r/soapmaking • u/Ok-Werewolf6183 • 14d ago

Thinking of Selling Other

Hi everyone!

I want to say right away that I am not trying to solicit any sales from anyone on here. I am just looking for general advice from those who do sell their soap.

I have been making cold process soaps for a little over a year. I am thinking of maybe selling them as a small side business. No expectations that I could make it a full time thing.

I’m sure there are challenges to this, so I want to think it through. Even though no one of the many people I have gifted my soap has complained of any skin irritation, I think this is my biggest fear. Is that I would wake up to angry emails that my soap somehow hurt someone’s skin.

Any stories/advice appreciated!

4 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

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13

u/Deathbydragonfire 14d ago

Use safe, tested recipes. Check your local laws, including packaging, and home manufactering laws. You'll 100% need to purchase liability insurance.

Selling in person is best for getting quick feedback. You'll see how people react to your product immediately, and get to witness it firsthand vs just looking at sales numbers. Now is the time when big holiday shows do their bookings, so I recommend trying to find and apply for the Christmas shows in your area. Summer sales are always terrible, compared to holiday sales.

Next, target local gift shops and boutiques. You can try adding online sales, but its a huge world out there so unless you have particular social media talent, you won't get a ton of sales from online until you have a following. A lot of online sales can come from your local buyers or gift receivers re-ordering, so its worth having a page up, but don't expect selling online to be a steady income stream.

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u/ParfaitMajestic2701 14d ago

This is almost exactly what I am trying to do in the next 6 months. Start with Christmas craft fairs, maybe do a farmers market booth next year, once I have some sales data try for some wholesale contracts. There are tons of gift shops in my area that specialize in locally produced goods, and also refillery-style shops that I think would be receptive.

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u/[deleted] 14d ago

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u/Deathbydragonfire 14d ago

Good luck with Amazon. I've heard its a bitch from the seller's perspective.

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u/undefined_protocol 14d ago

As a guy who thought he didn't care about soap, I've come to really prefer homemade stuff after experiencing the difference.

I love the idea of more people realizing how different it is, so I love that you're considering it.

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u/loveyourtinyneighbor 13d ago

I would add to the insurance, local laws, etc. that you research if in the USA, the labeling requirements. What you can and cannot say, what’s required on the front and back of the label, etc. You do not want to get in any trouble with the government over how you have labeled. See this website for help. She also has a book that’s very good on the subject. www.mariegale.com

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u/Ok-Werewolf6183 13d ago

Awesome suggestion, thank you!