If you’re a US-based maker over the age of 18 (sorry to our international and teen members!) with a fantastic idea, check out Grow America’s latest competition, which opened this week. With a few simple clicks, you could be in the running for their top prize of $20,000, to be awarded by the end of …
Whether it’s bright and balmy or blisteringly brisk, January is a great time to plan for the year. A mad rush of holidays has ended, affording small business owners a chance to stop, catch their breath, and reset for the coming year. Photo by Flickr member Sally Mahoney. Used under a Creative Commons License. How …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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] …
We’re having a tweet party and you’re invited! Come to HSMG’s twitter chat debut on Wednesday, August 22 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. Resident labeling expert Marie Gale, author of Soap and Cosmetic Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English, will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions about …
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 …
When you come to the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild conference in two weeks, be sure to bring lots of business cards. If you have attended previous HSMG conferences in the past, then you know that the conference is an excellent place for networking. Throughout the conference you will find business networking opportunities. If this is your …
Continue reading ‘Business Focus: Great Networking in Miami’ »
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 …
Continue reading ‘Business Focus: Benefits of a Marketing Plan’ »
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, …
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 …
Continue reading ‘Business Focus: Holiday Sales Opportunities’ »
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 …
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HSMG Programs and Services Keeps it Coming! Another NEW Member Benefit! Looking for a better merchant account solutions? We are pleased to announce that the HSMG is now offering a discounted merchant services program to the membership. This benefit is available to both Soapmaker and Vendor members. There are low rates for credit card, debit …
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What? A fee free customizable web store at SoapGuildStores.com! Yes, it’s true! A new fantastic member benefit! Taken advantage of your new member benefit yet? All members are eligible for a free webstore at SoapGuildStores.com. The store may be used to actually sell products and take orders or as a brochure site directing visitors to …
When you started selling your soap, did you start out with an idea that you would make handcrafted soap and immediately write your business plan? Or were you like many small businesses; your hobby morphed into a business and you are just winging it? If you fall into the latter category, it’s never too late …
Continue reading ‘Business Focus: Why Write A Business Plan’ »