An Overview of Membership Types

The Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild is a non-profit trade association, supported by membership dues. There are several different types of memberships, based on the activity of the individual within the industry and whether or not he/she is located within the US.

A brief summary and explaination of each membership type is listed below. For more complete details, click the "More Info" link. There is also a Comparison Chart of Member Benefits.

In addition to the type of membership, you can also choose a membership level. Higher membership levels, or "Benefactor Memberships", allow dedicated individuals the opportunity to become benefactors to the HSMG, providing additional funding for the HSMG's operations. Benefactor members receive additional exposure on the the website, various recognitions and special discounts. More info on Benefactor Memberships.

Personal Membership [More Info]

The Personal Membership is for individuals who make soap, but do not market or sell to the public. It is intended for those who are learning the craft and making soap, but are not yet ready to go into the soapmaking business. The HSMG is a trade association and as such is mandated by law to support the handcrafted soap trade (handcrafted soap marketed and sold as a business). Therefore, Personal Memberships are limited to two years.

Personal Memberships include all member benefits except those that specifically relate to marketing and selling handcrafted soap. Personal members may vote, but not hold office.

Dues: $65.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Personal Member

Soapmaker Membership [More Info]

The Soapmaker Membership is for individuals who make handcrafted soap and market it to the public. Benefits for Soapmaker Members are geared toward those things that assist in promoting handcrafted soap, increasing proficiency in the trade, improving business skills, encouraging networking opportunities and providing general exposure for the member's business and products. Benefits include listing in the OnLine Soapmaker Roster and Soap Gallery, vendor discounts, Member Forum, conference discounts, journal subscription and more.

Soapmaker Members have the right to vote, participate in committees and serve on the Board of Directors. Soapmaker members may also participate in the Certification Program and use the HSMG Member Logo on their website, promo, packaging and signage.

The Soapmaker Membership includes product liability insurance (except as noted below)

Dues: $480.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Soapmaker Member

International Soapmaker Members

Product liability insurance, which is part of the Soapmaker membership, is only available for soapmaker within the United States. For soapmakers from other countries the insurance is excluded from the membership and the membership price adjusted accordingly.

Dues: $80.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Soapmaker Member - International

Soapmakers with insurance already

For soapmakers who already have product liability insurance, the insurance portion of the membership may be waived and the membership price adjusted accordingly.

Dues: $80.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Soapmaker Member - Insurance Waived

Vendor Membership [More Info]

The Vendor Membership is for individuals who provide products or services to those in the handcrafted soap industry. Benefits for Vendor Members are geared toward assisting the industry in general and providing resources to handcrafted soap makers through making information from vendors available to the industry in general and members in specific. Benefits include listing in the OnLine Vendor Listing discounts on journal advertising, Member Forum, conference discounts, journal subscription and more.

Vendor Members have the right to vote, participate in committees and serve on the Board of Directors. Vendor members may also participate in the Certification Program and use the HSMG Member Logo on their website, promo, packaging and signage.

Dues: $200.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Vendor Member

Dual Membership [More Info]

The Dual Membership is for individuals who make handcrafted soap and market it to the public and also provide products or services to those in the handcrafted soap industry. A Dual Member receives the combined benefits of the Soapmaker and Vendor memberships, but does not include product liability insurance.

Dues: $280.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Dual Member

Corporate Membership [More Info]

A Corporate Membership is for a business that supports the handcrafted soap industry. A Corporate Membership includes a Primary member and up to 4 associate members all of whom have access to nearly all member benefits. A Corporate member may include a listing in the OnLine Soapmaker Roster and Soap Gallery and/or the OnLine Vendor Listing. In addition, a Corporate Member receives all the benefits of the Patron Benefactor level, priority placement of all banners and ads, additional advertising discounts, one conference registration or vendor table and other benefits.

The Primary member has the right to vote, but since the membership is in the name of the business, may not hold office. Both Primary and Associate members may serve on committees.

Dues: $1,500.00 per year - Join or Renew as a Corporate Member