Teach Soap

_________________
Laura<3

I'd take it with a grain of salt. Have some other people do some testing for you and see what they say.

In the end though, if YOU are happy with it, then stick with it! Not everyone will like the same thing, and if you're happy with what you're doing, then you'll eventually draw an audience of like minded folk. If you change your product just to make one person happy then you'll find yourself chasing others opinions till the cows come home!

_________________
**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**

Oh duh >.> ...............


I was thinking along the same lines, but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't bias for my own soaps heh. I told her I would make a batch of "Lots of Lather" to send her though, to see if she could tell a difference and which she liked better.

_________________
Laura<3

I do the same thing sometimes! Someone will say, "Have you thought about making _____ ?" And I'll think... hmm... maybe I should make that. And then I start charging down bunny trails and before you know it, I've totally strayed from my passion. It's very easy to do!

Oh yeah, for sure, I know exactly what you mean. Those people who ask for specific things never seem to come back around either. I think sometimes it is just something they say as an excuse for not wanting what you have. I guess they think they are being polite.

_________________
Laura<3

People that haven't tried handmade soap are sometimes disappointed because commercial bars lather a lot, due to the synthetic surfactants. Handmade soaps will not have as much lather. People were taught that the more soap lathers, the better it cleans. Well yeah, it strips any moisture from the skin. Some people want their skin to squeak when they got out of the shower. It took me some time to convince my husband that his skin doesn't have to squeak and that it is clean.

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

Thanks Irena. You put that very well.

_________________
Laura<3

We all strive to have a soap that has a ton of bubbles but won't dry our skin. And scent is a personal preference. Has she made any soap since she left you? Maybe her DH is just trying to discourage her from getting involved with this process?
It is always good to listen to what our users and customers say....but I would look for verification from more than one person.
I agree with tumblin... probably just a typing error. Unless she was thinking that a food scent would be better. Maybe the way to her DH's heart is through his stomach...just like my beagle!

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

No, she hasn't made any more soap. Think she just wanted to see how it was done just once.

Sorry if it seems like I am making a big deal out of this feedback, I've just never had anyone tell me cons of my soaps before. Granted, I've had plenty of people turn up their nose without even trying them, which would be hurtful if I didn't already not value their opinions about anything in life haha. I don't look at this as a negative review though, I appreciate her honesty about how she felt about it personally, just wondering how is the best way to approach it without sounding offended I suppose. I really want to make her happy because she is my friend, but I know you can't please everyone. Not that she sounds displeased, but you know what I mean!

_________________
Laura<3

When I was formulating my base recipes, I would actually rather have someone tell me what they didn't like about my soap so that I could take steps to make it better.

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

She is a friend, so that's probably why you feel such a twinge with her review. At least she told you honestly her opinions. And did it in a way to make sure she wouldnt hurt your feelings. The rest of the world and potential customers are not always like that. I would speak to her husband directly about his reaction to your soap, to get his first hand review, rather than one filtered through the voice of his companion.

How would this information, if received from other parties unknown to you, affect what you do to your bars and bath bombs? Would you rush out and try to fix every customers complaint? Are you willing to go into a custom only business? (at which point you could charge an arm and a leg? LOL)

The best way to approach it without sounding offensive is to say "Thank you." and move on.

_________________
Kristen D. Vineyard
visit my blog http://washwithvegetables.blogspot.com

I personally find your soap has great lather!!! I didn't even get to post a pic of my haul because I HAD to use your soap! Its nice and hard, has that thick creamy lather that I associate with butters, and the scents are amazing! I love your soap! <3

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

just a thought for the future... make up a survey and have your testers fill it out and return it to you . Have each question rated 1-5 with 5 being the best score. Preface the survey with reminders about handmade soaps. Also have the page pre-addressed and stamped on the back so they can mail it to you anonymously. That makes it a lot less personal


I have a friend that raves about one of my soaps and I personally think it feels slimy, so there is no telling what people are going to think...or say.

_________________

Dawn

Your friends comments were actually quite positive, except for Michael's reactions. It sounds like he didn't want to like them or let her enjoy them either. You can't do much about people like him except if you think it's worth trying to educate him about handcrafted soaps. You make great soaps and even other soapmakers like them! Forget the guy.

_________________
Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!