How to Start an Incense Store

by Melinda Gaines
Incense sticks and cones are making a comeback in popularity and usage.


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The term incense includes reeds or cones that have been soaked in fragrant oils. They are then burned, which allows them to smoke and release their scent. When many people think of incense, the 60s and 70s comes to mind, as well as earthy, woodsy smells. Nowadays, incense comes in a huge range of scents, from fruity to floral. If you're looking to make extra money and are an incense fan, consider selling them via your own retail store.

1. Obtain the licenses and permits needed in your area to legitimately operate a retail store. Depending on where you live, this may include an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, a resale permit, a sales tax permit, or a fictitious name certificate. Your local Small Business Administration office can help you determine what documentation you need.

2. Establish whether your business will be retail-only, which means you'll only sell incense directly to the public, wholesale-only, which means you will be selling incense to retailers instead of consumers, or a combination of the two.

3. Target a niche for your incense store -- all incense is not the same. You could sell incense that is used for spiritual and religious purposes; classic incense, such as Nag Champa; eco-friendly incense made with natural essential oils and non-toxic bases; or luxury incense with decorative packaging and unique scent blends. Keep in mind who your ideal customer base will be when you determine just what type of incense you'll sell.

4. Purchase a domain name and an all-in-one e-commerce solution, such as Big Commerce or Core Commerce, if you plan to open an online incense store. If you would rather run a brick-and-mortar operation, options include buying or leasing a storefront, mall kiosk or booth at a craft fair or flea market. Some farmers markets may also allow you to sell incense, depending on whether it is handmade locally.

5. Set aside a storage area for your incense. Since incense typically comes in long resealable plastic bags or thin boxes that don't take up much space, a clean, spare area in your home will do. Plastic storage totes, a closet or unused drawers would all be suitable. The key is to keep them out of sunlight and away from heat.

6. Buy wholesale incense or wholesale supplies to make your own. You can find free incense recipes on the websites of suppliers, as well as craft forums. If you will be marketing your own line of incense, remember to also purchase packaging that can hold up to the amount and type of fragrance oils your incense will contain.

7. Market your incense. You can start a blog detailing how people can fragrance and decorate their homes with incense, join social networks to reach new potential customers or place ads on spiritual and religious forums. You can also try handing out samples of your incense -- just two to three sticks or cones -- since they are inexpensive. This works especially well if you're launching your own incense line.

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