Teach Soap

A local store was advertising they are looking for local handmade items to sell in their store. For the heck of it I responded. They are extremely interested in my soap and can't wait for samples. The only problem I have is the packaging. The soap boxes on B-Berry are too small, my soap is 4" and their boxes are 3 9/16". Where is the best place to buy a little bit larger boxes or clear plastic sleeves for my soap? I would use shrink wrap but don't want to melt it.

I hope I'm not going to offend you, but I thought you were just starting with the soapmaking? I understand that you are doing M&P, but are you already to the stage when you can consistently get the same results? Do you have liability insurance? Have you checked with your state & local governments about licensing, etc? Some states don't allow you to repackage & sell pre-made bases unless you have a manufacturing license. There are a lot of things that need to be addressed before selling your products. Again, I don't want to you to be offended, just be sure that all your bases are covered.

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

Yes I have been getting the exact same results, they come out perfect each time. Smooth, right color, right amount.

I am going to show examples and explain that I don't have a business formed yet. Before selling I'd need to register the name, I'd worry about insurance later when I have multiple stores. I will check about the manufacturing license.

This is under the table cash, wholesale, they want handmade stuff locally. Craft type items and stuff.

I am not in the buisness end of this, but your reply does send up some alarm bells. If you are going to sell your soaps at all, PLEASE
look into the insurance. Why risk taking a chance? Even 'under the table' you are liable for what you create.

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

As soon as you sell, under the table or not, you need insurance. Are you willing to loose your property if someone sues you for possibly doing some damage to their skin that might not be undone? It's not worth the risk. Please get all your paperwork done before your sell anywhere.

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

I wish I could explain my business experience to you guys.

Business experience doesn't come into play when you're talking about a high risk product like soap and not getting insurance and all your paperwork in order first. It's also usually advised to wait a minimum 6 months before selling - how do you know what your soap will look like, smell like, behave like in 3 months, 6 months, 12 months if you've not been soaping for long? How long does your scent hold before fading? Does it discolour 1 month, 3 months or 6 months down the line? What happens if the fragrance oil irritates someone's skin? Or get's into their eyes causing irritation and they decide to sue you for it?

Unless your 'business experience' is in the soaping industry, it doesn't really mean much at this point.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

Business experience in, I've dealt with different forms of insurance, licenses, etc. I am a business owner and rent a building. So I know about this stuff.

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

I don't think anyone here is going to change your mind, so

Try sunshinecontainer.com

4" is going to be hard to find for boxes.
As for the shrink wrap, as long as you don't keep the heat gun in one spot too long or too close to the soap, the soap won't melt.

Plus, mp soaps tend to attract moisture even in the boxes, so a lot of people that use them for their mp, shrink wrap them first.

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Genny

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~bytheSEAsoap~ Mella bythesea, bythesea, bythebeautiful sea

海の皂

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

Well, the good news is you are reading the forum, so hopefully will pick up some safe habits. I would encourage you to continue to read. About a year ago I had read somewhere on the net about a soapmaker who was being sued because a lady got cellulitis and she blamed the soap. Now I doubt this was the cause or would stick as a law suit but it will be your need to defend the product and yourself. Please be careful is what we advise.

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