1. ABOUT OUR CANDLES

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Q. What makes Bookend Candle Co. different?

A. Bookend Candle Co. is an indie home fragrance brand focused on creating nostalgic, realistic scents that feel intentional and comforting in your space. Our goal is to create candles that don’t just smell good, but evoke memories, emotions, and atmosphere.

We hand-pour all of our products in small batches and focus on quality, safety, and creating a thoughtful customer experience. Our focus is on creating scents that feel true to life and thoughtfully made from start to finish. Our motto: ETHICALLY MADE & REALISTICALLY SCENTED.

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Q. What do you mean by “ethically made and realistically scented”?

A. This phrase reflects the core of how we design and create our products.

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Q. What does “ethically made” mean?

A. For us, ethically made means being intentional about how our products are sourced, created, and packaged.

We prioritize sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing plastic use wherever possible. Our shipping materials include biodegradable packing peanuts and water-activated kraft tape, and we avoid unnecessary packaging.

We also work to keep our production as low-waste as possible. We reuse returned candle jars locally and even repurpose byproducts from our process, like offering wax-coated paper towels as free fire starters instead of discarding them.

We work with vendors we trust and aim to source materials responsibly, including U.S.-grown soy wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils. Neither we nor our direct vendors test on animals.

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Q. What does “realistically scented” mean?

A. Realistically scented means our fragrances are designed to smell as close to real life as possible, not overly sweet or artificial.

Because our sense of smell is so closely tied to memory, we focus on creating immersive, olfactory experiences that feel familiar and true to life. Many are inspired by real places, moments, or the atmosphere of reading a certain kind of book.

The goal is for each candle to feel like an experience, something that sparks a memory or creates a specific mood, rather than just “smelling nice.”

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Q. What does "bookish" mean for your brand?

A. While we don’t create scents tied to specific books or series by name, our brand is deeply inspired by reading and the atmosphere around it.

From label design to scent pairings, everything is created to promote a cozy, bookish experience. Many of our scents are directly inspired by characters, settings, or moments from books, but are designed to stand on their own and feel versatile beyond a single story.

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Q. What are your candles made of?

A. All of our candles are made with 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance oils. They contain no dyes, Proposition 65-listed chemicals (unless naturally occurring in essential oils), or endocrine disruptors.

Our products are made with high-quality, thoughtfully sourced materials and we work with vendors we trust.

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Q. Are your candles vegan or cruelty-free?

A. Our candles are primarily plant-based, but the wicks contain a small amount of beeswax, so they are not considered fully vegan. Neither we nor our direct vendors test on animals. We work with suppliers we trust and prioritize thoughtfully sourced materials whenever possible.

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Q. Why don't you use only essential oils?

A. Essential oils are not specifically formulated for candle use and can be less stable when burned. Fragrance oils are designed for both performance and safety in candles, and we carefully select phthalate-free options.

Some components found in essential oils are also listed on the Proposition 65 list, and essential oils in general are less regulated. 

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Q. Are your candles safe for pets and people with sensitivities?

A. Yes! Our candles are made with 100% soy wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils, and contain no dyes or harmful additives. We carefully review safety data sheets for all materials used.

As with any candle, we recommend burning in a well-ventilated area and keeping away from pets and children.

In our own space, both our cats and dogs are often nearby during production, even while pouring large batches, which gives us confidence in the products we create.

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Q. How strong are your candles?

A. Our candles are designed to have a balanced, noticeable scent without being overpowering. Scent strength can vary slightly depending on the fragrance and the size of your space.

For best results, we recommend choosing the right candle size for your room. Smaller candles are ideal for bathrooms or desks, while larger candles perform best in open or larger spaces.

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Q. What candle sizes do you offer?

A. We offer four sizes:

• 1 oz (tea light) – great for testing scents
• 4 oz – ideal for small spaces like desks or bathrooms
• 8 oz – best for small to medium rooms (bedrooms, offices)
• 16 oz – recommended for large or open spaces​​

If you’re unsure where to start, our 1 oz candles or sample options are a great way to explore scents before committing to a larger size.

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Q. Where can I buy your candles besides your website?

A. You can find a list of our retailers here or you can check out our events page to shop in person. 

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Q. Do you offer candle making classes?

A. At this time, we don’t offer candle making classes due to space and capacity limitations.

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Q. What other products do you offer?

A. In addition to candles, we offer soy wax melts, reed diffusers, room sprays, concentrated diffuser oils, and candle accessories. All of our products are created with the same focus on quality, safety, and realistic, nostalgic scents.

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Q. Do you restock sold out items?

A. Some scents are seasonal and may not be restocked right away. Our Spring & Summer Collection is available March through July, and our Fall & Winter Collection is available September through December.

Our Signature Collection is available year-round.

If there’s a scent you’re waiting on, feel free to email us.

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2. SHIPPING & DELIVERY

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Q. Where do you ship?

A. We ship within the U.S. and internationally. International shipping rates and delivery times vary by location, and customers are responsible for any customs fees or import taxes.

 

Q. When will my order ship?

A. Orders are processed and ship out within 1-3 business days. 

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Q. How long does shipping take?

A. Delivery times will vary by location but all orders ship USPS Ground from Ypsilanti, MI, and generally take 1-5 days within the contiguous US. Please note that shipping times may be longer during holidays or high-volume periods.

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Q. Can I track my order?

A. You’ll receive a shipping confirmation with tracking once your label is created. Tracking may take until the following business day to update. 

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Q. Do you offer expedited shipping?

A. Expedited shipping may be available upon request. Please email us as soon as possible after placing your order. Additional fees will apply.

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Q. Do you offer local pick-up?

A. We offer free local pick-up. Details and scheduling can be found on our pick-up page. All local pick-ups will take place in Ypsilanti, MI. Once you have submitted your order, we will email you within 2 business days with pick-up information including address and how to set a date/time of pick-up.

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Q. What happens if my package is lost or stolen?

A. Once a package is marked as delivered by the carrier, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. If your package is missing, we recommend checking with neighbors or your local post office, as they may have additional details.

If your order appears to be lost in transit (not marked as delivered), please email us and we’ll do our best to help locate it or file a claim.

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Q. What if I put in the incorrect address?

A. Please double-check your shipping address before placing your order. If you notice an error, email us as soon as possible.

If your order has not yet shipped, we’ll do our best to update the address. Once an order has been shipped, we are unable to make changes and are not responsible for packages delivered to incorrectly entered addresses.

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3. ORDERS & PAYMENT

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Q. What payment methods do you accept?

A. We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, PayPal Pay Later, Venmo, and gift cards.

 

Q. Can I cancel or change my order?

A. If you have not received a shipping confirmation email, you may still have time to change or cancel your order. Please email us as soon as possible.

Once an order has been processed or shipped, we’re unable to make changes or cancellations.

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Q. Will I receive an order confirmation?

A. Yes. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after placing your order. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or promotions folder.

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Q. Can I use more than one discount code?

A. Only one discount code can be applied per order.

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Q. I forgot to apply a discount code, can you add it after?

A. Discount codes must be applied at checkout and cannot be added after an order is placed.

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4. RETURNS & EXCHANGES

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Q. What is your return or exchange policy?

A. All sales are final. Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations.

If there’s an issue with your order, please email us. We’re always happy to help and will do our best to make it right.

 

Q. What if my product arrives damaged?

A. Please email us within 3 days of delivery with a photo of the damaged item. We can offer either a replacement or a refund.

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Q. What if I don’t like the scent?

A. Because scent preferences are personal, we’re unable to offer returns or exchanges based on scent. If you’re unsure, we recommend starting with a smaller size or sample option.

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Q. What if I received the wrong item or something is missing?

A. Please email us within 3 days of delivery and we’ll make it right!

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5. SUBSCRIPTIONS

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Q. Do you offer a candle subscription?

A. Yes! We offer both a Candle Subscription and a Book Club. You can learn more and sign up on their respective product pages.

 

Q. How does the subscription work?

A. Subscriptions are billed monthly. You’ll be charged on the same date each month for the following month’s candle.

Each month features a curated scent that is predetermined and cannot be customized.

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Q. When will my subscription ship?

A. Subscription orders ship or are available for local pick-up during the first week of each month. If you know you’ll be out of town during this time, please email us ahead of time and we can hold your order until you return.

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Q. Can I choose my scent?

A. No. Each month’s scent is curated in advance and cannot be customized or requested.

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Q. What sizes are available?

A. Subscriptions are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz options.

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Q. How much is shipping?

A. Shipping is a flat rate of $8 per order. Free local pick-up is also available at checkout.

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Q. Can I use discount codes on my subscription?

A. No. Discount codes and sales do not apply to subscription orders.

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Q. How do I manage my subscription?

A. You can manage your subscription through your account on our website, including updating your information or payment method. If you need help, you can also reach out via email.

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Q. How do I cancel my subscription?

A. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account or by emailing us.

To avoid being charged for the next cycle, please cancel before your next billing date.

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Q. What is the Book Club?

A. The Bookend Book Club is a free add-on to your subscription. Each month, you’ll receive a notecard or bookmark with a recommended read that pairs with your candle’s scent.

You can also choose to join the online book club, but participation is completely optional.

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6. GIFT OPTIONS

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Q. Do you offer gift wrapping or gift notes?

A. We do not currently offer gift wrapping, but you can include a gift note at checkout.

You can also purchase one of our greeting cards and request that your message be written inside.

 

Q. Can I send a gift directly to someone?

A. Yes. You can ship your order directly to the recipient and include a gift note at checkout.

Gift receipts are available upon request. Pricing information is not included in gift orders.

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7. CARE & SAFETY

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Q. How do I burn my candle for the longest life?

A. For the best performance and longest life, allow the wax to melt fully across the top on your first burn (this helps prevent tunneling).

Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn and keep burn sessions to 2–4 hours at a time. Always place your candle on a heat-safe surface and keep away from drafts.

 

Q. Why is my candle tunneling?

A. Tunneling happens when a candle isn’t burned long enough for the wax to melt edge to edge.

To fix this, allow your candle to burn longer so the full surface melts evenly. For future burns, always let the wax pool reach the edges before extinguishing.

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Q. How do I fix a tunneling candle?

A. If your candle has started to tunnel, you can usually fix it by allowing it to burn long enough for the wax to melt fully across the surface.

For more severe tunneling, you can gently wrap foil around the top of the candle (leaving an opening at the center) and let it burn for a short period. This helps trap heat and melt the wax evenly, or you can remove the wax along the sides to create a level surface.

Always monitor your candle while doing this and remove the foil once the surface has evened out.

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Q. How should I dispose of or reuse my candle jar?

A. Our candle jars, tins, and lids are all recyclable and reusable.

To remove leftover wax, you can:

• Place the container in the freezer overnight to pop or chip the wax out

• Warm it in the oven on a low temperature and wipe or pour the wax out

Once cleaned, you can reuse the container or recycle it. Running it through the dishwasher after removing wax can help remove any residue and sanitize. 

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Q. Do you accept empty jars for reuse?

A. Yes! As part of our commitment to sustainability, we accept returns of empty candle jars for reuse through our local pick-up drop box.

At this time, we’re only able to accept glass jars. Tins are more delicate and can become damaged during the cleaning process, so we’re unable to reuse them.

We do not offer mail-in returns for empty containers, as the cost of shipping outweighs the benefit. This program is available for local customers only.

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8. WHOLESALE & CUSTOM ORDERS

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Q. Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?

A. Yes. We offer wholesale and tiered pricing for larger orders, with a minimum order of $100. You can apply through our wholesale page or shop with us on Faire. If you have specific questions or requests, feel free to email us.

 

Q. Can I get custom labels or corporate gifts?

A. Yes. We offer custom options including scent creation and custom labeling for events, businesses, and special occasions.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, baby shower, corporate event, or something else, we’re happy to help.

You can submit a request through our custom page or email us directly to get started.

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9. GET IN TOUCH

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Q. How can I reach customer support?

A. You can reach us at erin@bookendcandleco.com. We typically respond within 24 hours.

As a small, one-person business, response times may be slightly longer during travel, markets, or high-volume periods. We appreciate your patience.

 

Q. Where are you located?

A. Our home studio is located in Ypsilanti, MI. We offer a local pick-up drop box for orders.

Please note that this is a private residence and not open to the public.

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Q. Do you offer in-person shopping?

A. We do not offer in-person shopping at our home studio, but you can find us at local markets and events.

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10. PRIVACY POLICY

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Protecting your personal information is important to us. This Privacy Policy applies to Bookend Candle Co. and bookendcandleco.com and explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website.

By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

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Collection of Personal Information

To provide our products and services, we may collect personal information such as:

• First and last name

• Mailing address

• Email address

If you make a purchase, we also collect payment and billing information. Payments are processed securely through third-party providers, and we do not store your full payment details.

We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, such as when you:

• Place an order

• Contact us via email

• Create an account

• Sign up for emails or promotions

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Use of Personal Information

We use your information to:

• Process and fulfill orders

• Communicate with you about your order or inquiries

• Provide customer support

• Send occasional updates or promotional emails (you can opt out at any time)

 

Sharing Information with Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

We may share your information with trusted third-party services to help operate our business, such as:

• Payment processors

• Shipping carriers

• Email platforms

These providers are only given the information necessary to perform their services and are required to keep your information secure.

We may also disclose information if required by law.

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Automatically Collected Information

We may automatically collect limited information such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This helps us understand how customers use our site and improve the overall experience.

 

Cookies

We may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and improve site functionality. You can choose to disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features of the site may not function properly.

 

Security of Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access or misuse, including the use of secure (SSL) technology.

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

 

Your Rights

You may request access to or deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us.

We may retain certain information as required to complete transactions, comply with legal obligations, or prevent fraudulent activity.

 

Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

 

Email Communications

We may contact you via email regarding your order, updates, or occasional promotions.

You can opt out of marketing emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link or contacting us directly.

 

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

erin@bookendcandleco.com

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Effective as of March 20, 2026