| 1 | Define the crystal-candle design | Crystal type, stone size and finish, placement, vessel material, candle weight, and overall dimensions. | Dimensioned drawing, material description, and photos or a physical sample showing the stone placement. | Ask whether the quoted price includes the crystal, vessel, wax, fragrance, packaging, and any assembly work. |
| 2 | Check that the stones suit candle use | Stone stability, sharp edges, cleanliness, and whether stones are embedded, attached, or supplied separately. | Production sample and written instructions for safe use. Keep loose stones away from the wick and flame. | Confirm whether extra handling or a revised design changes the unit price or minimum order quantity (MOQ). |
| 3 | Compare suppliers on like-for-like samples | Wax type, fragrance load, burn performance, vessel, crystal grade, packaging, and customization scope. | Samples made to the same specification, plus a written specification sheet for each quotation. | Compare the same quantity, specification, and delivery term; a sample price may differ from a production price. |
| 4 | Request a complete price breakdown | Unit price, tooling or setup fees, sample charges, packaging, inspection, freight, and payment terms. | Itemized quotation with currency, quote validity, lead time, and stated delivery term. | Request prices at several order quantities. Do not compare unit prices without checking what each quote includes. |
| 5 | Confirm the MOQ and its basis | Whether the MOQ applies per design, fragrance, color, vessel, packaging style, or total order. | Written MOQ schedule and confirmation of whether mixed scents or designs can be combined. | There is no universal MOQ for this product; it depends on the supplier, materials, customization, and production setup. |
| 6 | Check fragrance and candle documentation | Fragrance identity, intended market, labeling requirements, and applicable transport or chemical rules. | Request relevant safety data and fragrance documentation; confirm that documents match the actual fragrance and finished product. | Ask whether testing, label preparation, or market-specific documentation is included or charged separately. |
| 7 | Verify claims about certifications | Which product, facility, or process is covered; the issuing body; validity; and the destination-market relevance. | Copies of applicable certificates and reports, with scope and expiry details. Verify them with the issuer where practical. | Do not treat a general factory certificate as proof that the finished candle complies with every destination market. |
| 8 | Review safety and quality controls | Wick selection, vessel integrity, burn testing, batch consistency, and checks for crystal movement or debris. | Relevant test records, quality-control checklist, and agreed acceptance criteria for the production order. | Clarify who pays for third-party inspection and how defects, replacements, or rework are handled. |
| 9 | Evaluate packaging and shipping readiness | Protection against glass breakage, crystal damage, heat exposure, leakage, and transit movement. | Packaging sample, carton dimensions and weight, and confirmation of any destination-specific labeling needs. | Compare the delivered cost, not only the factory price; freight and protective packaging can materially affect landed cost. |
| 10 | Agree on production and payment terms | Sample approval process, production lead time, order milestones, payment schedule, and change-control procedure. | Purchase specification, approved sample reference, production timeline, and written terms for delays or specification changes. | Confirm whether lead time starts after deposit, artwork approval, or sample approval, and whether the MOQ affects scheduling. |