Teach Soap

Hi.
I'm plugging away with my soaps, tags and packaging for my kids marche in less than 2 weeks. I'm very excited. I thank all who've shared some great tips/tricks from all my previous questions. Along the way I just thought of something else I was wondering if I need to consider -

My soaps will be in cello bags for this event. When you sell your soaps at events - do you also put the m/p soap in some kind of other small (shopping) bag if they buy more than 1? or 2? My goal is to have yummy/smelling and great attractive soap, customer interaction/service that shines and appropriate way to take the soap away. If I had to provide bags for those who might need it - I likely won't have time to order any in bulk but there is this paper outlet where I live where I think I could get them (or michales I suppose). Seems like this ends up adding to my cost of the soap (or cutting into the profit) if everyone wanted a bag? I have not actually done my numbers yet. My focus for this event was mainly around learning and having fun. And I've certainly learned alot!! I've seen and recognized where I've been efficient and where I've not. Anyway I'm off topic.

Thoughts or ideas about the shopping bag?
Thanks
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

Since you don't have a lot of time, I would go take a look at Smart & Final. There has to be one in your neck of the woods somewhere.
I bought my plastic bags there, but I'm pretty sure they have paper shopping bags also.

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

I bought 2 bags of white paper lunch sacks at Walmart. Then I printed labels on clear Avery labels and stuck them on the front of the bags. It looks really cute. I will have to take a picture and show you. It was like $2.00 for the bags and then $12 (I think) for a 25 pack of 8.5"x11" clear labels. I can fit like 6 labels on one sheet but if I did them smaller I could fit more of course. It is a very inexpensive way to do personalized bags.

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Haven

I got some handle-bags at papermart, and yes it does add the cost, but I'm thinking "losing" a quarter on a bag of 4 soaps is worth it for the snazzy presentation. I got the lime shadow pinstripe, and it really draws your eye.

http://www.nashvillewraps.com has some nice bags as well.

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

Thank you all for the invaluable feedback. Deep down inside I kind of new that it seemed like I would be 'missing the boat' if I didn't have some on hand. I'm familiar with nashville wraps as I bought the compostable cello bags from them. But did not know about papermart. I think I will go to either the 'smart and final' equivalent or this outlet called Paper Plus in my town. I know the owner so maybe she'll give me a break (but then she's like any other small independant business owner trying to stay afloat!). I used to work for IBM and Charles Schwab so there's alot of inner soul for me to 'delight the customer' and 'stretch on delivery'

I like everyone's ideas on the 'dressing up' of the bag. I think at this point I may just punch a hole in the bag (or use some kind of fancy paper trimmer or decorative scissors to make the bag stick out on the edge and then tie on my business card with some curling ribbon and aattach it through the hole, which will give it some 'umph'. I keep reminding myself this is also a 'safe' environment since it is my kids school community (and others too) - and to see if I can be successful at this. I believe I can but need some 'proof' when someone I don't know actually buys a bar (or 2 or 3 or 4)

After this event I can go back and think about what worked/what did not and regroup. I just finished a loaf with multi colored balls and bubblegum fragrance. I can't wait to cut it. I only hope I can get people to buy 4 bars at a time

I look forward to getting your feedback as well when I finally post my photos up.

I *so* appreciate the feedback and the time you are taking out of your day to give such wonderful support and advice.

Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

I realize I'm late to the party on this, but wanted to share how I made bags for the craft fair I did a few months ago. I just took plain old lunch bags and made them fabulous.

I put 2 bags together, one inside the other, since a single bag is a bit flimsy. Then, I folded over about 2 inches of the top of the bag, with the folded part going on the inside. Next I punched two holes on each side of the bag, and put a loop of purple ribbon through each side. Last I put on Avery labels with my info, and put a bit of tissue paper inside. They looked really neat, and hardly took any time to do. And since I used lunch bags, ribbon, labels & tissue that I already had on hand, they were practically free!

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Thanks bunnybubbles for post fair info. I ended up buying colored lunch sacks (since my soap is so colorful) from this party store. I'll likely buy in bulk but for this event having the bags was a good idea. Not everyone wanted/need when I offered, but for those that did buy a handful (usually more than 2) - having the bag was great. I have these great Fiskar Border punches and after getting all the feedback I ended up using it to spiffy up the top of the bag



I then punched a hole like you described and punched a whole in my card and tied it on with the ribbon.

All the post feedback too confirms I'm moving ahead in the right direction.
Thanks
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com