Teach Soap

(* I posted this in M/P topic as well as some folks read different categories. No need to reply to both but would love to get your feedback in either post *)


Hi everyone. I made it through the fair on July 4th. It turned out not to be the best venue but I learned *alot* and that's okay. I'm now turning my attention to my etsy shop. I just spent the better part of the day/evening getting it setup up. I would really like to get your feedback on the banner, the one listing, the store policies, profile and anything else that sticks out. Good or needs clarification/improvement. I wasn't ready to post more than one item just so I could see how it all looks and there are still a few holes that need addressing (i.e. flat rate shipping, canada, international, one more photo with it packaged).

On a separate note, from looking at other sites, I'm baffled how people can indicate in their policies/announcements that they can get 5-8 soaps into that small flat rate box for $4.95 (at least that's what I"ve read on some peoples shops). I brought one home from USPS and can just get 4 soaps in there with some bubble wrap. I didn't like how it was a bit tight. 3 fit well with appropriate bubble wrap on each soap. Or maybe they are not using the box but something else? I have two questions -

1. Check out my site and when/if you can provide feedback - http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

2. How do you packge your soap for shipping?

Thanks
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

OMG - I went to look at my listing - where is it? where is it? Then I open my e-mail - between the time I went to sleep and woke up - someone I don't know - bought my soap. I'm in amazement, happy, joyful and oh yeah - delighted! - off to the post office later.

I will post another one shortly (check the sale category for now) after I get back from my gym appt.

Looking forward to your feedback
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

Hi Alice,

I send soaps to family & friends out of state. Make sure you're getting your money's worth with the small flat rate box. Sometimes, not all, but sometimes it's cheaper putting it into the regular small priority box. I send 2 or 3 bars, no I can't remember, to my son in Colorado via Oregon in the flat rate box. I asked out if I had saved any money and the clerk told me no. I would have saved $2 sending it regular priority because of where it was going and the weight. I do think you save on the med & large boxes, big time tho. I send a medium size box the same day to my mom & saved a ton on those soaps.

Just a thought.

Sorry for yammering on here.

Good luck with your new business!

I posted a response to your duplicate thread in M&P, but you really need to investigate the flat rate envelope. You can use it to ship quite a bit.

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http://www.magichandsworkshop.com
http://www.magichands.etsy.com
http://www.magichandsworkshop.blogspot.com

Oh yes, I think the medium flat rate box & the large flat rate box are a great deal. I was just suggesting that if she is shipping 1 or 2 bars that the small flat rate box my be the best price.

no, the flat rate ENVELOPE - I can fit more in that than I can in the small priority box. I can get six bars in there, but only four in the small box.

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http://www.magichandsworkshop.com
http://www.magichands.etsy.com
http://www.magichandsworkshop.blogspot.com

oh wow! good to know. I didn't even know they had a flat rate envelope!

magic_hands-
You are a genius. And I just got back from USPS. I learned alot of this one sale which luckly happened in California - and the buyer seems very accomodating with my flaws - and very excited knowing she was my first etsy sale. I failed to setup the proper tax scheule on paypal so she didn't get charged sales tax. I'll take the hit on that. And I did not setup the pricing for one bar properly after I had it weighed in the package. I forgot if it is thicker than 3/4" it's considered a package not large envelope. I'm not sure where my head was at. Anyway - while I was there this time with a better baseline (and the same postal guy I briefly spoke with the other day) I took a look again at the larger envelope that was flat rate and could see how flexible that was to put in all those soaps (with some good bubble wrap) - so I brought one home (after treating myself to a nice lunch with a glass of wine ) thinking I would see how this worked. AND You provided me now with that last tidbit of knowledge to undestand how to make it happen.

Armed with more information - he suggested I use the online usps setup for printing labels and getting free confirmation - allowing me to help reduce the shipping fee or at least set it up so all shipping gets covered by the customer. I chalk this all up to learning and making the experience more fluid going for me and the customer going forward which is why I only loaded one listing.

I can't thank you all enough for your input. I think this is a great community helping each other. I hope I can do the same too.

In agreeing with SpottedCat - yes the medium and large are a good deal - you can fit *alot* of soap in there. That small flat rate $5 is actually not that good once you really analyze it. On visual testing with only one small flat rate - you can fit 5 of those in a medium box. So the small flat rate should actually be at least 1/3 if not 1/2 the size of the medium box.

Anyway I'm back on the right road.
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

I find going to the post office is like going to the casino. Sometimes I win out and sometimes I don't. Always a toss-up.

I print my shipping labels through Paypal's multiple online shipping option.

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

Hi all. For those who had the time and inclination to provide me feedback - I say "thank you". Everyone had comments that were both positive and useful with some informational adjustments. And some brought up points for me to follow up on but all *very useful* and of course very emotionally boosting.

I've now posted all my soaps but two since I'm kind of pooped but it sure does look like I have a real on-line store that I feel proud of. And now I can turn my attention to making a special soap (limited edition -tee hee) called "Le Maillot Jaune" for a friend who is into The Tour who agreed to buy and let me test the etsy private posting process.

I know I have along way to go but I do feel like I'm off to a good start and now I have to pull out my bull horn and start spreading the word :+} to friends, family and contacts.

Merci Beaucoup!!
Hilary
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www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

Congrats on setting your shop up and on your first customer!!!

Can I ask what sort of moulds you use for the balls of coloured soap in your Bubblegum soap? They are way cool!!!

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Yes I really love the bubble gum soaps too... way cool.
I'm no expert on Etsy but your site is very nice as it is... don't change a thing. I was drawn right into looking at your soaps which is what it's all about... right?

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- Mickey!

Thanks for that additional feedback. I'm actually now very happy with my announcement page and my shop policies that I can stand behind. Now I just need to drive people to the sight over the next month so I get my return on my listing - I realize it does add up (20 cents each time) - so I need to *sell* that inventory.

About the balls. Yet again, all kudos goes to Soapylove. She had created a soap similar that had a motif for wonder bread. After I saw that I said "how did you do that" and she was very generous in sharing so I feel I can pass it on since she is a key contributor to this forum.

There is an ice cube tray - http://cgi.ebay.com.my/Japanese-Plastic ... 0350471473 - that you can use.

I know the next question you will ask is "how do you get the soap into those tiny tiny holes". The anwer is you don't - you first must find someone (my husband) who has a drill and a drill bit to make a larger hole. You secure the tray together with some extra clips and/or rubber bands like the kind that keeps broccoli together.

That's it!!

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Excellent!!! I'm liking those very much!! It's amazing how simple things can look so complicated (if that makes sense!).

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