Teach Soap

Ok...first I didn't know where to post this so it can be moved if needed.

Ok, I'll admit over the years I have thought about small business ventures off and on.

Through what I've read hear on the forum it seems as if a lot if not most or all have a soap business and also seems as if a lot has started the soap journey out of a desire to find something natural for their particular skin.

I on the other hand went to a shop in a neighboring town and loved the smells and bought some soap and chatted with the owner. After talking and thinking a bit, I thought "it doesn't seem to difficult". So my initial thought was to do this for business purposes. Which is still the case, however, I am enjoying the "hobby" of it right now.

All this to say...

I have read the "Before you begin...newbie" thread. I know I can't begin to sell(not that I think I am) after just a few batches. I guess what I am getting at is...when is a good time to begin? Will you "just know"? How long before some you all began selling?

Also what is the first things I should do to begin that stage of my journey?(besides trying to come up with a name-haven't done that yet)(I've read(not al of it yetl) Soap Making for Fun and for Profit

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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Debbie

When you become comfortable with your recipe, it's tried and true & you can duplicate it each and every time (except for a few soap gremlins here & there ). When you know how it will behave in long term. When you have all the paperwork in place. When you have a business plan. How long it takes before you sell depends on your experimentation and knowledge. Some people say when you've made 200 batches, you will have a better idea.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Debbie

I would say one year. Hopefully by that time you will be comfortable with the soapmaking process and any obvious glitches can be worked out or corrected. I suggest that you get the book "Soap & Cosmetic Labeling" by Marie Gale. Soapmaking is more then just making and selling soap (This is the part that I love; the paperwork, not so much). There is a national group for beginning business owners called Score. http://www.score.org/ See if there is a chapter in your area.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Debbie

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Debbie

Yes, That's part of a business plan. It's a good idea to put it all on paper. You can change the plan as your business changes. Here is a little more info for you. http://homebusiness.about.com/od/homebu ... izplan.htm

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Debbie, I started formulating my business plan after I'd been making CP for about 6 months. By then I knew that it was something that I enjoyed doing and that there was a local market for my product. I perfected 2 different recipes (one all vegetable and one with lard) to use as my product base, started checking into my state & local business regulations; decided on a business name and how I wanted it to be branded (what I want customers to think about when they hear/see my name). Then I lined up my business insurance, etc. Now, after a year, I am "good to go!" I've sold small amounts of soap to friends and relatives and will be ready by next spring to begin selling at our local farmers market and craft fairs. I've also decided to try my hand at making lotion and liquid soap over the winter to determine if these will be good to add to my product line. My testers are eagerly waiting for my supplies to arrive!
BTW - I already have 2 binders filled with notes.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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Debbie

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Debbie

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

You're welcome!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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~Kelly~

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.