I Challenge You to a Donating Duel!

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance7 Comments

Calling all soapers!  Have you heard?  We’re having a Holiday of Hope Soap Drive.  We know that you are already giving soap in your communities, to causes ranging from local food banks to canine rescue. Photo by Flickr member Darren Tunnicliff. Used under a Creative Commons License. Thank you to everyone who’s shared their donations via twitter and the facebook … Read More

Master the Fair

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance2 Comments

We’re deep in the winter craft fair season, which begs the question: have you ever paid a fee for a craft fair or boutique show only to find out as the show drags on that it was not a good fit for your soap business?  Even worse, you’ve wasted a lot of time and energy in the process of finding, … Read More

This Store’s For You

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Do you sell your soap?  Are you trying to expand your reach?  Do you have a website yet?  The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has partnered with HSMG member The Template Place to bring you Soap Guild Stores, a fully customizable webstore available expressly for HSMG members.  The Soap Guild Stores combine all member webstores into a marketplace that assists consumers in … Read More

Label on!

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Last week, the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild welcomed author, past HSMG President, and savvy labeler Marie Gale into our twitter chat room to share some of her vast experience labeling soaps and cosmetics for sale in the US. Read on for highlights of our discussion. [View the story “Soap and Cosmetic Labeling #HSMGchat ” on Storify] Soap and Cosmetic Labeling #HSMGchat … Read More

9 Reasons Insurance is Worth Pondering

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance3 Comments

If you sell your soap, you need insurance.  Despite your careful formulation, good manufacturing practices, and thorough testing, liability claims can happen to any business.  Here are nine reasons why having general, product, and professional liability insurance is a good idea: 9.  Mold infiltrates your beautifully packaged finished soap 8.  A student is hurt while following directions you gave them … Read More

Spring Shows And Markets Are Around The Corner!

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I do not know how it has been weather wise in your location but here in Clyde we have not experienced our usual amount of snow and winter weather.   But then again March might yet go out “like a lion”.   Speaking of March and all things Spring you might be beginning to plot your strategies for your upcoming … Read More

Business Focus: Benefits of a Marketing Plan

moniqueBusiness & Finance1 Comment

While your business plan includes a section that focuses on how you are planning to market your company and products, it is most likely is giving a high-level view of the company rather than going into operational detail about all the functions within the company. An in-depth marketing plan that goes beyond the marketing section of your business plan should … Read More

Business Focus: 10 Activities For Your Business During Post Holiday Production Slow Downs

moniqueBusiness & FinanceLeave a Comment

Now that we’ve successfully made it through the holidays and into the new year, many soapmakers now have a brief slow-down in orders, which is the perfect time to  work on other business activities that tend to take a back burner during the holiday rush.  Before the Valentine’s and spring orders tart to kick in, here are 10 suggestions for … Read More

Business Focus: Holiday Sales Opportunities

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Many of the season’s craft shows take place the first weekend of December. If you have participated in any craft shows this month  you probably sold a lot of your inventory; however you may have some left over.  I know I did. Rather than hold on to left over holiday soaps, here is an outlet that I’ve found… Bring your … Read More

Business Focus: 10 Tips for Holiday Craft Show Success

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance2 Comments

Here we are again in the final days of November, which means that soapmakers around the world are getting ready for holiday crafts fairs, where they will be showcasing their finest wares. If you are selling soap at holiday boutiques, here are some tips to help you with your holiday displays: Display your products right up front: Because soaps and … Read More