Let me just say it out loud: I don't trust vendors who roll their eyes at a small order. I've been managing purchasing as an office administrator for about five years now, and the quickest way to lose my loyalty is to make me feel like a $300 order isn't worth your time. That's not me being difficult. That's me applying a simple test: a small order is an interview for a much bigger relationship.
I'll explain what I mean, and why I think Simon Pearce candles and a decent candle holder are actually a perfect way to run that test.
When I First Started, I Had It Backwards
When I first started managing corporate purchasing in 2020, I assumed that premium brands only wanted large clients. I thought a handblown glass vase or a nice Simon Pearce picture frame was something you bought for a CEO or a huge product launch, not for a modest holiday gift program.
It took one successful pilot order to change my mind. In 2022, we needed a few gifts for our executive team and two of our longest clients. I had about three days to decide (which, honestly, felt like a week less than I needed). Normally I'd compare quotes across five suppliers, but there was no time. Based on a prior positive interaction, I checked simon-pearce.com and ordered a small collection—a few simon pearce candles, one scented candle in a simple glass holder, and a picture frame.
That order wasn't huge. But it taught me something: the quality of a brand isn't measured by the size of the purchase order. It's measured by how they treat the person sending it.
The $200 Test
Here's what I do now with almost any new vendor. I'll order something small—usually $200 to $400—and watch how they handle it.
Do they respond to questions quickly? Do they explain shipping clearly? Do they make me feel guilty for not ordering 500 units? Or do they treat the order like a normal transaction? (Let's be honest: 'normal' is the bare minimum, but you'd be surprised.)
I manage about 60-80 orders a year across eight or so vendors. Over time, I've realized that the suppliers who pass the small-order test are the ones who keep their promises when the stakes are bigger. The ones who don't? They usually show their colors early.
Simon Pearce was one of those small-order pass marks. I didn't need to explain why I couldn't commit to a huge volume. I didn't get a lecture about minimum quantities. I just got well-made candles and glassware, packed carefully, delivered on time. And that made me want to send them more business.
Can I Make a Candle in a Mason Jar? Sure, But Check the Shipping First
Now, let's answer the question that's probably hiding in the keywords: can I make a candle in a mason jar?
Technically, yes. You can melt wax, add fragrance, drop in a wick, and pour it into a clean mason jar. People do it all the time for wedding favors, client gifts, and personal use. It's a fun project and the jars are inexpensive.
But if you're making those candles for clients, you need to think about the shipping reality before you get too attached to the idea. A mason jar is heavy. A standard scented candle is already heavy. Add a glass lid or a ribbon and you've got yourself a package that's going to cost more than you think.
According to USPS Business Mail 101 (pe.usps.com/businessmail101), a standard large envelope can be up to 15 inches long, but the maximum thickness is 0.75 inches. A mason jar candle won't fit in that slot—end of story. You're shipping a box. And once you're shipping a box, you're paying based on weight and distance.
That's not a reason to avoid making candles in mason jars. It's just a reason to know your total cost before you promise your boss a 'cheap and easy' gift program. The same logic applies to buying from a premium brand: the lowest upfront price isn't always the lowest total cost.
Why This Matters for Corporate Gifting
Here's the part that gets me fired up. When I see corporate gift lists, people often default to cheap logo pens and stress balls. Some of that stuff is fine. But in my experience, a thoughtful gift beats a branded trinket every time.
The most appreciated corporate gift I gave last year wasn't the most expensive thing we've ever sent. It was a simple scented candle in a Simon Pearce candle holder. The recipient mentioned it three times in a follow-up email. A Simon Pearce picture frame worked the same way for a retirement gift—it felt personal, not like another piece of schwag.
I know what some of you are thinking: 'That's easy for an administrator with a real budget.' But our budget isn't unlimited. I've ordered small batches, mixed sizes, and staggered deliveries to make it work. And you know what? The vendors I trust—including the ones with artisan glass studios—have never made me feel bad about that.
That's the kind of vendor I want to work with.
The Objection: 'Small Orders Aren't Worth the Trouble'
I've heard the counter-argument. Maybe the sales rep who handled my small order could have been earning more by chasing bigger accounts. Maybe a premium brand really does make more money on a 1,000-piece order than a 12-piece order.
I get it. But here's the thing: I've turned dozens of small orders into large ones. A vendor who treats a small client with respect is a vendor I trust with a big contract. Last year, I turned a $300 pilot order with one supplier into an $8,500 program for quarterly employee appreciation gifts. If they'd dismissed my first order, that relationship wouldn't exist.
And I do not believe a business that prides itself on craftsmanship should act like small customers are a nuisance. Today's small order could be tomorrow's annual contract. If you're a brand, that's not charity—that's pipeline development.
Bottom Line: Value Small Orders
After five years of managing purchases, here's my bottom line: small orders are not a favor. They're a test.
When I buy from Simon Pearce, I'm not looking for a discount. I'm looking for reliability, thoughtful packaging, and a brand that's proud to be in a corporate gift box. I'm also looking for a vendor who understands that not every good client starts with a big purchase order.
So if you're an office administrator, a shop manager, or someone who's ever felt embarrassed about asking a premium brand for a small order: don't apologize. Ask the question. If a vendor treats you like you're wasting their time, walk away. If they treat you like a customer, reward them with another order—and watch the relationship grow.
And if you're the one making candles in mason jars, just double-check the shipping math first. (Note to self: I should really write that USPS cheat sheet for next year's holiday budget.)
That's my opinion. I know it's not the conventional 'bigger is better' wisdom. But after years of small orders and unexpectedly big relationships, I'm happy to defend it.
