Help me out here please

[hlee]

I have not been making soap for even a year yet. I started in Jan., but have been making lots of soap in tiny batches.
I'm definitely addicted to making it.
I give it to my friends , co workers, neighbors and pretty much anyone that comes over and have been getting great feedback.
Now with Xmas coming I'm getting requests to sell it to them.
I'm not ready for that, like I said not even a year old soap yet.
It does get me thinking though to next year.
I have no time for farmers markets etc. at this point in my life so I would only be selling to people I know.
By the time I pay for insurance, tax stuff , all the legalities, time, should I just keep on giving it away?
It is not killing me financially to do that and I consider it good research but it is kind of hard right now to say no I can't sell you any.
I guess I am wondering if it would cost me more to make it all official than it costs me now to give my soap away.
Any suggestions from anyone that has been here and what did you do?
I really had no idea that soap making was going to be so much fun for me!

 

[judymoody]

You could "sell" it at the cost of your materials or ask for a donation equal to the amount of your material cost. Regardless, I'd carry liability insurance. I donate a lot to charity functions. Mine is through RLI, 145 dollars per year, cheap for the peace of mind it brings, IMO.

 

[hlee]

Thanks Judy.
That cost seems reasonable and I will look into that .

 

[lpstephy85]

You could "sell" it at the cost of your materials or ask for a donation equal to the amount of your material cost. Regardless, I'd carry liability insurance. I donate a lot to charity functions. Mine is through RLI, 145 dollars per year, cheap for the peace of mind it brings, IMO.

Judy, is it just the General Liability?

http://www.rlicorp.com/Products/gl.asp

 

[Marilyna]

I wouldn't sell it at cost. They'll get used to getting very cheap soap. Then when you need to charge market prices, they'll think they're too expensive. Plus I wouldn't tell anyone my costs, ever.

 

[sistrum]

It might cost more but the insurance is cheaper than getting sued. Your friends might not sue you but what if they gave it to someone that doesn't know you? I applaud you not wanting to just jump right in and start selling before you are ready.