How Small Candle & Soap Businesses Can Compete with TEMU in 2025
In the world of handmade candles and soaps, small businesses have always stood out by offering unique, personal touches that mass retailers simply cannot replicate. However, as we move into 2025, companies like TEMU continue to make it harder for independent makers to thrive. With aggressive pricing, massive marketing budgets, and overwhelming product selections, TEMU and similar online giants may seem unbeatable.
But here’s the truth: small businesses can still survive—and even thrive—by leaning into what makes them special. Let’s talk about how small candle and soap businesses can stand out and compete effectively in 2025.
1. Focus on What TEMU Can’t Offer – Personalization & Storytelling
A mass-produced candle from TEMU has no story, no heart, and no connection to the buyer. Small businesses, on the other hand, have the power to create deep, personal connections with customers. If you use locally sourced ingredients, craft your products in small batches, or focus on sustainability, share that with your audience!
For example, at Candlehaven.ca, we offer scents like Sugared Pumpkin Butter and Spiced Pumpkin Soufflé, crafted to evoke warmth, nostalgia, and a cozy ambiance that mass-produced candles simply can’t match.
2. Quality Over Quantity – Always
Yes, TEMU sells cheap products, but quality matters. Educate your customers about the high-quality ingredients you use—whether it’s pure soy wax, coconut apricot wax, beeswax, or all-natural fragrance oils. Customers who care about what they burn in their homes or put on their skin will appreciate the superior quality of handmade goods.
3. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Are Bigger Than Ever
In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s an expectation. Many consumers actively choose to support eco-friendly businesses over mass retailers. TEMU can’t offer transparency about their sourcing, but you can!
If you use:
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Sustainably sourced wax
- Locally produced materials
Make sure your customers know about it! Shoppers in 2025 are willing to pay more for ethical, sustainable products.
4. Build a Community—Not Just a Customer Base
TEMU sells products, but small businesses create experiences. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are perfect for engaging with your audience.
Ways to build a strong community in 2025:
✅ Share behind-the-scenes candle-making videos
✅ Host live Q&A sessions and tutorials
✅ Offer exclusive product launches for followers
✅ Run polls to let customers choose the next candle scent
Building a loyal following ensures repeat customers—something TEMU struggles with.
5. Offer Customization That TEMU Can’t
Big corporations can’t personalize products the way small businesses can. Offering custom scents, personalized labels, and seasonal limited-edition candles will set you apart in 2025.
Imagine selling:
🔥 Custom wedding favor candles
🔥 Personalized aromatherapy wax melts
🔥 Zodiac or birthstone-inspired candle collections
These small, thoughtful details make a huge difference!
6. Educate Your Customers About Pricing
You may not be able to compete with TEMU’s prices, but you can show customers why your products are worth more. Instead of simply stating your price, explain:
✔️ The quality of your materials (e.g., natural wax vs. paraffin)
✔️ The craftsmanship behind each candle
✔️ The sustainability efforts you follow
Customers are willing to pay for value—especially in 2025, when people are more conscious of supporting small businesses.
7. Optimize Your Website & SEO for 2025
A strong SEO strategy helps small businesses appear in Google searches ahead of big competitors like TEMU.
For example, instead of just listing “handmade candles”, optimize for:
✅ Hand poured soy candles in Canada
✅ Eco-friendly wax melts made in Canada
Tip: A fast, mobile-friendly website is non-negotiable in 2025! Customers expect easy navigation and quick checkout options.