Bartering items for soaps

[lizflowers42]

I've read a few people who mention they trade items for soaps...but those people are more experienced and have good products to share (Mine are still very much experimental!)

But I have given away a few of my soaps to people because I have too much from "playing scientist" in the kitchen. A co-worker asked if she could buy from me, and I'm very reluctant to sell because I don't have insurance, I don't necessarily understand all the laws about what you can and can't do/say/use etc. Even though they promise not to sue me if she has an allergic reaction or lye burn, I still cannot in good faith sell her a bar of soap. She suggested bartering something for it. I said I would consider, and she said to name my price! I don't even know where to begin there!

I know there are no right or wrong answers here, but I am open to suggestions because she really wants to buy to me regularly. :eh:

 

[Seifenblasen]

I have been bartering soap for about 6 months. Sometimes as simple as having my neighbor help carry all my soap making supplies from storage to my kitchen and back, sometimes I trade soap for homegrown produce such as lavender, lemon balm, raspberries, etc. (because of my travel schedule, there is no way to keep a garden).

Depends on the size of the bar and the ingredients, I "price" my soaps from $3.50 to $7.50 equivalent. For example, if organic raspberries sell for $7.50 a pint in the local stores, I will trade a bar of $7.50 soap for a pint of raspberries.

One thing that gives me the comfort level in bartering with co-workers is most of them are scientists, including a PhD, DABT in toxicology. I explain to them how I make my soap and what I use and they are knowledgeable enough to make their own educated decision.

 

[lizflowers42]

Haha, I just wanted to clairify that I said "playing scientist" in a very lose manner! I had another co-worker ask for me to make him lotion bars, which he bought me some of the supplies and he got the batch out of it (again because I like to "play scientist"), with my soaps though...that's a different area of concern. Thanks for the heads up on how you do it

 

[hlee]

I have bartered for Olive oil and some homemade greeting cards a co-worker makes. This was after they were given some of my soap wanted more.

 

[Smee]

Soap for garden produce; for baked goods; for soap supplies; yard & housework
help; errand running; babysitting; a casserole; homemade wine (interesting how
that one always come up); anything knitted or crocheted; dog grooming; car
repairs or washes...
pretty much anything they can do or make that you can't, don't, or won't

 

[Mommysoaper]

Man, if only I could convince Wal-mart the value of the barter system... I'm hoping to be able to use some of my soaps to barter for some babysitting this summer. Hope it works out!

 

[marghewitt]

Oh where to begin….. I barter regularly for Orchids (yes the beautiful flowering plant), I have bartered for some yard sale furniture, for one of my metal curing racks, for a wood burning stove, the building of my web site and for a beekeeping book. Probably more but at the moment I can’t remember.

 

[Badger]

I actually posted one of my soaps on facebook yesterday and an old friend of mine asked me to send him some. He said he could pay for it, but I told him I can't accept money for the soap itself, but he can pay for the shipping (He lives in Washington state). I am debating asking some friends about trading for goats milk, but I have no idea if they have any extra. I like the idea of trading for baked goods... I love fresh breads and all kinds of baked goodies that I shouldn't have ;-)

 

[Smee]

Badger, I'll swap you a batch of these for a couple bars of that Indian Sandalwood
you did (???I think it was you???)

 

[ruby61]

I swapped soap on another forum for rare chicken eggs! Best trade I made!

 

[houseofwool]

Hmmm, that makes me think. I have an aunt who raises chickens and I LOVE their eggs... I think I need to propose a swap.

 

[Cherry Bomb]

Badger, I'll swap you a batch of these for a couple bars of that Indian Sandalwood
you did (???I think it was you???)

I will make you whatever soap you want for these. I am at your service!!!

 

[Badger]

Badger, I'll swap you a batch of these for a couple bars of that Indian Sandalwood
you did (???I think it was you???)

Yes, that was me, and I would so trade you some Indian Sandalwood soap for a batch of those!!

 

[judymoody]

I tip my hairdresser with soap and I also have traded soap for babysitting.

However, I do keep insurance as accepting something of value for soap probably still carries some liability. I have a basic policy from RLI that costs only about $140 per year. Cheap peace of mind.

 

[lizflowers42]

I tip my hairdresser with soap and I also have traded soap for babysitting.

However, I do keep insurance as accepting something of value for soap probably still carries some liability. I have a basic policy from RLI that costs only about $140 per year. Cheap peace of mind.

Ok, I had wondered (worried) about that yet...thanks for being a voice of reason judymoody!

 

[lizflowers42]

Badger, I'll swap you a batch of these for a couple bars of that Indian Sandalwood
you did (???I think it was you???)

I will totally swap soap for that smee!!!!!

 

[DeeAnna]

Oh where to begin….. I barter regularly for ... a beekeeping book. Probably more but at the moment I can’t remember.

Wooo hooo -- another beekeeper person! Nice to meetcha! I've finished my 2nd year with my bees. I'm currently struggling to keep them fed and alive until spring actually comes. It's been a loooong winter here in Iowa. --DeeAnna

 

[marghewitt]

Wooo hooo -- another beekeeper person! Nice to meetcha! I've finished my 2nd year with my bees. I'm currently struggling to keep them fed and alive until spring actually comes. It's been a loooong winter here in Iowa. --DeeAnna

Hello! Actually my husband and son are the beekeepers. They have been doing it for quite some time now. I just reap the sweet benefits! We started our business last year and are shopping for a new insurance company to cover both soap and bee stuff so we can add honey, nucs and queens to our website. www.soapandhoney.com. Im not crazy about the site, a friend built it for me for a years supply of soap. DANG I forgot to add that to my barter list! But I figure in time I will learn and personalize it to my liking.

 

[green soap]

Since I sell weekly at a farmer's market I trade for duck and chicken eggs, all sorts of produce, live plants, salsa, stewing hens, compost, goat's milk, cheese, bread, pastries, sometimes a hot meal. Then the vendors (bless their hearts) tell customers how much they like my soap. Not a bad deal overall.

 

[lizflowers42]

Since I sell weekly at a farmer's market I trade for duck and chicken eggs, all sorts of produce, live plants, salsa, stewing hens, compost, goat's milk, cheese, bread, pastries, sometimes a hot meal. Then the vendors (bless their hearts) tell customers how much they like my soap. Not a bad deal overall.

That's a pretty AWESOME DEAL!!! Perhaps I should start carrying my soap with me when I go to the farm market and attempt to make trades with the produce folks