The Quiet Work of January: A Candle Maker’s Guide to Testing, Planning, and Seasonal Prep

January is one of the most valuable months in the candle making calendar, even if it doesn’t feel very exciting on the surface. After the holiday rush, this slower period gives candle makers the space to focus on testing, product development, and seasonal planning without pressure.

This is the month where strong, confident candle lines are built.

Candle testing and formula refinement

January is the ideal time to focus on candle testing and formula refinement.

Makers can revisit wax and wick combinations they already use and test them more thoroughly. Longer burn tests, testing across multiple vessel styles, and allowing candles to cure fully before evaluation all provide clearer insight into performance.

So often, issues with tunneling, weak throw, or inconsistent burns trace back to rushed testing. January gives you the time to slow down and catch those details early.

Testing spring and summer fragrance oils

While winter scents may still be in rotation, January is the best time to begin testing spring and summer fragrance oils.

It gives you enough time to test thoroughly and to start gauging what your customers might be interested in for the season. Starting fragrance testing now also allows you to make more informed purchasing decisions later in the season.

Sampling seasonal candle vessels and containers

January is a smart month for sampling seasonal candle vessels and containers.

Rather than committing to full case quantities, makers can order samples and test how their wax and wick combinations behave in new shapes, sizes, and materials. A vessel that looks beautiful but performs poorly can create challenges once production ramps up.

Vessel testing is just as important as fragrance and wax testing, so don’t neglect it!

Sampling seasonal candle vessels and containers

January is a smart month for sampling seasonal candle vessels and containers.

Rather than committing to full case quantities, makers can order samples and test how their wax and wick combinations behave in new shapes, sizes, and materials. A vessel that looks beautiful but performs poorly can create challenges once production ramps up.

Vessel testing is just as important as fragrance and wax testing, so don’t neglect it!

Testing seasonal and limited-edition products

This quieter month is ideal for testing seasonal candle products and limited-edition offerings.

Giftable sizes, warm-weather formats like waxes with higher melting points, and experimental products (think room sprays, perfumes, or even soap!) are easier to evaluate when you’re not juggling daily fulfillment. January allows you to assess whether a new product fits your workflow, production capacity, and shipping requirements.

Not every idea needs to move forward. Testing now helps you decide that before busy seasons begin.

Improving candle making processes and documentation

January is also a great time to improve candle making processes and documentation.

Makers can organize testing notes, refine formulas, and update internal records based on what worked and what didn’t last year. Makers who maintain clear documentation tend to troubleshoot faster and scale more smoothly throughout the year.

January testing & planning checklist

Use this checklist as a guide for h

ow to make the most of January:

Candle testing

• Retest current wax and wick combination
• Run longer burn tests without time pressure
• Test candles after full cure times
• Evaluate performance in multiple vessel styles

Fragrance testing

• Begin testing spring and summer fragrance oils
• Compare cold throw and hot throw
• Narrow down fragrance samples for seasonal lines
  

Vessel & product sampling

• Order samples of seasonal candle vessels
• Test wax and wick behavior in new containers
• Experiment with limited-edition or giftable formats

Process & planning

• Review last year’s testing notes and feedback
• Update formulas and internal documentation
• Plan seasonal launches and testing timelines

Why January is so important for candle makers

January isn’t about launching new products or pushing sales. It’s about building a strong foundation.

The candle testing, fragrance evaluation, and product planning you do now help create smoother production, more reliable products, and less stress later in the year. From our perspective as a supplier, the makers who use January well are the ones who feel the most prepared when things get busy again.

Quiet work now pays off all year long.