Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is a product with a long history, dating back thousands of years, and is used for pleasure, meditation, or ritual. It is usually sold in stick form, but can also come in coils and cones. There are several types of incense, including Tibetan, Indian, and Japanese, each with its own unique characteristics and ingredients. When buying incense, it is important to consider the ingredients used and the strength of the scent. Incense can be purchased from various places, including online stores, grocery stores, and specialty shops. Some popular brands include Wild Berry, Gonesh, HEM, and Escential Essences. For those interested in making their own incense, there are also DIY kits available that provide the necessary materials and instructions. When selling incense, it is important to understand the preferences of your target market and offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes and needs.
How to buy and sell incense sticks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of incense sticks | Tibetan, Indian, Japanese |
| Scents | Sandalwood, Jasmine, Nag Champa, Patchouli, etc. |
| Ingredients | Natural ingredients like woods, herbs, spices, resins, essential oils, etc. |
| Shapes | Sticks, coils, cones |
| Places to buy | Grocery stores, convenience stores, roadside stands, online stores like eBay, Incense Warehouse, The Incense Dragon, etc. |
| Price range | $1.99 to $72.00 |
| Brands | Wild Berry, Gonesh, HEM, Escential Essences, Satya, etc. |
| Synthetic vs. natural | Synthetic incense sticks are cheap & easy to make but natural incense sticks are made with traditional recipes and natural ingredients |
| Selling incense sticks | You can sell incense sticks online on websites like eBay or through your own website/store |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy incense sticks
There are several options available when it comes to purchasing incense sticks, both online and in physical stores.
Online Options
If you are looking for Indian incense, Pure Incense is recommended by some. Japanese incense can be found on japanincense.com, and for Tibetan incense, Incense Traditions is suggested. Fred Soll is a domestic US seller that offers resin-on-a-stick incense, with unique scents available on their official website. Sea Witch Botanicals is another online option, offering all-natural incense sticks with essential oils, and free shipping.
Physical Stores
Walmart offers a range of incense sticks, including the Hosley 240 Pack of Assorted Fragrance Sticks, Bholi Sage Plus White Sage Sticks, and Genieco Extra Rich Incense Sticks, among others. P.F. Candle Co. is another physical store option, where you can also find incense holders.
Other Options
If you are looking for Sandesh (SAC) brand incense sticks, Amazon is suggested as a possible option, although be cautious of fake products.
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$12.99
How to make your own incense sticks
Making your own incense sticks is a great way to create unique and personalised fragrances for yourself or to sell. The art of making natural incense sticks has a long history in China, and it later spread to Japan and beyond.
To make your own incense sticks, you will need to gather your ingredients and tools. Ingredients can include natural elements like wood, herbs, flowers, resins, and essential oils. Essential oils are a great way to add scent to your incense sticks and target your spiritual practices. You can use just one type of essential oil or blend different oils to create unique aromas. For example, lavender oil is a perfect choice for promoting peace and relaxation in your homemade incense sticks.
Once you have your ingredients, you will need a tray or dish lined with aluminium foil, unscented incense sticks, and a dropper. Place the unscented incense sticks on the tray, spaced evenly apart. Using the dropper, add your desired number of essential oil drops to each incense stick, distributing it evenly across the whole stick. You can add around 20 drops of essential oil to each incense stick.
After applying the oil, place the incense sticks in a glass jar and let them rest for 24 hours. You can then use them as desired or package them for selling. If you plan to sell your incense sticks, you can create appealing packaging, come up with a memorable name and look for your brand, and utilise social media or a website to showcase your product.
Remember to test your incense to ensure it is safe to use and always enjoy the calming and therapeutic benefits of burning incense.
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The different types of incense sticks
The type of incense stick you choose to buy and sell will depend on your target market and their preferences. Incense is used for various purposes, including spiritual and religious ceremonies, aiding sleep and relaxation, and improving focus during yoga and meditation practices.
There are several types of incense sticks, categorised by their country of origin, shape, and ingredients. Here are some of the most common types:
Indian Incense Sticks
Indian incense is the most common type of incense and what most people associate with the product. The scent is usually bold and made with natural ingredients such as woods, herbs, spices, resins, and essential oils. Common scents include sandalwood, jasmine, Nag Champa, and patchouli. Indian incense typically comes in the form of a coated bamboo stick but can also be found in other shapes like coils and cones.
Japanese Incense Sticks
Japanese incense is known for being mild and producing less smoke than other types, making it ideal for those who prefer a more refined and subtle scent. It is usually made with natural and sometimes rare ingredients. Japanese incense typically comes in the form of a thin, short, delicate stick without a bamboo core, but it can also be found in coil and cone shapes.
Tibetan Incense Sticks
Tibetan incense includes incense from Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is considered the most natural type of incense and is specifically made for Buddhist worship, often following recipes that are hundreds of years old. The ingredients are gathered from the Himalayas and result in pungent, earthy, smoky scents.
Direct Lighting Incense Sticks
This category includes stick, coil, and cone incense. The typical base ingredients for these types of incense are tabu wood powder, fragrant/essential oils, resins, herbs, and tree barks.
Heating Incense
Heating incense requires more time and care but can create a tranquil atmosphere. Examples include aromatic wood In-koh (pressed incense) and kneaded incense.
Sachet Incense
Sachet incense does not need to be burned or heated. It is a traditional blend of fragrant incense sealed within a cloth pouch, containing ingredients such as clove, sandalwood, Borneo camphor, and other spices.
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How to choose the right incense stick for you
Choosing the right incense stick can be a daunting task, given the variety of shapes, sizes, fragrances, and binding materials available. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect incense stick for your needs:
Types of Incense Sticks
Incense sticks are available in two main types: direct-burning and indirect-burning. Direct-burning incense sticks have a combustible material that helps them burn continuously without an external source. The most common direct-burning incense sticks include sticks, coils, and cones. On the other hand, indirect-burning incense doesn't contain combustible material and requires an external heat source like charcoal or burning embers. The most common types of indirect-burning incense include resins and powder incense.
Fragrance
The fragrance of the incense stick is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right one for you. Incense sticks come in a wide range of scents, from floral and fruity to earthy and smoky. You can choose a fragrance based on your personal preference or the purpose of the incense. For example, you may prefer a clean, fresh aroma for your kitchen or bathroom, while opting for a more sensual or romantic fragrance for the bedroom.
Burn Time and Size
Incense sticks vary in length, thickness, and burn time. Longer and thicker sticks tend to have longer burn times, typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes. Japanese incense sticks, for instance, are usually shorter and thicker, burning for around 20 to 30 minutes. Consider the length of time you wish to enjoy the fragrance and choose a stick size accordingly.
Incense Quality
When selecting an incense stick, it is essential to consider its quality. Look for incense sticks made with pure herbs, as they produce cleaner smoke and a smoother fragrance. Avoid sticks that are heavily dipped in potent perfume oils, as these can result in an overpowering fragrance. Traditional hand-rolled incense sticks are often considered superior in quality to those mass-produced by machines.
Incense Accessories
Finally, consider the accessories you will need to burn your incense sticks safely and effectively. This includes incense stick holders or burners, which are designed to keep the sticks steady and away from surfaces. Popular options include flat wooden trays, wooden coffin box holders, and ceramic burners. Ensure you also have matches or a lighter to ignite the sticks.
Remember, the right incense stick for you is one that aligns with your fragrance preferences, intended purpose, and burn time expectations. With these tips in mind, you're now equipped to choose the perfect incense stick for your needs and create a soothing atmosphere in your space.
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Where to sell your own incense sticks
Selling your own incense sticks can be a profitable business, especially if you use natural ingredients and avoid synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients. Here are some places where you can sell your own incense sticks:
- Online Marketplaces: You can sell your incense sticks on popular online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, or even your own website. These platforms offer a wide reach and allow you to showcase your products to a global audience.
- Specialty Stores: Local specialty stores, such as New Age shops, grocery stores, convenience stores, and even roadside stands, can be great places to sell your incense sticks. These stores often cater to customers who are looking for unique and natural products.
- Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can be powerful tools for selling your incense sticks. Create engaging content, showcase your products, and interact with your target audience to build a community of followers and potential customers.
- Craft Fairs and Markets: Participating in local craft fairs, farmers' markets, or specialty markets can be a great way to connect directly with customers. These events often attract people who are interested in unique, handmade, and natural products.
- Wholesale to Retailers: You can also sell your incense sticks wholesale to retailers, such as gift shops, yoga studios, or meditation centres. This involves producing larger quantities and selling them in bulk to businesses that will then resell them to their customers.
- Subscription Boxes: Collaborating with subscription box companies that curate boxes related to self-care, meditation, or natural products can be a unique way to reach customers. Offer your incense sticks as a featured item in their boxes to gain exposure to a new audience.
Remember to comply with any relevant regulations and laws regarding the production and sale of incense sticks, and always ensure that your products are safe and properly labelled.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy natural incense sticks from The Incense Dragon, which sells handcrafted incense made from natural ingredients. You can also find natural incense sticks on eBay and Incense Warehouse.
Some good brands of incense sticks include Wild Berry, Gonesh, HEM, Escential Essences, and Satya.
Most commercial incense products are loaded with synthetic chemicals and low-quality ingredients. To ensure you're buying natural incense sticks, look for brands that use natural ingredients and avoid those that contain dangerous chemicals or artificial ingredients.
There are four main types of incense sticks: Tibetan, Indian, Japanese, and synthetic oil-dipped. Tibetan incense is the most natural and is made for Buddhist worship, while Indian incense has bold scents and Japanese incense is typically more mild. Synthetic oil-dipped incense is cheap and easy to make, and you can often recognize it by its uniform appearance and hand-dipped label.
To sell incense sticks, you can create your own online store or sell through a third-party platform like eBay. You can also sell incense sticks locally through grocery stores, convenience stores, or roadside stands.
