From a business perspective and creating a rock-solid product this is probably some of the best advice you could get When developing a product. Most people completely skip focus groups and just will go to their siblings and closest friends instead of the thing they should be focusing on which is literally complete strangers. Close friends and family have a biased opinion and are not reliable because they are invested in your success, or at least they should be
I’ve asked my test group to be brutally honest and I let them know in advance and throughout the testing phase that negative feedback is welcome and appreciated. I’d rather have someone tell me the product honestly sucks rather than to feel sorry for me to boost my morale.
This is golden content! Thank you so much Wade. Caught the bug to start a candle business 6 months ago and I'm at a point in the process where I really need to start focusing on the business aspect. A lot of great candle makers on TH-cam posting content but so much of it is the same. I really appreciate the way you provide more specific insight into various areas of the business process. Looking forward to your newsletter!
Prior to seeing this video I had some thoughts about getting feedback. Once I watched this video I was able to line it out and at the same time once I handed the candles off explain what I was willing to do going forward with them. Went over so smoothly and each person’s reaction was the same, very positive and thankful! Good words Wade! Thanks
Hi Wade! I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your deliverance of your videos. I have watched a lot of people and how you get us to understand things is really helpful. I can go on and on but there’s no point, you’re the best!
I've been doing test groups. I've typed my questions on a Word document, and print them out for my participants to fill out. I'd prefer they provide feedback on a Google Doc, but they ALL see to prefer to write it out. 😅 Thank you for taking the time and energy to help us all out on our individual journeys.
Love this. Being in middle management in the corporate world for many years, and being successful, this is so great. I did this with my staff, especially my sales team. Dah.. why didn’t I think of this before? Lol
Hi from San Diego! Thank you so much for this. We're in the testing phase and considering looking for a tester group now so I'm glad we're on the right track! 😎
Thanks for the great info, Wade! I am currently testing with IGI 6006 and ProBlend 600, along with different wicks. I plan on doing that for the next few months (or longer if needed) and testing with a few friends while developing business and candle name ideas. Taking baby steps and being patient and I love the idea about selling the finished product at cost after experimenting! Keep up the great work and thanks again for all your insight. We all appreciate it!
Hello! I am a new candle maker/seller and I am finding your videos extremely helpful as I know almost no one who knows anything about candles! It’s nice getting tips from Tik Tom but I enjoy long form videos on my commute to work everyday. Next time you’re doing candle reviews I’d love to send our two signature scents! -Peter from Dharma Burns Candle Co.
I agree with the test group! I had a test group of candle lovers before I opened my business. The discount code for the testers is a great idea! Can’t believe I didn’t think of that! I will start that now! Thank you Wade!!
You are a well of resources and good business practices. I am thinking (again, after a few years have lapsed) about starting a candle company. It is great to have a kind and generous person like you as a resource. Thank you.
Thank you, Wade!! Love this idea. We already launched, but I think this is a great way for us to keep up our quality control and test the market on an ongoing basis. Awesome!! I hope the brick and mortar shop is going gangbusters for you!
Love your content as always! I did the test group several times. Different rounds, different people. I found that, at least for me, people do not want to give feedback. I sent the products, followed up MULTIPLE times and rarely got more than, it smells good and burns fine. Even when I asked for elaboration I got silence. Its so very frustrating. I sent out easy documents to fill out, and still got nothing back. I had very few people actually respond back or give a review. Its definitely disheartening but I keep plugging away. Good luck everyone!!
Yes that does happen on occasion so it can take some time to build a good test group. And adding additional perks like perpetual discount can often get them to take more serious. :)
I am a soap etc maker. Im in a very rustic, touristy town and would like to add dough bowl candles to my line. I like the look of the long horizontal wood wick in a long 10in up to 24in oval bowl. I havemt seen any tutorials on this. Would it be possible to het some help with this? I havent made candles so this is all new for me. I just found your channel and im living your videos!! Thank you!!
this is really great information, thank you. I'm a new candle enthusiast and I have been watching almost everything you've posted and making notes. so I will definitely be taking this advice.
Thank you for this! I posted a question about what to ask my test group in the facebook group and people were pretty negative to me about asking that question so I deleted it. This is very helpful!
@@BlackTieBarn Yeah it was a bummer. I was hoping it would be a helpful post for anyone else looking for that information later on but it wasn't at all. lol. But now there's this video so that's great! Very timely! Oh- It might be just me but the link to the google form didn't work for me.
Hello, I am not from the US and I have alresdy watched a ton of your videos and the are amazing, I'm worling on getting into the business in my country but I want to use wood wick and cement jars. Is there a recommended jar circumference? I was thinking about 200g candles, but with regular crackling wick Thanks a lot
After this video I am considering doing this. I like the at cost idea a lot so I’m not losing money. Do you give them a time limit to send in the feedback? I’ve attempted a test group, giving away my product free and ended up with very little feedback.
Wade, from what you have seen, which fragrance oil supplier(s) would you say has the largest selection of single note fragrance oils? I am starting the testing process, and I am very much looking forward to creating my own scents. I know that with single note fragrance oils, you can get the most flexibility with creating custom scents, that is why I ask. Thank You.
Hey Wade, I know this is unrelated to this video, but I started making candles about a year ago around this time and I just posted publicly this last weekend that I was going to be selling them and I have about 10 of them ordered already. My question is this, do you have any better advice as far as shipping goes to get it cheaper. I've had a few people message me from Northern michigan, I live in southern michigan. My candles sell for $12 a piece, and shipping is roughly $10 and it seems I lose customers interest at that point.
Plz do a show on making profit with wax melts I do not want to do candles right now. I enjoy these videos Everyone I gave samples to,had no complaints,but I am doing melts. I have been asked if I was going to do candles. I may in future.
Yes but many want to test before their first launch with an exclusive group to help develop the products for all other customers. Test or focus groups atr pretty common in many industries
Nope thats for the channel member thing.... it's just an add on people sometimes do optionally to support. Subscribing to the channel is free. Right below the video there's a Subscribe button. All free! 😁🤗
Wade, I am not in the candle industry but I just love to watch your channel!
From a business perspective and creating a rock-solid product this is probably some of the best advice you could get When developing a product. Most people completely skip focus groups and just will go to their siblings and closest friends instead of the thing they should be focusing on which is literally complete strangers. Close friends and family have a biased opinion and are not reliable because they are invested in your success, or at least they should be
Yes. 100% agree
I’ve asked my test group to be brutally honest and I let them know in advance and throughout the testing phase that negative feedback is welcome and appreciated. I’d rather have someone tell me the product honestly sucks rather than to feel sorry for me to boost my morale.
100%
This is golden content! Thank you so much Wade. Caught the bug to start a candle business 6 months ago and I'm at a point in the process where I really need to start focusing on the business aspect. A lot of great candle makers on TH-cam posting content but so much of it is the same. I really appreciate the way you provide more specific insight into various areas of the business process. Looking forward to your newsletter!
Thanks so much. Good luck!
Prior to seeing this video I had some thoughts about getting feedback. Once I watched this video I was able to line it out and at the same time once I handed the candles off explain what I was willing to do going forward with them. Went over so smoothly and each person’s reaction was the same, very positive and thankful! Good words Wade! Thanks
Hi Wade! I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your deliverance of your videos. I have watched a lot of people and how you get us to understand things is really helpful. I can go on and on but there’s no point, you’re the best!
Thanks so much. Appreciate that
I've been doing test groups. I've typed my questions on a Word document, and print them out for my participants to fill out. I'd prefer they provide feedback on a Google Doc, but they ALL see to prefer to write it out. 😅
Thank you for taking the time and energy to help us all out on our individual journeys.
No problem at all!
Loving your sweatshirt! My home town! 🤙
Love this. Being in middle management in the corporate world for many years, and being successful, this is so great. I did this with my staff, especially my sales team. Dah.. why didn’t I think of this before? Lol
Hi from San Diego!
Thank you so much for this. We're in the testing phase and considering looking for a tester group now so I'm glad we're on the right track! 😎
Best of luck!
You give the best tips and advice. I love your channel and the content you create.
I appreciate that!
Thanks for the great info, Wade! I am currently testing with IGI 6006 and ProBlend 600, along with different wicks. I plan on doing that for the next few months (or longer if needed) and testing with a few friends while developing business and candle name ideas. Taking baby steps and being patient and I love the idea about selling the finished product at cost after experimenting! Keep up the great work and thanks again for all your insight. We all appreciate it!
Thanks so much and have fun!
Hello! I am a new candle maker/seller and I am finding your videos extremely helpful as I know almost no one who knows anything about candles! It’s nice getting tips from Tik Tom but I enjoy long form videos on my commute to work everyday. Next time you’re doing candle reviews I’d love to send our two signature scents!
-Peter from Dharma Burns Candle Co.
💯👌
I agree with the test group! I had a test group of candle lovers before I opened my business. The discount code for the testers is a great idea! Can’t believe I didn’t think of that! I will start that now! Thank you Wade!!
Thanks so much!
This is a great approach to figure out which scents resonate most with our clients! Thanks for sharing Wade!
My pleasure!
You are a well of resources and good business practices.
I am thinking (again, after a few years have lapsed) about starting a candle company. It is great to have a kind and generous person like you as a resource. Thank you.
Thank you. Happy to help!
I like your sweatshirt. I live in Temecula ca close to San Diego
You have helped me improve my buisness and candle making big time. Thank you
Great to hear!
Great advice. I never thought of discounts for testers. THANK YOU!!!❤️
You're welcome!
Thank you, Wade!! Love this idea. We already launched, but I think this is a great way for us to keep up our quality control and test the market on an ongoing basis. Awesome!! I hope the brick and mortar shop is going gangbusters for you!
Yes you can add test groups anytime. Best for new releases too!
❤ 1:04
Love your content as always! I did the test group several times. Different rounds, different people. I found that, at least for me, people do not want to give feedback. I sent the products, followed up MULTIPLE times and rarely got more than, it smells good and burns fine. Even when I asked for elaboration I got silence. Its so very frustrating. I sent out easy documents to fill out, and still got nothing back. I had very few people actually respond back or give a review.
Its definitely disheartening but I keep plugging away. Good luck everyone!!
I agree, ppl just want freebees and won't fill out the paperwork
Yes that does happen on occasion so it can take some time to build a good test group. And adding additional perks like perpetual discount can often get them to take more serious. :)
Excellent Wade. Thanks very much.
No problem!
Thank you Wade, these are great suggestions.
Thanks! 😀
Thank you for tip diversifying the testing group. The link with the testing sample won't open on my end. Is it still accessible?
Thankyou so much, wonderful video! I would love to be able to purchase a resource 'pack' from you 😄
I am a soap etc maker. Im in a very rustic, touristy town and would like to add dough bowl candles to my line. I like the look of the long horizontal wood wick in a long 10in up to 24in oval bowl. I havemt seen any tutorials on this. Would it be possible to het some help with this? I havent made candles so this is all new for me. I just found your channel and im living your videos!! Thank you!!
this is really great information, thank you. I'm a new candle enthusiast and I have been watching almost everything you've posted and making notes. so I will definitely be taking this advice.
Wonderful!
Thank you for this! I posted a question about what to ask my test group in the facebook group and people were pretty negative to me about asking that question so I deleted it. This is very helpful!
Oh no. Well that's a bummer
@@BlackTieBarn Yeah it was a bummer. I was hoping it would be a helpful post for anyone else looking for that information later on but it wasn't at all. lol. But now there's this video so that's great! Very timely!
Oh- It might be just me but the link to the google form didn't work for me.
Really? Give it another go. Try chrome if not already. Seems to be working find for me and others so far
@@BlackTieBarn yeah I'm in Chrome. I figured it was something on my end. I'll keep trying. Thanks!
Perfect. Per usual. Great advice 😊
🤗
Excellent advice! Great information, Wade!! Keep dropping gems 💎 I definitely needed to see this video!! 🤩Thanks a million!!! 👍💯
how much is it for consultation with you? thank you!
Really great advice. I’ve been wanting to develop a test group but haven’t been sure how to get started- thanks for the tips, Wade!
Thanks for the great advice. Will try this out in future. 👍
Great!
Hello, I am not from the US and I have alresdy watched a ton of your videos and the are amazing, I'm worling on getting into the business in my country but I want to use wood wick and cement jars.
Is there a recommended jar circumference? I was thinking about 200g candles, but with regular crackling wick
Thanks a lot
To sell candles should they have a lid?
I’m making them right now while listening to you😂
Haha
Awesome
Great advice. Thanks so much.
Hey Wade.. with your meet up online, what method are you using? Something such as Zoom? Thanks!
I could not book a time to chat with you. Are you still taking calls?
Great vid and tips!
Thank you! 🤗
Thank you for sharing ❤
You are so welcome
Finally another BTB video ive watched all others 18 times a piece
🤣🤣
After this video I am considering doing this. I like the at cost idea a lot so I’m not losing money. Do you give them a time limit to send in the feedback? I’ve attempted a test group, giving away my product free and ended up with very little feedback.
Wade, from what you have seen, which fragrance oil supplier(s) would you say has the largest selection of single note fragrance oils? I am starting the testing process, and I am very much looking forward to creating my own scents. I know that with single note fragrance oils, you can get the most flexibility with creating custom scents, that is why I ask. Thank You.
can i sign up for the newsletter without a US phone number? I'm in canada
Yep just go to the website (blacktiebarn.com)
You can use email, phone or both
Thank you so much ❤
No problem!
Thank you😊
Welcome!
Wade, hope to hear from you.
Great Video!
Hey Wade, I know this is unrelated to this video, but I started making candles about a year ago around this time and I just posted publicly this last weekend that I was going to be selling them and I have about 10 of them ordered already. My question is this, do you have any better advice as far as shipping goes to get it cheaper. I've had a few people message me from Northern michigan, I live in southern michigan. My candles sell for $12 a piece, and shipping is roughly $10 and it seems I lose customers interest at that point.
Good day, how are you doing.
Plz do a show on making profit with wax melts
I do not want to do candles right now.
I enjoy these videos
Everyone I gave samples to,had no complaints,but I am doing melts. I have been asked if I was going to do candles. I may in future.
Great idea!
Greets info but isn’t your customers your test group ?
Yes but many want to test before their first launch with an exclusive group to help develop the products for all other customers. Test or focus groups atr pretty common in many industries
Hey Wade, would you be willing to test a candle from us and give us your own personal feedback?
1:04 👀
Hello, I can't subscribe for free; it costs 2.99 a month 😢
Nope thats for the channel member thing.... it's just an add on people sometimes do optionally to support. Subscribing to the channel is free. Right below the video there's a Subscribe button. All free! 😁🤗