Teach Soap

Is anyone a member of the Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild? If so, do you find it helpful/beneficial? Is it worth the cost of membership?

I've just been exploring the website, but so much of it is locked to member's only. From what I can see, it can be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

For me, I don't think it's worth the money. I got a $1 million liabilty insurance policy for just over $200/year. As for being able to claim that you're a member of the HSG, most people don't know what that is unless they're soapers too. There are some other benefits, but nothing that seemed to justify the cost. Just my opinion, others may disagree.

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

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Genny

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JKM Creative Enterprises

Indie beauty Network has insurance. If you are a small time soaper RLI might be an option for you also.
http://www.indiebeautynetwork.com/chann ... e.asp#cost

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

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

I do not have RLI but I have seen it brought up before elsewhere that RLI only covers up to $5,000 in sales per year - what is sold after the first $5,000 isn't insured. I haven't contacted them about it either so take it with a grain salt or call and talk to a RLI agent. I don't think the insurance from HSMG has a profit limit that would cap most of the small shops. Just gonna have to do your research on this one and determine which one you think is best. That being said, I think for the first year or two of business, while you're building up returning customers and wholesale accounts (if that fits in your goals), RLI would be fine. If selling more, I would want better insurance myself.

It's true that RLI only covers the first $5000, but for me that's fine because I'm not going to be making much that this year. As my business grows, then I'll switch my insurance if needed, but for now I can't see paying more for a policy or for joining a guild to get other "benefits" that I don't need or won't use.

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

I wish RLI had higher tiers of coverage for folks having say $10,000,$15,000 or more in sales. Then I wouldn't have to go looking for a new insurance company soon.

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