Make money selling homemade soap

By Kenna 60 Comments. This is even more important if you are one-woman or man show, otherwise, no one is going to sell your products for you, and you will end up with a very expensive business hobby. This is why production efficiency is of the utmost importance! If your target market was exactly like you, they would be making their own products and starting their own business, too.

If you start a soap business making laundry soap, beard oil, glittery eyeshadow, and baby soap because those are the products you like to make , then who the heck are you going to market to?

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Your product line should be small usually a maximum of 10 products , with a consistent purpose, and focused on a single market. If you think branding is as simple as picking a few colors, a pretty graphic you like, and slapping it altogether, I have news for you. Branding is so, so much more than that. And without strong branding, you will struggle in business. Your brand should guide every action and decision you make in business.

When you have a solid brand and target market, these questions become a cake walk. If you compete on price alone, you will never own a sustainable and profitable business.

I was surrounded by four other soapmakers. If you want to run a successful soap company, you absolutely must turn a healthy profit , or you will not be able to afford to stay in business. And that is a big ole fat lie. You have to nail down a specific market that is right for your products. There is a market for anything and everything under the sun, you just have to find the right market and niche for your products. Before you sell a single bar of soap, you should know how stable the product will be over time.

And this is not a full list of applicable regulations, either! And finally, the one word soap companies dread hearing: Yes, you need business and product liability insurance before you sell your soapy creations. Most soap companies want to sell their products online to reach the largest portion of their audience possible, which means your customers will rely on your ability to take stellar product photographs.

And not everyone is a photography master. You need to keep learning, growing, and stretching your limits to build a successful soap company. If you ever become stagnant in learning, you will become stagnant in growth, too. The old adage that you need to spend money to make money is just as true now as it has ever been. When you first start out, focus on your strengths and either invest in yourself to strengthen your weaknesses or put your money where it matters and outsource your weaknesses.

Tread lightly when building your support system. Set a budget and limit on how many cooks are going to be in your kitchen — whether they are paid or free resources: Do you want to grow your soap business into an empire? Do you want to stay in your kitchen forever? Do you want a retail store or a manufacturing space or employees to manage? And even though you start with Plan A, you may end up with Plan D — planning is not set in stone.

Even if you consider yourself pretty fearless now, I promise you will find a fear down the road that holds you back. Stay honest with yourself, and keep the ball rolling in the right direction. In the Name of Business , On the Soapbox Tagged With: Hey-ho, I'm the soapy founder of Modern Soapmaking, and I eat, breathe, and sleep soap.

Okay, I don't eat soap My passion is in helping other soapmakers find their path, whether it's in the craft or as an entrepreneur. Maybe, I can help you find yours? Have you seen these posts? A 30 Day Challenge Is On The Table! Over a year and a half ago, I was tearing my hair out over the mess of bookkeeping records I had kept in Wave Apps for my first … [Read this article, pronto August 4, at 9: Until recently, I thought if a big retailer asked me to do something, they were only asking because they expected that from me as a retailer, and I was obligated to comply.

August 4, at 6: I allllmooosssttt included that as a bonus. I think another huge issue is FOMO — fear of missing out. August 5, at 7: March 9, at 2: Hey Kenna, how are you I would like to start a home base organic soap making business as I currently unemployed And need a income, you help would be more than appreciated.

Thank you n God bless.. August 20, at 6: October 19, at Dear Kenna,I could not find you on Facebook ,or what is your id on Instagram please? August 4, at I believed in it, and eventually others did too. The market has actually almost come up to meet me, but I got some UGLY comments along the way. You will probably have a recall at some point. Have a plan in place. Oh, let me add my own little wisdom here. From the get-go, I was cheering you on, lady, and I hope you know I still am.

The addendum you added is exactly why — you are smart biz cookie. Your added advice about staying on the straight and narrow is fab. Someone who looks like they have their stuff together could very well be thousands of dollars in debt and have a super small customer base. August 4, at 3: I just moved here and basically have to start my business from scratch and grow a local customer base. I make bath and body products, and have been considering soap… but maybe after reading this I wont.

I love my products my customers do too, but everything needs an overhaul and re-branded, rather cleaned up and a proper webpage. I need to focus on the products I have, adding complimentary ones and what my special offerings will be for Fall. This has been so hard for me, with no friends here and really no support system or sales, I need to refocus.

Thanks for the guidance. You are welcome, Darla! Too many small biz owners in the handcrafted cottage industry look to new products as the right answer, when usually, there are other factors that should be massaged better first. August 4, at 7: They sell high-end stuff and charge accordingly.

Is it appropriate to charge a retailer more as a wholesale price than I charge my market customers, knowing they will add an outrageous amount on to that, and get it? Should I care how they price my products? My fear, hands down, is cold calling. Kenna has a great article or two on wholesaling and pricing. August 10, at Most stockists expect keystone. As Melissa said, I have written a handful of articles on wholesale. You can find them here: WHOA, I so needed to have this article last year!

I am one that had to get over this. My fear was introducing my products to others. I had a fear of selling my products; fear of hearing the word NO. My concept was, if I build a website, they will come…NOT! I have to put in the time of building my brand and introducing my products to others and drive them to my site.

I believe I would have been much further in my business if I would have kicked fear in the butt, believed in my product and JUST DO THE DARN THING!

You can do it!

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January 28, at 6: I am organizing and researching on starting up my soap business in the Caribbean. It has got me thinking deeper. August 5, at 5: August 5, at I normally am very confident,I just let this get under my skin. I need to just pay attention to MY beautiful soaps and move on. Market research is great, but most of us are too tied personally to our products that we start to invest our future into others by being consumed as to what THEY are doing.

Focus on your awesome products, and keep moving! August 5, at 1: After attending the June Masterbatching class in Richmond, CA with Kenna, I came home totally inspired. I had this idea on the drive up there to make soap with a few natural ingredients that customers are familiar with and can actually pronounce.

When I stopped at a large roadside stand, I told the cashier about my idea.

She handed me her card and said she was the company buyer and wanted whatever I made, by the dozen. Thank God, Kenna instructed us on wholesale pricing! The buyer went for it later without any argument. Fear is my friend. Putting my ideas out to others, logging every batch with comments, and following your advice is what is going to keep my business profitable.

Thank you so very much Kenna. Thank you so much, Janene! What a fabulous comment! Keep rocking it out!! The Nova Studio says. August 25, at 6: We loved having you at the Studio Janene! August 7, at Maybe once a month market days next summer would be time better spent. Thank you Miss Kenna for doing what you do for us! Sounds like a fabulous plan, Angie! August 8, at 4: Branding is my issue… Where can I go to get a better understanding of how to nail this down?

Sign up for the mailing list so you can get in on it! More info can be found here: August 10, at 9: I would have done things differently in some areas, especially with promotions and branding. I thought since I had a website, sales would POUR in and I could bask in the glory of my success. Its hilariously ridiculous when I think about it now.

This gem is really going to help others with their dreams!! Which I know you are! August 17, at This is a really good article and had a lot of helpful info! I am aware that branding is important, it just seems kind of confusing to me. Everything has to be consistent in your brand? I am a relatively new business owner and can take all the advice and information I can get. I read this information and it was really helpful! August 24, at 1: Hi Kenna, Great piece you have here.

Recently, however, I caught my passion eyeing me passionately. I love great skin care and want to know what goes into everything I use on my skin, and even though I never completely understood what each and every ingredient mean or does, I think I did fairly well and for this, people think I know more than I let on.

Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful inspiration. September 4, at This is great information. I would like to eventually start my own soap business and reading this information is a great way of learning the business side of soap making before starting one.

October 16, at 6: I will foxy on the recipes that my very small but consistent buyers love , and work hard on developing my brand and building a market base.

I just discovered your website at 6: Great job well done. How do I participate online in son of your training modules? You are a blessing. January 27, at 2: Definitely i will put my act together and snag one for your sessions, time get real and roll up the sleeves not doing soap as much unfortunately to make a real profit out this!

February 15, at 8: Kenna, you are incredible! Unlike most of the others, I have never made a single bar of soap. However, I have over the last 6 months been enjoying the benefits of homemade soap because of several skin conditions that I have.

Thanks for all you do…you are an inspiration!! March 6, at 3: Trying ever so gingerly to stick my toes into the soapmaking business waters…my biggest fear is twofold: Erika A Lockhart says. March 30, at Thanks for this great article! One thing in particular struck me and that was making soaps that people want, not what you, the soap maker wants. The local market wants no fragrance and no color and I like bright colors and bold patterns and subtle scents.

This could be my downfall since I have found soap to be an outlet for creative expression. Have been aiming at the gift market but I think people buy gifts for people based on what they think the recipients should have rather than what the recipient would like. I also appreciate all the responders for their tips. I love the fact that soap makers share so much and I hope to be able to give back.

May 11, at Start finding natural wats to and a color.

4 Ways to Make Homemade Shower Gel - wikiHow

Like clays, coffee, paprika, coco powder, tumeric, dandelion leaves, there are alot of ways just google and you will find them. April 25, at Hi, It was really inspiring article or ideas. I am going to start my own bath soap business. May 9, at 3: I have been making and selling soap for 10 years. I raise goats on a small farm for the milk for my soaps. I have seen and heard of so many people starting soap companies in the last 4 years.

I am a single lady working a soap business and farm, hopefully I will be able to out last the crazy soap making boom …. June 9, at 2: I know this article is from several months ago, but Ive run into a major issue.

I started my little company about 2 months ago just an online store. Also, I realized immediately that she had borrowed several ideas from Lush, so who cares, right? So much so that she has slandered my name ALL OVER the Internet, and sent an impressive number of harassing emails from bogus accounts.

I laughed it off at first, but then it took a scary turn. I kid you not. Death threats over the color and design of my soaps. I understand trademark laws very well, and technically, I have done absolutely nothing wrong. I have NO CLUE what to do. Bullying is a real thing. Has anyone ever heard of this type of thing happening? Any words of advice? June 27, at 6: Really that is crazy. Just like making beer and wine no two are ever going to be the same. Death threats seem like someone has some major insecurities.

Soap on and may people calm down. Maybe they should use some lavender. July 13, at Do you have recommendations on what insurance companies or agents are good for product liability insurance?

Thank you for any recommendations! August 2, at 2: Hi Sara, Try http: THANK YOU Kenna and Crew for being supportive, energetic, creative, and REAL!

August 6, at 3: Hi i want to start a business of soap so tell me what will be the minimum budget required for it?

Making and selling soap

October 14, at 5: I must say…you are wise beyond your years. I really appreciate your sharing nature and the very valid points you put forth. I do believe I will be following you for quite some time. Such a smart and giving lady you are. Greetings, I am interested in starting my own soap business,can I get information on how I can learn about it proper online or how I can purchase materials to learn?

October 22, at People I know like my soaps so much but they tend to haggle so much as well. I am more of an introvert and i dont have much friends, just a handful of real ones. Having a wider network of acquaintances do help you take off with the business somehow. Thank you so much for sharing. At least now I know the other things I need to look out for in this soap making business.

I fear rejections as well as an ineffective product. December 26, at January 26, at 9: Thank you soooo much for this informative article! I am a newbie blogger and aspiring all natural soap buisness owner. These were great tips to get me going in the right direction. February 14, at 9: I am looking at opening a homemade soap business mostly a hobby and was hoping you could help me with a few questions.

Or maybe direct me to some answers. Any advice or suggestions you can give me would be greatly appreciated. February 19, at Looking forward to your key note speech!

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Facebook Pinterest Reddit Twitter Print E-mail. Need help pricing your handmade soap? About Kenna Read more from Kenna Hey-ho, I'm the soapy founder of Modern Soapmaking, and I eat, breathe, and sleep soap. Ready to build your soapy supply arsenal? Comments Danielle Vincent says August 4, at 9: A lot to think about.

Trackbacks How to Know When You Are Ready to Start a Soap Company says: October 21, at August 14, at 7: Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Here's all my favorites! Learn everything you need to know to price your handmade soap for profit. Can I help you find something? Get social with me?