Crayons are one of the most popular art supplies worldwide, widely used by children for drawing and coloring. Their price varies based on quality, brand, and type, and crayon sets can be purchased in bulk at wholesale prices, particularly from suppliers in China. Crayon prices are typically low at the wholesale level, providing resellers with an opportunity to purchase large quantities at competitive rates. These products are sold in a variety of colors, sizes, and packaging formats, with some specialized crayons offering unique features like non-toxic ingredients or water-solubility. Crayons are a staple in schools, offices, and homes, making them a high-demand product for resellers.
1. Basic Wax Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Over 10 billion basic wax crayons are sold annually.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$1.00 – $5.00 per pack (usually 8-24 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$0.05 – $0.50 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
1,000 to 5,000 units
Overview:
Basic wax crayons are the most commonly used type of crayon, and they are affordable and widely available. These crayons are made primarily of paraffin wax and pigments and are used primarily by young children for coloring and drawing. Basic wax crayons are sold in packs of various sizes, with popular brands offering between 8 to 24 crayons in a set. Their low price point makes them an excellent option for resellers, especially during back-to-school season. Despite their simple construction, basic wax crayons remain a favorite for school supplies due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Basic wax crayons are a high-volume, low-cost product, making them an ideal choice for resellers targeting schools, educational institutions, and general consumers. Offering bulk packs or value sets with more colors can help increase sales. Resellers can also capitalize on custom packaging and promotional offers during peak back-to-school shopping periods. Eco-friendly options, such as crayons made from recycled materials, are increasingly popular and can be marketed as a sustainable alternative.
2. Pastel Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Approximately 1 billion pastel crayons are sold annually.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$1.50 – $6.00 per pack (typically 8-24 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$0.30 – $1.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
1,000 to 3,000 units
Overview:
Pastel crayons offer a softer, smoother texture compared to regular wax crayons, making them ideal for blending and shading in artistic projects. These crayons are favored by artists, students, and hobbyists who want a more vibrant and blendable medium. Pastel crayons are also great for use in art schools and educational programs. While they are slightly more expensive than basic wax crayons, their smoother texture and better color payoff make them a more premium product. They come in various colors, with pastel shades being particularly popular in art projects requiring soft or muted hues.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Pastel crayons appeal to a different market than basic wax crayons, targeting budding artists, art students, and professional creatives. Resellers can offer pastel crayons in bulk or specialized art sets that include blending tools or paper suited for pastel use. Promoting pastel crayons as part of an art supply kit, especially for drawing or painting students, can increase sales. Additionally, offering eco-friendly pastel crayons or those made from natural pigments can attract environmentally-conscious buyers.
3. Oil-Based Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Around 500 million oil-based crayons are sold globally each year.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$3.00 – $8.00 per pack (usually 12-36 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$0.50 – $2.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
1,000 to 2,000 units
Overview:
Oil-based crayons are designed for professional use, offering a smoother, more intense color payoff than basic wax crayons. They are ideal for art projects requiring a richer color depth, and they provide more versatility in blending and layering. These crayons are often used by older children, artists, and professional creatives for detailed artwork. Oil-based crayons do not require a fixative, as their color does not smudge easily. Though they are priced higher than basic crayons, their quality and durability make them popular for specialized uses.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Oil-based crayons are a great product to offer in higher-end art kits or professional-grade art supplies. Resellers should target art schools, professional artists, and craft enthusiasts. These crayons can be marketed as the premium alternative to basic crayons for customers who want rich, vibrant colors and better blending potential. Offering them in sets with other art tools, such as sketchbooks or blending stumps, can increase overall sales. Providing bulk pricing for art schools or studios can also be a profitable venture.
4. Watercolor Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Approximately 300 million watercolor crayons are sold annually.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$3.00 – $10.00 per pack (usually 12-24 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$1.00 – $3.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
500 to 1,000 units
Overview:
Watercolor crayons are versatile and can be used both dry and wet to create a range of artistic effects. When used with water, these crayons transform into a watercolor-like medium, providing a smooth, flowing texture that mimics painting. They are popular in both classroom settings and among artists for their ease of use and ability to blend and layer with water. Watercolor crayons are especially favored for their creative potential, as they can produce soft washes of color or be used for finer details when applied dry.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Watercolor crayons are a great option for resellers looking to target both young artists and professionals. Offering them in sets with instructions or tutorials on how to achieve various watercolor effects can increase their appeal. Resellers can also offer bundled packages with watercolor paper or brushes, which would attract customers interested in learning how to use the medium. Positioning them as a versatile, non-messy alternative to traditional watercolor paints could also appeal to schools and parents.
5. Gel Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Over 200 million gel crayons are sold annually.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$2.00 – $8.00 per pack (usually 6-12 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$1.00 – $3.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
500 to 1,000 units
Overview:
Gel crayons provide a smooth, creamy texture that combines the benefits of traditional crayons and markers. The gel-like consistency allows for smooth coverage and vibrant color, making them an ideal option for coloring and creating unique art projects. Gel crayons are often marketed as a premium product due to their smooth application and rich colors. They are popular among young children and beginner artists who prefer easy-to-use, mess-free coloring tools.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Resellers can target parents and schools when offering gel crayons, particularly for younger children who are drawn to their smooth application and vibrant colors. Offering gel crayon sets in eye-catching packaging with a variety of hues can help drive impulse purchases. Pairing them with coloring books or other related art supplies can also boost sales. Marketing them as a cleaner, mess-free alternative to traditional crayons or markers will attract parents looking for practical art supplies for their children.
6. Chunky Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Approximately 400 million chunky crayons are sold globally each year.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$1.50 – $5.00 per pack (usually 4-12 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$0.20 – $1.50 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
500 to 1,000 units
Overview:
Chunky crayons are designed specifically for younger children, offering an easy-to-hold and durable crayon that is perfect for small hands. These crayons are thicker than regular crayons and often come in bright, bold colors. Chunky crayons are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, as they are less likely to break and are easier for them to grip and control. These crayons are typically marketed with a focus on educational benefits, such as improving motor skills in young children.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Chunky crayons are a perfect fit for resellers targeting early childhood education and parents of young children. Offering them in large, colorful packs can help attract bulk buyers, especially schools or daycare centers. Resellers can emphasize the safety and durability of chunky crayons, highlighting their non-toxic ingredients and suitability for young children. Packaging them with other toddler-friendly art supplies, such as coloring books or stencils, will increase their appeal.
7. Metallic Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Around 100 million metallic crayons are sold each year.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$3.00 – $8.00 per pack (usually 6-12 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$1.50 – $4.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
500 to 1,000 units
Overview:
Metallic crayons feature vibrant, shimmering colors that give a metallic finish when applied to paper or other surfaces. These crayons are particularly popular among crafters, artists, and people looking to add unique effects to their art projects. Metallic crayons are used for their eye-catching appeal and their ability to create dramatic highlights and accents. While they are more expensive than basic crayons, their premium appeal and stunning results make them a popular choice for specialty art supplies.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Resellers should market metallic crayons as a high-end product for artists, crafters, and hobbyists. Bundling them with other art supplies such as drawing paper or specialty pencils can increase sales. Offering these crayons as part of holiday-themed or gift-ready sets can also attract consumers during festive seasons. Emphasizing the shimmer and premium quality of metallic crayons will help differentiate them from basic crayon options and appeal to more creative customers.
8. Eco-Friendly Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Approximately 50 million eco-friendly crayons are sold globally.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$3.00 – $10.00 per pack (usually 6-24 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$1.50 – $4.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
500 to 2,000 units
Overview:
According to Mini Fish, eco-friendly crayons are made from natural, non-toxic ingredients, often using soy-based waxes or other environmentally conscious materials. These crayons are marketed as a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional crayons, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers. Eco-friendly crayons are typically free from harmful chemicals such as paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. They are also biodegradable and often come in recyclable packaging. As demand for sustainable products continues to rise, eco-friendly crayons are gaining popularity.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Resellers can target eco-conscious consumers, schools, and parents who are interested in non-toxic and sustainable art supplies. Marketing the environmental benefits of eco-friendly crayons will resonate with customers who prioritize health and sustainability. Offering eco-friendly crayons in bulk or as part of a sustainable gift set can further increase sales. Resellers may also want to partner with environmental organizations or participate in eco-themed events to expand their customer base.
9. Scented Crayons
Estimated Number of Units Sold Worldwide per Year:
Around 300 million scented crayons are sold each year.
Retail Price Range (Walmart and Carrefour):
$3.00 – $8.00 per pack (usually 6-12 crayons)
Wholesale Price in China:
$1.00 – $3.00 per crayon
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
500 to 1,000 units
Overview:
Scented crayons are a fun variation of the traditional crayon, featuring a range of colors that also release unique fragrances when used. These crayons are particularly popular with children, who enjoy the multi-sensory experience of coloring with a pleasant scent. The fragrances are typically derived from natural sources, making them a safe option for kids. While scented crayons are often priced higher than basic crayons, their appeal lies in their novelty and fun factor.
Recommendations for Resellers:
Scented crayons can be marketed as an exciting addition to art and craft supplies for children. They are ideal for resellers targeting parents, schools, or daycare centers, especially those seeking unique or sensory-friendly products. Offering scented crayon sets with appealing fragrances like fruit or candy can increase sales. Bundling scented crayons with other fun and creative products, such as coloring books or activity kits, will enhance the appeal of these crayons for holiday or birthday gift purchases.