| Wax and fragrance formulation | Can formulate the requested wax, fragrance, wick, and vessel combination and adjust it through testing. | Supplier provides a documented formula-development and sample-approval process. | Request sample records, fragrance documentation, and the approved product specification. |
| Crystal placement and candle safety | Has a controlled method for positioning crystals so they do not obstruct the wick or create an avoidable hazard during use. | Crystal placement is specified, repeatable, and assessed as part of finished-candle testing. | Review placement specifications and test the candle through its intended burn life with the crystals in place. |
| Vessel and component sourcing | Can identify vessel, wick, wax, fragrance, and crystal specifications and manage changes to approved components. | Critical components have written specifications and a documented change-approval process. | Ask for component specifications, incoming inspection procedures, and change-control examples. |
| Production capacity and scalability | Can state available monthly capacity for the specific candle format and explain how production is scheduled. | Capacity is quoted for the requested design, quantity, and delivery window—not only as a general factory maximum. | Request a capacity plan, production schedule, and a written estimate for repeat orders. |
| Quality control and traceability | Checks relevant product attributes, such as fill weight, wick position, appearance, and packaging, and records production batches. | Inspection criteria and batch identification are documented for each production run. | Review inspection forms, sample batch records, defect handling, and corrective-action procedures. |
| Burn and performance testing | Tests the complete candle configuration, including the selected wax, fragrance, wick, vessel, and crystal arrangement. | Provides written test records against agreed acceptance criteria; applicable candle-safety requirements are identified for the sales market. | Request test methods and results. For the U.S. market, ask whether applicable requirements such as ASTM F2417 have been considered. |
| Fragrance and regulatory documentation | Can provide relevant fragrance and product safety documents and support labeling requirements for the intended market. | Documents are available for the actual formula and are reviewed for the destination market before production. | Check current safety data and fragrance documentation, and confirm market-specific labeling with a qualified compliance adviser. |
| Packaging and shipping readiness | Can package fragile vessels and crystals to reduce movement and breakage during handling and transit. | Packaging is specified and evaluated with a sample shipment or an agreed transit test. | Review packaging samples, carton specifications, and shipment damage records where available. |