profit. Distributors can sell online through their own website or social platforms, or at local markets, gift shops, and other venues. Being a distributor allows you to own your own business selling a proven, established product line.

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Benefits of Becoming a Distributor

Becoming a distributor for Circle E Candles can provide you with many advantages over a traditional 9-5 job. As a distributor, you’ll have the potential to earn more income as you build your business. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss and setting your own schedule. Other key benefits include:

Increased income potential – Your income as a distributor has unlimited growth potential as you expand your customer base. The more customers you have, the more you can sell and earn.

Be your own boss – As a distributor, you’ll be an independent business owner. You set your own hours and determine how to best grow your territory and customer base.

Flexible work schedule – Because you are in charge of your schedule, you can work evenings, weekends or whenever is most convenient for you and your customers.

Get discounts on products – As a distributor, you’ll be eligible for discounts on Circle E candle products, usually around 25-40%. This allows you to purchase inventory at lower prices.

Sense of owning a business – As an independent distributor, you’ll get the pride and satisfaction that comes with owning your own business and being in control of your income and schedule.

Requirements to Become a Distributor

To become an authorized distributor for Circle E Candles, you’ll need to submit an application and meet certain requirements. Here are the key things Circle E looks for in potential distributors:

Application Process

You’ll need to submit a distributor application either online through the Circle E website or by mailing a printed application. The application asks for basic information about your business, experience, and goals for distributing Circle E products.

Fees

There is no fee to become a Circle E distributor. You simply need to submit the application and be approved to move forward.

Minimum Order Quantity

Circle E requires an initial minimum order of 12 candle units to open a distributor account. After the first order, the minimum is 6 candle units for any reorder.

Storage Space

You’ll need adequate secure storage space for inventory. Circle E recommends being able to store at least 50-100 units. Proper storage conditions are critical for maintaining candle quality.

Distributor Responsibilities

As a Circle E candles distributor, your main responsibilities will be promoting and selling Circle E products, managing inventory, delivering orders, and providing excellent customer service. You’ll need to become an expert on all the candle products you’re selling and be able to convey the features and benefits to customers.

To promote the products effectively, you’ll need to identify your target audience and determine the best marketing methods to reach them, whether through social media ads, email campaigns, holding in-home parties, etc. It’s up to you to create excitement around the brand and acquire new customers. Make sure to leverage any marketing assets provided by Circle E to reinforce brand consistency.

Managing your inventory includes keeping popular scents and products well-stocked and placing reorders with Circle E in a timely manner to avoid losing sales. You’ll need to set up a system to track inventory levels.

When orders come in, you’ll be responsible for processing payment, preparing shipments or deliveries, and making sure customers receive their orders promptly. Provide order confirmations and shipping updates to maintain open communication.

Excellent customer service is key to retaining happy, loyal customers. Respond promptly to inquiries, address any concerns, and seek feedback to improve. Your reputation as a distributor is built on positive interactions with customers.

By staying on top of these core distributor responsibilities, you’ll be set up for success selling Circle E candles!

Distributor Training

Circle E Candles offers comprehensive training programs to help new distributors gain the product knowledge and sales skills needed to succeed. After signing your distributor agreement, you’ll complete an orientation and onboarding process to familiarize yourself with Circle E’s operations, products, and brand.

The initial orientation provides an overview of the distribution business model, company values and culture, and administrative procedures. You’ll learn how to place orders, track shipments, manage inventory, and access marketing materials in the distributor portal.

Product training gives an in-depth look at the features, scents, labeling, and packaging for each candle line. You’ll learn about the high-quality ingredients and proprietary fragrance blends that make Circle E candles stand out. With deep knowledge of the products, you can better promote them to retail partners and consumers.

Circle E also offers sales technique training to maximize your success. You’ll learn how to craft engaging product pitches, respond to objections, negotiate terms, and close deals with retailers. Roleplaying exercises help polish your skills. The training focuses on relationship-building and consultative sales methods.

Ongoing webinars, annual conferences, and regular check-ins ensure you receive continuous education and support. Circle E is invested in the growth and achievements of all distributors. The training gives you the expertise and confidence to develop a thriving candle sales business.

Distributor Support

Circle E candles aims to provide distributors with exceptional support throughout the entire partnership. This ensures distributors have everything they need to build a successful candle business.

Once onboard, distributors receive ongoing support from Circle E’s support team. This includes help with orders, customer inquiries, marketing advice, inventory questions, and any other issues that may arise. Distributors have access to a dedicated toll-free number to call for prompt support.

Circle E also provides distributors with professionally designed marketing materials to promote the products, including brochures, flyers, banners, images, and more. These high-quality materials make it simple for distributors to market the candles.

Additionally, Circle E hosts special events, conferences, and trainings to bring distributors together. These provide inspiration, motivation, education, and networking opportunities with fellow distributors and company leadership.

With exceptional training, readily available support, marketing assets, and a collaborative community, Circle E candles sets distributors up for success from day one and beyond.

Start-Up Costs

When becoming a Circle E Candle distributor, you’ll need to make some upfront investments to get your business running. Here are the main start-up costs to consider:

Initial Inventory Purchase

To get started, you’ll need to make an initial inventory purchase from Circle E Candles. Expect to spend around $5,000-$10,000 on your first order of candles and accessories. This will give you enough inventory to start supplying retail stores and doing product demonstrations.

Marketing Materials

You’ll need marketing materials like brochures, business cards, banners, and product samples to promote the brand. Budget around $1,000-$2,000 for these items.

Delivery Vehicle

Having a reliable van, truck, or car to deliver products is essential. Consider costs like the vehicle purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and gas. Expect to invest around $10,000-$15,000 for a suitable delivery vehicle.

Warehouse Space

To store inventory, you’ll need a warehouse or storage space. Either rent warehouse space near your territory or set aside room in your home or garage. Budget $500-$1,500 per month for a small warehouse rental.

In total, you’ll need around $20,000 in start-up capital to launch your Circle E Candles distributorship. But this investment will provide all the necessary tools and inventory to build a successful business.

Building Your Business

Once you become an authorized Circle E candles distributor, there are many ways to build your business selling candles. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ideas for Where to Sell Products

Some of the most popular retail outlets for selling Circle E candles include:

Gift shops
Home decor stores
Farmer’s markets
Boutiques
Craft fairs
Pop-up shops
Online through your own ecommerce store

Consider targeting retailers that fit with Circle E’s natural, eco-friendly brand. Locations frequented by women 25-60 tend to perform well. Scout potential retailers in your area to pitch selling the products on consignment.

Marketing and Promotions

Spread the word about your new candle business through marketing and promotions such as:

Print flyers and coupons to hand out locally
Create social media pages showcasing products
Run Facebook ads targeted locally
Host virtual or in-person home candle parties
Offer promotions like ‘Buy 2, get 1 free’ to incentivize sales
Give product samples to local businesses to try

Leverage Circle E’s brand assets like logos and product images to elevate your marketing materials. Focus on promoting your unique distributor business locally.

Hiring Employees

If your business grows enough to need additional support, consider hiring 1-2 part-time employees. Look for people skilled in areas like customer service, marketing, and inventory management. Vet candidates thoroughly as they will represent your business.

Having a few key employees allows you to focus more on sales and business strategy versus day-to-day tasks. Be sure to offer competitive pay, training, and room for growth to attract and retain good talent.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Distributor

Becoming a Circle E candles distributor has many advantages but there are some potential downsides to consider as well. Here are the main pros and cons:

Pros

Low start-up costs – You can get started for under $500 in most cases.
Work from home – No need for a retail location, you can operate your business from home.
Flexibility – As a distributor, you set your own schedule.
Profit potential – Markups allow for good profit margins on sales.
Territory rights – You have exclusive rights to sell in your designated territory.
Training – The company provides training to teach you the business.

Cons

Commission only – Income is based entirely on your sales.
Competition – Some territories are saturated with other distributors.
No guarantees – Your success depends on your work ethic and sales ability.
Inventory costs – You need to buy inventory upfront before making sales.
Self-motivation – You must be very self-driven to succeed.

Next Steps

Overview of application process

If you feel that becoming a Circle E Candles distributor is the right choice for you, the next step is to submit a distributor application. The application can be found on the Circle E Candles website and asks for basic contact information and business details. Circle E Candles aims to respond to applications within 2 weeks.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a welcome packet with information on training, your starter kit, and other resources to help you get started. A Circle E Candles sales representative will also contact you to answer any questions and walk through the onboarding process.

Contact info

If you have any questions about the application process or becoming a distributor, you can contact Circle E Candles directly:

Phone: 1-800-555-0000

Email: [email protected]

Additional resources

Circle E Candles provides many resources to help you build a successful business as a distributor. Be sure to check out the following:

Distributor training program
Online marketing materials and product brochures
Ongoing webinars and conferences
Circle E Candles social media groups
Mentorship opportunities with experienced distributors

With the right drive and Circle E’s support, you’ll be on your way to running a rewarding and profitable candle business.