Teach Soap

Hello everyone!! Thank you for allowing me to join this this wonderful forum!!! I have a question and was hoping maybe one or all of you could help me!!! I know I'm probably not the only mother on here, but I am trying to think of ways to supplement my income for my family, which consists of 2 small little ones, 3 steps and a wonderful, supportive husband!! LOL I am just trying to do my share, I only work part time. Ok, to make a long story short, I have noticed that Etsy and Ebay are flooded with handmade products, I can't figure out what bath and body products would be good sellers!! I am trying to think out of the box and think of different things but I'm drawing a blank. I have recently done rebatch soap which turned out to be a disaster, I am currently working on MP soap right now. I have been reading this wonderful forum, watching all of Ann Marie's AWESOME youtube videos, reading her blogs, ordering supplies from her, but I feel like now I'm wasting money. Does anyone have any pointers or advice? I do work and am not disabled, I just am a creative person who wants to create and prosper if possible!! Thank you for any responses!! Love you guys!!
Sonya

Hi there

I am in the same boat, only my hubby lost his well paying full time job about 2 1/2 months ago. We have two daughters - 2 1/2 and 16months to support.

I've been making soap for about 3 months now, so still quite new aswell.

Maybe look at your target audiences, like male, female , children, grandparents. You can cater for all different skin types eg. sensitive, aging, problem skin. Grab a couple of books and take down some recipes, practice with some simple soaps to sart off.. maybe ask your family and friends to test them out. A good one for men are the shaving soaps in a mug, you can fragrance it with a spicy mens fragrance. For kids you can do lollipop soaps, cake slices, anything cute and fun, theres so many molds available.

molded melt and pour soap for functions like christenings, weddings, baby showers are always popular..I saw a mold with baby foot prints on it the other day..lol

As for something unique, there are lots and lots of idea's already out there. Have you got something you really love? You could be creative and maybe try and replicate it into soap, like some other people have.. flowers, food stuff, even saw an article on "soapyloves" blog - a lady makes soap resembling bacteria!!!

Hope this sort of helps. Am still in the process of thinking up something unique to soap. (could try carving soap?)

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Stacey - Victoria,Australia.
Photo stream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/msjuiicix/
Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Body-Dessert/122830561107347

Hi,
I've been selling soap for a couple of years now. I do both M & P and CP soaps. The best place to start is with your friends and family. Let everyone know about your business. Set up an etsy store if you haven't already and give business cards with your etsy store on it to everyone you know. Have you tried some craft fairs? They can be successful if you engage with the shoppers. I've found that, when selling in person, the scent is more appealing than the look. If customers just smell some of the wonderful soaps, they are more likely to buy. On etsy, customers just have the look to go by, so even if the soap isn't attractive, it can still sell with attractive packaging.

I hope that helps.

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Catie Beth

Thank you guys so much, I was telling my husband earlier that I was getting discouraged, especially when I went to Etsy and typed in handmade soap and just for bath & body alone, there was like 8,000 items!!! Then I went to Ebay and there was like 4,000 items!!! I appreciate all of you guys help, you have no idea how I much I appreciate it and hopefully I will find out info that maybe someone else doesn't know and be able to help them!! Love ya!!
Sonya

I no longer sell on ebay. Buyers want things very cheap (which I won't do), but there are sellers there that sell their soap as low as $1 per bar. By the time you pay for set up fees, picture fees, closing fees and who knows what else, you are loosing money, not making any.

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

soapbuddy, what would you suggest? I have been reading the posts and you sound very knowledgeable!! Not that the others don't (Love you ladies!!) I'm trying to get all the help I can get!!!
Sonya

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

Thank you, I never thought of that!! duh!! What is an emal?

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

I hesitate to answer because I do not sell... just give away but I have a couple of thoughts, probably gathered from past posts. Do you have insurance? If you are going into business, or sharing your soap- you need it. Is there a buisness license you might need? As for where; if web sites are overloaded then look for craft shows, farmers markets, or are there gift stores, tourist spots, coffee shops in your area that would be interested in your product? How about putting up a flyer at work places, some supermarkets... make buisness cards you can leave around. Its all about getting the word out. More and more people are looking to "buy local". Maybe your community chamber of commerce has some ideas for you. Best of luck!

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

I agree. If you are planning to sell, liability insurance is a must. If your sales are under 5T, you can sign up with RLI Insurance. Depending on rules and regs in your state or your county, you might also need a resale license and a business license.

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