Scentsy
Encyclopedia
Scentsy Inc. is a candle warmer company founded in 2004, and based in Meridian, Idaho
. The company offers various types of candle warmer
s, or wick-less candle
s. By eliminating the flame, Scentsy claims that they are safer than regular candles. The intent of these candle warmers is to release highly-scented fragrances that are mixed into bars of wax, without creating the obvious fire risk associated with the use of normal candles. Scentsy markets over 80 of its own brand of scented waxes for use in its warmers. It also markets scented room sprays, "scent circles" for use in passenger vehicles, travel tins, scented hand sanitizers, and a line of stuffed animals called Scentsy Buddies, which can be scented by inserting a "Scent Pak".
, direct selling
structure, using the party plan
model to spread awareness of the company. Scentsy refers to its multi-level sales force as consultants. From May 2009 to January 2010, Scentsy's sales force grew from approximately 30,000 to over 75,000. With this growth in consultants has come an 8,000 percent growth in sales revenue "to a little more than $
178 million between 2006 and 2009 as a result" ($ million in current dollars
). Inc.
, has labeled Scentsy as "America's fastest-growing consumer products company." Inc. ranked Scentsy 19th overall in its annual "Inc. 500 | 5000".
In December 2008, Scentsy launched a lawsuit against Performance Manufacturing, Inc., et al., for trademark infringement
. The case remains before the courts.
In 2009, Scentsy experienced a troublesome migration to new corporate software. This gave rise to sales difficulties during the Christmas season and "a negative spiral" developing in internet discussions." In response, Scentsy held a number of web-based competitions using the company's online social networking presence, especially Facebook
, which resulted in an increased sales. For "its use of social media and emerging technologies", Scensty was awarded the Success Award from the Direct Selling Association
in 2010."
Two times each year, Scentsy and its charitable arm, Scentsy Family Foundation, select a charity to benefit from the sales of a particular product, usually designed to tie in with the charity selected. The latest charity with which Scentsy has teamed up is the Autism Speaks Foundation. Scentsy donates all proceeds of the warmer to the foundation.
Meridian, Idaho
-History:The town was established in 1891 on the Onweiler farm north of the present site and was called Hunter. Two years later an I.O.O.F. lodge was organized and called itself Meridian because it was located on the Boise Meridian and the town was renamed...
. The company offers various types of candle warmer
Candle warmer
A candle warmer is an electric warmer that melts a candle or scented wax to release its scent. The candle warmer shown is intended to be used with jar candles or candles in cups, not with taper candles or candles without containers large enough to accommodate all the melted wax. Some candle warmers...
s, or wick-less candle
Candle
A candle is a solid block or cylinder of wax with an embedded wick, which is lit to provide light, and sometimes heat.Today, most candles are made from paraffin. Candles can also be made from beeswax, soy, other plant waxes, and tallow...
s. By eliminating the flame, Scentsy claims that they are safer than regular candles. The intent of these candle warmers is to release highly-scented fragrances that are mixed into bars of wax, without creating the obvious fire risk associated with the use of normal candles. Scentsy markets over 80 of its own brand of scented waxes for use in its warmers. It also markets scented room sprays, "scent circles" for use in passenger vehicles, travel tins, scented hand sanitizers, and a line of stuffed animals called Scentsy Buddies, which can be scented by inserting a "Scent Pak".
Company history
Originally based in a Salt Lake City basement, Scentsy now operates in a 60000 square feet (5,574.2 m²) office facility. Scentsy sells its products via a multi-levelMulti-level marketing
Multi-level marketing is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they recruit, creating a downline of distributors and a hierarchy of multiple levels of compensation...
, direct selling
Direct selling
Direct selling is the marketing and selling of products directly to consumers away from a fixed retail location. Peddling is the oldest form of direct selling. Modern direct selling includes sales made through the party plan, one-on-one demonstrations, and other personal contact arrangements as...
structure, using the party plan
Party plan
The party plan is a method of marketing products by hosting what is presented as a social event at which products will be offered for sale. It is a form of direct selling...
model to spread awareness of the company. Scentsy refers to its multi-level sales force as consultants. From May 2009 to January 2010, Scentsy's sales force grew from approximately 30,000 to over 75,000. With this growth in consultants has come an 8,000 percent growth in sales revenue "to a little more than $
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
178 million between 2006 and 2009 as a result" ($ million in current dollars
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
). Inc.
Inc. (magazine)
Inc. magazine, founded in 1979 and based in New York City, is a monthly publication focused on growing companies. The magazine publishes an annual list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., the "Inc...
, has labeled Scentsy as "America's fastest-growing consumer products company." Inc. ranked Scentsy 19th overall in its annual "Inc. 500 | 5000".
In December 2008, Scentsy launched a lawsuit against Performance Manufacturing, Inc., et al., for trademark infringement
Trademark infringement
Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attaching to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees...
. The case remains before the courts.
In 2009, Scentsy experienced a troublesome migration to new corporate software. This gave rise to sales difficulties during the Christmas season and "a negative spiral" developing in internet discussions." In response, Scentsy held a number of web-based competitions using the company's online social networking presence, especially Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
, which resulted in an increased sales. For "its use of social media and emerging technologies", Scensty was awarded the Success Award from the Direct Selling Association
Direct Selling Association
The Direct Selling Association is the name of several similar trade associations in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand that represent direct selling companies, including those that use multi-level marketing compensation plans or party plan product...
in 2010."
Two times each year, Scentsy and its charitable arm, Scentsy Family Foundation, select a charity to benefit from the sales of a particular product, usually designed to tie in with the charity selected. The latest charity with which Scentsy has teamed up is the Autism Speaks Foundation. Scentsy donates all proceeds of the warmer to the foundation.