Moody Glenn
Well-Known Member
To answer all questions, yes I just started making soap and am working on selling it. It is a nice fun hobby, but will not be sustainable if I cannot sell a bit to recoup for all of the expensive ingredients.
Hi Michael! From one guy to another please don't feel you are bullied. You have an interest and a plan and I say go for it. The responses from the wonderful people on this forum comes from their hearts - this is a passion, an art, a calling, an addictive hobby, a business, a whatever - that everyone tries to perfect. We are all learning and that's what makes it fun. Part of that learning is sharing collective mistakes and giving warning to people new to soap making and also a reminder to the pros.
I re-read your postings. You are now making soap so you must know what you are doing. Your concern is about the economics of making and then selling your soap. EO and FO are probably the most expensive of all ingredients. There is no way around this; better quality scented oils result in a better product. To cut back on expenses you need to find your recipe soaping oils and fats that are easy to obtain. Your local grocery store is one. Later, when concerned with making bigger batches (which lowers the overall price), try Sam's Club. Avoid using oils and fats you have to have shipped to you. The shipping charges greatly raises your expenses. You also do not have to use those exotic oils. They are expensive as well and more common oils offer the same benefits. Please remember that some common oils are problematic in soapmaking. If we know which oils you use or are thinking about using we can advise you what to use. By saving on less expensive oils and fats (which can make an excellent soap) you can then obtain those expensive scented oils and still have room for a good profit.
You would have to make quite a bit of soap for other expenses come into play such as business needs, license, insurance, packaging, etc. But even here you can find less expensive ways to do things - with the exception of license and insurance rates.
I think you probably know all this. If so - I apologize for any preaching. I thought I would try to help.