Ello! Newbie here.

[miaow]

Hello guys, I'm new here and this is my first post.
I've made cp soap for a few years now and would like to turn my hobby perhaps into a full-time business.
Can I pick your brains for a little Q&A?
How many of you are currently making soap for profit?
How long have you done it for?
What are your profits like(if you feel like sharing)?
Do you work mostly through the Internet, craft fairs, word of mouth or ?
How much were your startup costs? Do you just produce soap or do you make other products as well?
Thanks in advance, tough economic times just might call for a change of plans.

 

[oldragbagger]

If you do a search for any of those subjects you are going to find thread upon thread of information as those are probably some of the most frequently talked about subjects on this forum. And you will find people to be most helpful and generous with their experience and information.

As for me, I do not sell yet, but plan to in the future. I have been soaping for less than a year. I am a little overwhelmed by the regulations and would recommend reading all the threads and pursuing further research in this area before you start selling. If your product, by its nature or by your description, falls into the cosmetic or drug category, you will need to meet regulatory criteria that you need to be aware of.

I wish you the very best of luck. I imagine you're addicted to soaping, just like the rest of us, and I can't imagine anything better than making a living doing something you are passionate about, so I hope that you are successful.

And welcome to the forum.

Becky

 

[zeoplum]

I agree with oldragbagger, that is how I've been learning....by just reading through previous theads. There is so much info here that it will keep me busy for a while.

zeo

Oh, and welcome to the group miaow!

 

[Guest]

Welcome , I love your avatar .

Ditto what the others said about research , research , research and take notes

Kitn

 

[heyjude]

I don't sell, but wanted to add my hello and welcome.

Jude

 

[miaow]

Hi guys, thanks for the warm welcome.
Here's a picture of the oatmeal soap I made almost a year ago, I only have 1 bar left(self use, family use, and a few in consignment) and it still smells great. I consider this the best batch I have ever made:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk23 ... 1246405145

 

[Lindy]

Hello & welcome!

I do sell - I just went into business officially this past March using the same program as Ashley.

So here is what I can share with you - my business is primarily through a Masll Kiosk 2 - 3 times a month - this summer I will be spending a lot of time in fairs while still maintaining my presence at the mall once a month.

I advertise in a monthly publication for my area and it has worked really well for me. At this time I am NOT making a profit and don't really expect to until this fall. I have a website and have done some selling off of it as well. My business is growing through repeat business and referrals. I am also pursuing wholesale and priovate label business. At this point I have 3 wholesale locations and 1 private label. I am hoping to increase this to 30 or 40 small accounts and hopefully 1 large one bgy the New Year. I am currently pursuing a large account.

I recommend that you create a business plan which would include a feasability study to help you determine whether your area could support your business and what different avenues you could pursue to grow your business.

HTH