How to Buy Bulk Glow Sticks: The Complete Guide (2025)

Whether you’re planning a festival activation, running an events company, ordering for Halloween, or simply love anything that glows, buying glow sticks in bulk is the smartest way to save money while getting consistent quality.

But not all glow sticks are created equal — and not all suppliers are worth your budget. Here’s everything you need to know before placing that bulk order.

1. Know What You’re Buying: Glow Stick Types

Before you shop, understand the main categories:

Standard 6-inch glow sticks

The classic party and event size. Cheap, reliable, and available in every colour.

Glow bracelets & necklaces

Thinner sticks designed to bend into circular shapes with included connectors.

Jumbo or industrial glow sticks

Larger, brighter, and longer-lasting. Often used for safety kits, night-time events, or camping.

Specialty glow products

Wands, foam batons, LED-hybrid sticks, glow glasses, glow balls, etc.

Knowing the type prevents you from overpaying or ordering the wrong style for your event.

2. Choose the Right Glow Duration

Glow time varies — and affects price. Typical durations:

• 8–12 hours (standard)
  
• 24+ hours (long-lasting, often industrial-grade)
  
• High-intensity but shorter duration (super bright for the first few hours)

For parties and festivals, 8–12 hours is perfect.
For safety or overnight events, go 24-hour options.

3. Check the Activation Method

Most glow sticks work the same way (bend → snap → shake), but quality differs:

• Premium sticks activate faster and glow evenly with no dim patches.
  
• Cheaper sticks may take longer to reach full brightness or glow unevenly.

If you need consistent glow across hundreds or thousands of units (e.g., crowd giveaways), choose a reputable brand or ask for a sample.

4. Compare Bulk Quantities and Pricing

Suppliers typically sell in:

• 50-packs
  
• 100-packs
  
• 500-packs
  
• 1,000+ packs

The general rule: the larger the box, the cheaper the price per stick.

For example:

• 100-pack = ~£0.20–£0.30 per stick
  
• 1,000-pack = ~£0.07–£0.10 per stick

If you’re ordering for events or resale, always aim for 1,000+ quantities to maximise savings.

5. Look for Non-Toxic, Safe Materials

Always check for:

• Non-toxic chemicals
  
• Phthalate-free plastics
  
• Leak-proof construction
  
• EN71 / ASTM safety compliance (good indicator of manufacturing quality)

Especially important if the glow sticks will be used by children.

6. Choose a Trusted Supplier

When buying bulk glow sticks, suppliers matter as much as the product.

Look for suppliers that offer:

• Clear product photos
  
• Verified reviews
  
• Safety certifications
  
• Fast shipping
  
• Colour mix options (instead of random assortments)

Popular supplier types:

• Event & party wholesalers
  
• Festival merchandise distributors
  
• Amazon bulk wholesalers
  
• Specialist glow product websites
  
• Chinese manufacturers (AliExpress, Alibaba)

If you’re ordering thousands per month, going direct to manufacturer will give you the best price — but expect longer shipping and larger minimum orders.

7. Decide on Colour Packs

Mixed colour packs

Perfect for parties, clubs, weddings, festivals.

Single colour packs

Best for brand activations, themed events, safety use, or resale where colour consistency matters.

Pro tip: Blue and green glow brighter and longer than red or purple.

8. Check Packaging Options

Bulk orders come in:

• Loose bags
  
• Retail-ready tubes
  
• Individual wrappers (ideal for resale)
  
• Cartons

If you’re reselling or handing out to attendees, choose individually wrapped packs.

9. Understand Shipping & Storage

Glow sticks have a long shelf life if stored properly.

Storage tips:

• Keep away from heat or direct sunlight
  
• Store in a cool, dry place
  
• Avoid crushing or bending before use
  
• Do not freeze (it weakens the plastic)

Shipping bulk glow sticks can be heavy, so compare shipping rates and check if any hazardous material rules apply (rare, but some couriers classify them differently).

10. Ask for Samples Before Large Orders

If you’re spending a few hundred (or thousand) on glow sticks, always request:

• A colour sample
  
• A brightness test
  
• A duration test
  
• A batch quality check

This avoids surprises when your full shipment arrives.

Final Thoughts

Buying glow sticks in bulk is simple once you know what to look for: choose the right type, verify quality, compare pricing, and buy from a trusted supplier. With the right bulk order, you’ll save money, avoid low-quality duds, and keep your events glowing long into the night.