Teach Soap

Hi Everyone!
I've been reading your post for about a year now, and have so appreciated your community. I have learned and laughed along side many of you. Every time that I thought of joining and asking a question, I would notice an interesting post and soon run out of time just reading. Thank you for your willingness to share.

I'm finally posting a question. Do you find craft fairs or farmer's markets more appealing, and why? I have made both cold and hot process for about a year now and have considered selling a few bars (at the urging of others.) Last summer, I met a soapmaker at a craft fair who had only been making soap for 6 months! I purchased some of her soap and it was very nice. I was both impressed and mortified at the same time... if that makes any sense. Anyway, since I tend to research far in advance of any new endevor, I thought that now would be a good time to begin asking a few questions while testing a couple more recipes. Alas, my quest for that elusive "perfect recipe" continues

Welcome!
I don't consider 6 months long enough to be selling soap commercially. Others will feel differently. It takes time to get the recipe that you're happy with and that works well for you each and every time. How would you know in such a short time if your fragrance fades, soap discolors or becomes rancid with DOS?

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

Both are viable options. Farmer's Markets tend to have "regulars." So you could possibly build a steady customer base. Craft Fairs are also good because people go to a craft fair to shop. If I had a choice of one over the other, I'd probably go with craft fairs just because I like a change of scenery.

_________________
www.facebook.com/Semplice-Naturals

From a buyers perspective if given the choice between craft fair or farmers market... the farmers market wins every time. I think most people are still watching their pennies closely and they see buying at a farmers market as getting good quality on a product right from the source. Flee markets are also a good spot as they attract a good number of customers.

_________________
Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I agree pretty much with what everyone else said. I just wanted to add that not all farmers markets let soap makers in. Or some have special requirements about the ingredients of the soap (like locally grown ingredients, grown by you ingredients, etc.). Some insist that you sell some of your own home grown items, besides the soap. They usually do that to keep the market from turning into a craft fair.

_________________
Genny

One could always grow the herbs to put into the soaps, or maybe I should get a goat and use the milk? Not so sure my neighbors would like me anymore!

_________________
Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

Thanks for all of the input. I guess it's just a matter of preference and fair/market regulations. Another issue that I have to consider is the financial risk. I really enjoy making soap but the craft fairs are expensive. Also, did any of you feel nervous about investing in the oils etc? Making a few batches for friends and family can be done slowly, (when there are financial resources to cover it.) Getting lots of batches ready in order to take pictures and hope to be accepted into a fair or market is a little intimidating.

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

Linda, when do you expect to hear about the farmers market? They should be starting up very soon... one would think they should have to give you some notice?

_________________
Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

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

_________________

~bytheSEAsoap~ Mella bythesea, bythesea, bythebeautiful sea

海の皂

Looks good Mella!

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

Looks nice Mella!

_________________
Debbie

good looking Mella. Nice and simple, uncluttered. The color of your soaps is inviting.

_________________
Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!