I recently tried an exciting experiment with my candle business that turned out to be a game changer. I decided to create a limited edition Halloween candle, and in less than 24 hours, I generated nearly $1,000 in revenue. Here’s how I did it—and how you might consider using a similar approach in your own business.

Creating a Unique and Exclusive Product

I wanted to do something different from my usual fall collection. The idea was to create a limited edition Halloween candle that stood out. I developed a custom fragrance blend by mixing two of my favorite scents from Flaming Candle: Ghoul Berberry and Pumpkin Chai. The resulting blend was a perfect mix of tart citrus, spiced berries, and sweet musk, evoking the mysterious, foggy atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights.

To add an extra layer of exclusivity, I decided to limit production to just 31 candles—one for each day of October. Each candle was individually numbered from 1 to 31, and I even offered a special giveaway: the customer who received candle number 13 would win a free candle. This unique twist not only made the product more desirable but also created excitement around the launch.

Planning and Executing a Pre-Order Strategy

Instead of launching the candle as a regular release, I opted for a pre-order format. Here’s what I did:

• Teasing the Product: I started teasing the Halloween candle a couple of weeks before the pre-orders went live. I shared sneak peeks on my Instagram stories and in my posts, building anticipation and letting my audience know something special was coming.

• Building My Email List: I asked my followers to submit their emails on Instagram to be the first to know when the pre-orders opened. This not only grew my email list but also ensured that my most engaged customers were ready to purchase as soon as the sale started.

• Pre-Order Launch: I set the pre-order launch for Tuesday, September 24th at 10:00 a.m. I sent out an email the day before to remind everyone about the opening time and emphasized that there were only 31 candles available. This clear call-to-action helped create a sense of urgency, motivating my customers to act fast.

On launch day, I even went live on Instagram about 20 to 30 minutes before the release to showcase the candle, explain the scent, and highlight the exclusive offer. When the pre-orders opened, the orders started flowing in so quickly; we sold out of all 31 candles in less than 24 hours!

The Results and What I Learned

While the gross revenue from the limited edition Halloween candle came in at just under $1,000, it was an incredibly valuable experiment. I not only generated a significant amount of revenue in a very short time but also learned several key lessons:

• Exclusivity Drives Demand: Limiting the quantity and adding unique elements like numbered candles can create urgency and excitement among your customers.

• Pre-Orders Validate Demand: By opting for a pre-order model, you can gauge customer interest before committing to full-scale production. It’s a great way to test new ideas without significant risk.

• Engagement Is Key: Building anticipation through social media, live engagements, and email marketing can make a huge difference in the success of your product launch.
  
  

Looking Ahead

This limited edition launch has inspired me to explore more pre-order strategies and exclusive releases in the future—especially as we approach other key seasonal moments like winter. I'm already brainstorming ideas for a winter fragrance launch and am excited to see what creative strategies I can implement next.

If you’re thinking about trying something similar in your candle business, consider starting with a limited edition product and a pre-order model. It might just be the strategy you need to generate excitement and boost your revenue in a big way!

xo Erica