Q. What makes Beanpod Candles different?
A. Not all soy candles are the same - many aren't even 100% soy wax, but as
low as only 10% soy mixed with petroleum! Beanpod creates the best soy
candles with their proprietary methods and patent-pending "Tempacure
Process" to insure the very highest quality candle available in addition to
the regular benefits of soy burning cleaner and longer while supporting farmers in Iowa!
Soyfire is independently owned - we could sell anyone's candles, but we
carry Beanpod because they are the best and the most consistent quality!
Q. How does Beanpod compare to brand
“Y”?
A. We think brand “Y” makes a great
paraffin candle - but who wants a paraffin candle?! There are too many reasons to switch to soy.
Most of our customers are former brand “Y” customers, who come back again
and again and rave about our scents, designs, cleanliness, and burn time.
Since Soyfire candles are less expensive as well, why would you burn
anything else?
Q. Is Soy better for
allergies/Asthma?
A. Not being a petroleum product seems
to help. We have many customers with similar stories – they have allergies
or asthma and are bothered by regular candles, but have no problem enjoying
our soy candles. This is the story of one of our owners personal experience
as well.
Q.
How strong is the scent in Soy Candles?
A. Soy wax can actually accommodate more fragrance on a by-weight
basis than paraffin (petroleum) wax (10% vs. 6%). Don't be fooled by
home-made candle makers claiming "triple scented" - there's really no such
thing, you can only compare what % saturation is used. Beanpod uses
the maximum concentration of fragrance.
Q. What are the Toxins in Paraffin?
A. Many sources claim 11 toxins in
paraffin. We’re sure 7 are more than enough for us. The State of California
lists at least seven major toxins in paraffin wax, including toluene,
benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and naphthalene--substances found in
paint, lacquer and varnish removers. See more health issues at the end of
this page.
Q. How can I stop the candle
from smoking when I blow it out?
A. The very best way to extinguish your candle is with a candle
quencher. You've seen people use their finger and thumb to extinguish a
candle - this is dirty and dangerous, but our metal quencher basically does
this same action without using your fingers. Hold the quencher for just a
few seconds and the flame is completely extinguished, virtually smoke free!
Quenchers are available at Soyfire for $9.99 each.
Q. What is our return policy?
A. We only want happy customers. It
doesn’t happen very often, but if you have a problem with any candle, simply
return it to our store for replacement or refund.
Q. How do we ship?
A. Once you place an order on our
website you will be prompted to select a shipping method. Although, we only
use UPS at this time, you still have options. The least expensive is UPS
ground.
Q. Do you have other stores?
A. At this time, we only have our one
store in N. Conway. We have had many customers ask if they can buy Soyfire
candles at home, so we set up our web site to serve you, wherever you are!
Q. Can I open a Soyfire Store?
A. Yes, we are interested in expanding.
We have been both franchisees and franchisors in our professional background, so
we know a little about this. Our current thinking is to create a business
opportunity that is not a franchise, but in any event, we will be happy to
explore and discuss the possibilities with you if you qualify. Minimum
investment is likely to be $40,000 - $80,000 depending on many, many variables.
Q. Where can I buy great art or
custom framing at outlet pricing?
A. Salvatore Michaels Framed Art
Superstore offers stacks and stacks of framed, ready-to-hang art at 50-80%
off retail. They also offer custom framing at 50% off custom shop prices,
everyday. Our store is next to the movie theater on Main St in North Conway
Village. Call 603-356-8278 or check out their canvas transfer product at
the Naked
Wall Art Gallery. Keep in mind, we only offer our
canvas
fine art product online. Please visit our
store for a much larger selection.
Q. Where’s the best coffeehouse in
North Conway?
A. Easy. The Met is the best
coffeehouse in North Conway. Open 7am-10PM on Main St in
North Conway
Village. Beautiful atmosphere, great coffee, friendly people, high
speed Internet access, and another great art gallery.
Q. What are the toxins and health
concerns with Paraffin Wax?
A. Although disputed by petroleum
companies and the large paraffin candle manufactures, it has been shown that
soy candles are healthier to have in your home than candles made from the
petroleum waste used to make paraffin.
The state of California, under its
Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986), has
identified at least seven major toxins in paraffin wax, including toluene,
benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and naphthalene--substances found in
paint, lacquer and varnish removers. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has determined that toluene and benzene are probable human
carcinogens. Burning paraffin candles for long periods indoors produce toxin
levels that are higher than the EPA's guidelines.
In 2001, the American Lung Association issued warnings
that candles are a common unrecognized cause of poor indoor air quality. The
National Association of Home Builders has received increasing reports
implicating candles as a major cause of Black Soot Deposition (BSD) that
damages home interiors and contents, not to mention skin and lungs. These
microscopic particles -- smaller than 2.5 microns -- are recognized by the
EPA as responsible for aggravating respiratory illnesses, especially in
children.
When soot builds up in air, it deposits on surfaces due to
one of four factors. The particle may randomly collide with a surface.
Second, soot particles can be circulated by passing through home
air-conditioning filters. Third, soot can gain enough mass to become subject
to gravity. Homes with BSD often have carpets stained from soot deposition
(Vigil, 1998). Finally, the particles are attracted to electrically charged
surfaces such as freezers, vertical plastic blinds, television sets, and
computers (Krause, 1999).
When soot is airborne, it is subject to inhalation. The particles can
potentially penetrate the deepest areas of the lungs, the lower respiratory
tract and alveoli (Krause, 1999).
