Teach Soap

So I have ordered all my goodies from BB and in the mean time, I'm studying my tootsies off on this wonderful forum ( I appreciate this outlet so much!) and soapqueenTV. I have a few questions I would love your help on.

First a little more back ground

I have a 5 yr old and every year, I try to give his teachers something from the heart aka home made. Last Christmas, I did a Coconut-lemon and Vanilla-coconut sugar scrub and it was a HIT! Got nice jars and stickers and all. It was to die for. Even got my manly man husband in love with it.

As I wait for my goodies and to make my first few bars, I know a couple of things. I will eventually want to sell my product ( soap, scrubs and butters) and I plan on starting my experimentation on my all female co-working staff

Questions
1-What's the most cost effective way to hand out samples of what I make. Glass jars and stuff can be expensive PLUS I only plan on giving small things out until I hone my craft.
2- PLEASE tell me, how far into your journey did you start selling stuff. How did you get the courage to do it? How did you know you were ready?
3-I have access to unrefined shea butter straight from Africa...its kind of gritty to touch but melts btw your palms. Do you know if I can use this for a whipped butter recipe?

Now, I'm not looking to make a quick buck and run...just like all things in life, practice makes perfect and I am serious about learning this craft and doing it well but as I start this journey, I would love to hear your stories.

Thanks in advance!

I have been making soap close to 40 years. My mother and grandmother made soap, so I had a little head start. I watched and learned from them. It took me a while before I felt I was ready.
I did a lot of research, read some of the few books there were available at the time, then jumped in with both feet.

When you feel you are ready to sell, here are a couple of things you need to do.
1. Get a business license.
2. Get liability insurance
3. Go to your local city hall and see what you need to sell in your city. I had to have a home inspection, but not every city needs to do this.

I bought inexpensive plastic jars in bulk to fill for samples. For soaps I use the end pieces as samples or roll them into balls.
Try tempering your shea butter (like chocolate) and see if that helps with the graininess.

I wish you good luck on your journey!

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

Thank you Soap buddy! You are a soap making goddess!!! I've already learned so much from you.

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

Hi HC, newbie hear. While I can't help with your other questions I can tell you that Bulk apothecary has great prices on containers, just know that the lids are sold separately Here's a link take a look around.
http://www.bulkapothecary.com/categorie ... stic-jars/

_________________
“SOAP AND WATER AND COMMON SENSE ARE THE BEST DISINFECTANTS.”