Teach Soap

As I prepare to unleash my lotion onto the country (eek!), I've been going through and re-reading all my information, re-familiarising myself with the important information and other factors. It just so happened that another soaper in a group I'm in had one of their lotions come back with mold on it and it launched a very interesting discussion. Part of the replies from other members linked to the following page: http://blog.mariegale.com/good-manufact ... es-part-3/

Very interesting read for me. As I start implementing the steps needed to move from hobby to business, the part about batch numbers and such is really important to me at this time. But as I was reading through the page, it started to dawn on me that it is A LOT of additional work when it comes to my CP soaps. Not so much the 'standard' batches I will be keeping in stock all the time as I'm having a 40 bar mould made for me. But for the one off creations or 'play time' soaps where I just want to have a bit of fun, I'm wondering if keeping samples, batch numbers, etc is required? Half the time with my one offs, once the bars are gone (usually 5 - 10 bars made), that's it. They're gone. Not to be remade.

I have enough trouble storing my ingredients, curing soaps and finished product. To then add samples, and binders upon binders of information freaks me out just a tad at the moment. Yes, for my lotions and other 'longer life' items I am strict about keeping samples and such just in case... but what about for CP soap?

I already keep notes on each batch, but don't go quite to the extent that page details. Should I be?

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

Very interesting read Coolah! Great info, just a note to check for up-to-date info on batch numbers, in NZ it now must be on the label, Oz? (considering we usually follow you!!! ) This is a recent thing.

As far as CP goes, I had been thinking of it slightly different to lotions, lipbalms etc. I use the same silicone moulds as you I think, (1kg?) (unless it's a big batch!) & cut 8 bars + a wee little bit 'for me', I may use half of this but I definately have kept a wee sample of every batch I've made to date. This is looking slightly out-of-control now though! Don't know quite how long to keep them for, suspect I will shortly box most of them up & hide them somewhere Batch numbers for CP? Dunno, seems a bit too much!!!

Definately paperwork for your other items as you say though. Btw, can't wait to see your mould, hope you will share pics on your blog! How long to make it?

Now I'm really curious about batch numbers for CP. Does anyone do this? Is it necessary? If I sell a single soap at market, chances are whoever purchased it will throw the label away before even using the soap. I've had repeat customers come back but can't remember what scent they got the first time. I don't keep a record of who purchases my soap (or what type), unless it's a larger order that I actually invoice. I also don't keep a piece of soap from every batch (I did when I first started making soap so I could see what happened over time), but I do make sure each batch is okay before selling it. If a batch is questionable, it doesn't get sold.

My other products-lip balms, salves, lotions, etc - all have batch numbers for reference. And, the labels will most likely remain on the product in case there's a problem.

I would love to read what others think about this.

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

If you use Soapmaker3 it assigns batch numbers for you. Even when you remake a specific recipe it goes into the "My Products" Section with a new batch number. That could at least help manage the paperwork side of things. I have no clue how you would handle storage of batch samples. Space is at such a premium in my house, I think my husband would kill me if I started stacking up more boxes. LOL

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Dawn

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Linda

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

I actually use the batch number as the item number on my labels. Then record the purchases (I just write down the number) on a notebook or sales pad. This saves time at the market since I dont have to write out a long description of the item. when I get home it makes it easy to find the item when I record the sales.

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Dawn

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

I use a netbook for my "business" files too! I'd never considered batch numbers for my soaps either, but I think it's generally a good idea. It would help keep track of each and ever bar, would also be easy for tracking cure dates and bar numbers too!

Thanks for this Coolah! Now I have some more thinking to do!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I print out the soapcalc sheet for each batch and then later on when testing a bar, write a note on its sheet as to how it came out. I do this because I am constantly experimenting with different recipes.