Starting Your Incense Journey: Tips for Beginners
Many people have recently asked me where beginners should start in the world of incense. The market is vast, and it's not uncommon to see the same product name and specifications with wildly different prices!
Here's my personal advice for those new to incense:
1 Start with Single Ingredient Incense: For beginners, I recommend starting with well-known single-ingredient scents like agarwood, sandalwood, rhinoceros, and cypress. These are easier to assess in terms of quality and are less likely to be adulterated. The price differences usually lie in the ratio of binder used during manufacturing and the cost of raw materials.
2 Agarwood is Ideal for Beginners: Among the incense newbies I know, agarwood tends to be the most popular due to its general acceptance.
3 Recommended Agarwood Types: Try varieties like Vietnamese, Hainan, Hui’an, and Fujian red soil. Hui’an agarwood is particularly beginner-friendly as it tends to have a sweeter scent, which is especially appealing to women.
4 Popular Does Not Always Mean Quality: Just because a product is a bestseller doesn’t mean it’s of high quality. Some products are targeted at connoisseurs, while others are aimed at beginners. I advise against blindly trying internet viral products, as they often contain synthetic fragrances.
5 Consider the Packaging: From a commercial perspective, products using generic packaging with labels are often part of a fleeting business model. Brands that invest in custom mold packaging and avoid simple labeling tend to be more reliable. The minimum order quantities for custom packaging are usually very high, indicating a brand's commitment to long-term business and quality.
This guide should help beginners make informed choices as they explore the fragrant world of incense.
