While you may automatically think lollipops are inexpensive additions to your store, do stop to consider all the details of lollipops pricing and costs. Few things remind adults of childhood more than lollipops. But lollipops are no longer a cheapie item only given away when a child survives a doctor's shot. Lollipops come in a vast array of flavors and styles, and they are essentials in any candy or novelty store or quick mart.

While it's true that buying and selling lollipops isn't rocket science, there are a few things to consider before you make your purchase. For example:

1. What sort of gourmet lollipops might you carry, and what do they cost?

2. Do you want to carry old-fashioned bulk lollipops? If so, what costs are involved?

3. What will it cost to display your candy lollipops effectively?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase gourmet lollipops wholesale

Swirl lollipops (the sort of pop with many colors in a swirl pattern) sell for about $87 to $100 per case, depending on size, flavor and whether they have novelty wrappers. Lollipops with special occasion wrappers (like birthdays or sports team logos) sell for about $60 to $70 for approximately 50. Unusual flavors like milk chocolate lollipops or caramel apple pops sell for around $7 to $15 for about 50. Novelty lollipops in unusual shapes sell for about $45 to $55 for a 24-count case.

I recommend: Greater Gourmet sells a variety of swirl lollipops; scroll down the lollipop page for details. Best Bulk Products sells both caramel apple and themed lollipops. CandyWarehouse.com offers bulk novelty lollipops, including those shaped like dice, trains and cars.

Buy old-fashioned wholesale lollipops

Bags of old-fashioned, simple lollipops are among the most economical candies you can purchase. The flat, circular kind sell for about $35 to $45 for about 950. Sphere-shaped, small lollipops are available for around $60 to $70 for 34 lb. Jolly pops are about $35 to $40 for 18 lb.

I recommend: For simple, classic lollipops in bulk, try Sweet Services or Blair Candy.

Research display options for classic and specialty lollipops

Anyone can plop lollipops into a typical cardboard display box, but to really draw attention to your lollipops, try something more innovative. One space-saving method is a lollipop tree; these sell for as cheap as less than $15 for a display tree that holds 24 lollipops. For a wooden display stand capable of holding about 100 lollipops, you can expect to pay about $50 to $70.

I recommend: Virginia Toy & Novelty sells an attractive oak candy tree; discounts may be available for bulk orders. Wholesale Candy Store carries wooden lollipop displays.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of National Lollipop day on July 20 to introduce your new line of lollipops with a large, fun display.

Who doesn't love the taste of scrumptious lollipops? What once was only available as a half-dollar-sized, shrink-wrapped hard candy on a stick given as a freebie to bank customers and brave children at the doctor's office has evolved into a thriving candy category of its very own.

Lollipops are now available in a variety of shapes, sizes, color combinations and flavors. Chocolate lollipops have carved a huge niche for themselves, as have sugar-free lollipops for those who want a sweet treat without the not-so-sweet calories.

Whether you're in the market to sell them, decorate with them or give them away as thank you presents or special treats, you can't go wrong with lollipops. Top reasons include:

1. Lollipop candy has a long shelf life.
2. Lollipops are relatively inexpensive.
3. Lollipops have wide appeal and are appropriate for nearly everyone.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine exactly what you want lollipops for

Knowing how your candy lollipops will be used helps you determine the type and quantity to buy. Is your team hosting a fundraiser? Are you selling them in a concession stand or other point-of-purchase display? Do you plan to use them as giveaways at a trade show or bank?

I recommend: If you're hosting a fundraiser, Five Star Fundraising offers gourmet lollipop programs. If you're looking to resell them, then CandyWarehouse sells wholesale lollipops. And if they're simply to be used as quick giveaways or treats thrown to parade-goers, it's best to go with inexpensive bulk lollipops from Sweet Services.

Choose a style of candy lollipops

Specialty lollipops come in a variety of shapes, sizes, flavors and themes. If you're not just buying them as token giveaways or going with a fundraising company, there are a number of specialty lollipops to choose from.

I recommend: If you're selling them from a concession stand or other point-of-purchase location, you probably want to purchase wholesale lollipops in popular varieties from Blair Candy that come in a display box or other container. Many themes and shapes are available from Oriental Trading Company to add to the fun. Lollipop types are seemingly endless, as well, and include whistle lollipops, blinking lollipops, bubble gum lollipops, chocolate lollipops and swirl lollipops.

Personalize your lollipops

Fun as they already are, you can add even more joy to the love of lollipops by customizing the wrapper, the stick or the lollipop itself.

I recommend: For corporate uses, gourmet lollipops are available with custom wrappers, bags and colors from CandyFavorites.com. Promos On-Line offers imprinting on the lollipop and stick. Party Wraps offers still further personalization, with wrappers that can include photos and longer messages for events such as birthday parties, weddings and baby showers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Theme lollipops are a great way to celebrate any occasion. Whether the wrapper conveys the theme or the lollipop itself is in a celebratory shape, lollipops are a great--and inexpensive--way to decorate, commemorate and celebrate holidays, birthdays, seasons and every occasion in-between!
• •  Dozens of gourmet lollipops are available in tempting flavors such as pina colada, pink lemonade, marshmallow and root beer. Sugar-free and chocolate lollipops have gained in popularity, too. If you are considering going chocolate, however, just be sure you have access to cool or refrigerated storage to prevent melting.

Making the right candy decision for your business can be a tough one, and finding the right lollipops for your price point and type of store is a crucial decision for the business you are running. Lollipops can be found cheap enough to be used as a giveaway item at front desk, but they can also be purchased as bulk lollipops and sold to the consumer.

Specialty lollipops like swirl lollipops, gourmet lollipops, sugar free lollipops, chocolate lollipops all have an old dime store charm to them that are great for old country restaurants, pharmacies, newer drug stores as well as other tourist locations. They bring about a sense of nostalgia that makes them a hot selling item because of their price point and their great taste.

To find out more about lollipops types and styles:

1. Purchase rainbow and swirl lollipops for long lasting treats.

2. Buy specialty lollipops or gourmet lollipops wholesale. Find out if the best cost savings is on multiflavor packs or purchasing more of single flavors.

3. Consider adding sugar free lollipops to your place of business. Sugar free options are great for the diabetic consumers as well as health conscious parents and the health conscious consumer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy rainbow or swirl lollipops for long lasting fun

Like the drugstore treats of the old west, give your customers a long lasting dessert by offering them rainbow sticks or swirl lollipops.

I recommend: Purchase rainbow and swirl lollipops from Bulk Candy Store. They offer many size options. CandyWarehouse.com offers a giant pink and white swirl lollipop gift box set that comes in a bubble gum flavor. Check out the whirley pops and other novelty candy available from Greater Gourmet.

Consider offering specialty lollipops or gourmet lollipops

Specialty lollipops or gourmet lollipops are a relatively low cost, high quality item that can improve the appearance of a storefront. They generally come in many flavors, and having a wide selection can be quite appealing to your general audience.

I recommend: CandyFavorites.com sells old fashioned gourmet lollipops wholesale. They are individually wrapped, are hand made and come 60 to a box. Consider the gourmet lollipops available from Orlando Candy Man, available in 45 different flavors. They are fat free and under 100 calories each.

Consider your diabetic customers when selling candy lollipops

Think about sugar free lollipops when offering your candy selection to the public. Keep in mind your diabetic and/or your health conscious customer demographic when making your candy purchasing decision.

I recommend: Take a look at the sugar free lollipops types and styles from DiabeticFriendly. They offer a wide variety of lollipops and suckers including sugar-free kosher lollipops and sugar-free chocolate lollipops. Check out the sugar free lollipops from Candy Creek. Their lollipops are made with Isomalt and sweetened with SPLENDA. They are fat free and Kosher. They are only 12 calories per pop, have a glycemic index of two. Candy Creek has wholesale lollipops discounts available.

For businesses that feature or specialize in selling candy, it is essential to know the key terms for lollipops. Lollipops have been a popular candy for generations. The term “lollipop” originates in England, where they were created in the 17th century. They are a popular candy so it is imperative to know about the different kinds and assortments of lollipops available. Delight your customers with a variety of confectionery treats by understanding the key terms for lollipops.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gourmet lollipops

Gourmet lollipops feature unique flavorings compared with traditional lollipops. Instead of flavors such as cherry or grape, gourmet lollipops come in flavors including bubble gum, pina colada and cappuccino. These items are certain to delight customers and increase business revenue.

I recommend: Browse through the selection of gourmet lollipops available at OrlandoCandyMan.com.

Old-fashioned lollipops

Old-fashioned lollipops come in round shapes or in stick form with a white swirl down the middle. Old-fashioned lollipops come in flavors including butter rum, root beer and banana creme.

I recommend: Review the assortment of old-fashioned lollipops at Made in South Dakota.

Swirl or round-up lollipops

Swirls are made by wrapping the lollipop into a circle and round-ups are twisted together to form long braids. Both of these kinds of lollipops come in many colors and flavors that are certain to delight customers of all ages.

I recommend: Learn about swirl and round-up lollipops at Candy Warehouse and Bulk Candy Store.

Filled lollipops

These lollipops are filled with things such as bubble gum, vitamins or energy and weight-loss ingredients. Vitamin lollipops come in many flavors and are a great way to get children to take their vitamins everyday.

I recommend: Read information about bubble gum and vitamin filled lollipops at Lollies Galore and Healthy Pops.

Specialty lollipops

Specialty lollipops come in interesting shapes or are made from unique ingredients such as chocolate. Some specialty lollipops for children come in shapes like cars or insects.

I recommend: Review the various kinds of specialty lollipops available at CandyFavorites.com.

Sugar-free lollipops

Sugar-free lollipops are a great alternative for customers who have diabetes or for those who are watching their sugar intake. These types of lollipops come in a variety of flavors and shapes so that customers with special needs can still satisfy their sweet tooth without risking their health.

I recommend: Find sugar-free lollipops at Diabetic Friendly.