Teach Soap

Hi!

I'm trying to start off my soap business. It was a hobby for a while and I would make them as gifts, etc. Everyone loved them and my significant other convinced me that I should start a small business. I've quit my job months ago due to how I was treated. We are very happy now but I still want to generate income by doing something, especially something I love. The process is harder than I thought. First I need a logo. Does anyone know a company or somebody that's good with that? Then I need a website. My SO's friend is a web developer and charges 15K! Yikes!

Anyone who has gone to this, would you please give me advice?

I congratulate you for the courage to quit a job which doesn't bring you any joy and to start a completely new business. I did the same many years ago and I never regret it.
Since I'm leaving and working in Europe, I'm not sure if I could have any useful tips for you (probably in USA?). But I recommend you to read exactly all wonderful tips and follow book recommendations which are mentioned on Soaaqueen under:
Business musings. There are so many fascinating links, tips, advices, tips for price calculation, etc.
I think you should first get sure how far are you allowed to go, I mean from a legal point of view, you know first FDA and other health authorities and then from a business/financial point of view, (Tax, registration of the company etc.).
I hope the rest who is running a business in your region can help you better.
I only wish you courage, joy and success.

_________________
Genius is 1 % inspiration and 99 % perspiration

Before starting any business, I would look at all the paperwork needed to sell and liabilty insurance. You don't need a web site to sell. You can sell in places like FaceBook. For a logo, I would go online and look. See what you like. Then go here> http://99designs.com/logo-design/store You can choose a pre-made logo, or have someone there design a logo for you.

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

A lot of soapers start on out Etsy and other places before getting a website, so don't stress about that side of things to start with. It's actually harder to get natural traffic (ie someone finding you on their own) with your own website as you need SEO, Keywords, etc. More chance of people finding you on Etsy that way at least.

Another way is Markets. No website needed there.

But yes - paperwork, insurance, making sure you're house is in a commercial zoning area if you are working from home, etc and such first.

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

If you wanted a simple website that had a tiny bit of flash, then i could do it. Or you could try weebly. 15 k for a website is over chargining, just saying.

My friend on Etsy does logo's on the fly at a decent rate.

_________________
"suffering in any form can make you stronger or weaker. I chose stronger"

Ebay and Etsy are your best bets for starting out. It takes a lot to get traffic to your own website. Once you get going on both of those places when you are ready to have a website there are many you can build yourself that aren't that complicated.(the one I use now is 3dcart) Then once you have your website up you can send coupons for your website with each order you ship, start handing business cards out with your website addy. You can also keep an address book with customers who have orders from you on Etsy/Ebay and send them coupons in the mail for your site. I would also check Ebay and Etsy for someone to do a logo for you, you can find many reasonably priced.

My biggest piece of advice is if you have already picked out a name, check to make sure it is available in your state registry and not trademarked and then if you don't already have the .com, BUY IT NOW, before you even register it with your state. It doesn't matter which company you get it from, it can be directed to your site even if you go with a different company for hosting later on. With my bird toy business I did as suggested on line and went with getting name approval from the state first, well low and behold the day the state approved it, one of the pirate companies bought it and wanted to charge me and arm and a leg for it, so I had to start over with a new name. It is much cheaper to but a 2nd .com of your state rejects you then it is to pay the pirates prices if they buy up your .com.

_________________
~Michelle~

Butt's my big dog:)

With regards to the website. If you want your own site and not an etsy, it's not that difficult but it does take some time. I would suggest using WordPress. If you don't know what it is I would suggest checking it out. At first, it is a little complicated to set up but they have VERY helpful videos with step by step on how to get your page going. It is easy to maneuver and make changes unlike HTML where you have to know the code and css. You can buy templates from themeforest.net and find a good eCommerce one you like. In the templates you can change the backgrounds, colors, what you want on the pages and how it is set up.
I currently have an HTML home page and a WordPress shop that I am working on setting up. If this is the route you want to take let me know and I can try to help you set it up.
Buy that domain though. Domains are cheap (if available), it's the hosting that is going to cost you some money. Let me know if you want any help.

_________________
**ERIN**

**I've taken up photography because it's the only hobby I can shoot people and cut their heads off without going to jail**

Hey that's fantastic you want to set up a soap business

I live in the UK but i thought it may be of some use to you with regards to running a business, etc...

Google Business Gateway - They are packed full of info for setting up any kind of business you want to do.

Hope i've been of some help to you and good luck in your soap business venture

Already registered in another state but we are moving. Do I need to re-register to another state?

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

I'm not very techy, but I did my own website using Wordpress. A friend helped me with the header because I couldn't figure it out -- it's from a picture of an actual loaf of bread I baked (my site is ). If you use iPages to make your own website DO NOT use their drop and drag program. They will want to upgrade you to death for more money. With the Wordpress option, you get as much space as you can use for one price.

My Sister suggests going to to become a LLC before going into business officially.

Check your local college for a graphic artist student to do your logo. Or you could use Vista Print. I think they help with that, but I could be incorrect.

Hope this helps!