Hello! I have been buying handmade soaps/body products for a couple of years now, and I have become very interested in the whole process of creating them as well. I have started making a couple of them for my own family, and am planning to try more soon. Eventually, I would love to learn to make soap, but that won't happen for a while. One day, I would like to be able to have my own business, but I know there is a lot that comes before that, so I thought I'd ask for some input from those of you who are way ahead of me. Here are my questions:
1) How long should I plan on testing the products before selling them, and how large of a test group should I have?,
2) What is the etiquette for finding and using product recipes? I know there are many online, but should I be tweaking them, or coming up with my own, so as to not be just using them? I do not want to be taking credit for something I didn't come up with, but I wasn't sure how to get started without at least using them for a reference, and finally:
3) I have ordered supplies to start testing (on my willing family members), but I am curious as to how much I should expect to spend regularly? I know that is a question that would be different for each person depending on what they create (and depending on whether you create for yourself or have a business), but I am wondering what I will need to budget just for testing. I have only spent about $130.00 so far, and I know I could easily spend waaaaaaaaayyy more !!
This is something I know I want to do, but I know it will take time, testing, and a lot of learning, and I appreciate input from those who are much more knowledgeable than I am!! Thank you!!!
Lisa
1) How long should I plan on testing the products before selling them, and how large of a test group should I have?,
2) What is the etiquette for finding and using product recipes? I know there are many online, but should I be tweaking them, or coming up with my own, so as to not be just using them? I do not want to be taking credit for something I didn't come up with, but I wasn't sure how to get started without at least using them for a reference, and finally:
3) I have ordered supplies to start testing (on my willing family members), but I am curious as to how much I should expect to spend regularly? I know that is a question that would be different for each person depending on what they create (and depending on whether you create for yourself or have a business), but I am wondering what I will need to budget just for testing. I have only spent about $130.00 so far, and I know I could easily spend waaaaaaaaayyy more !!
This is something I know I want to do, but I know it will take time, testing, and a lot of learning, and I appreciate input from those who are much more knowledgeable than I am!! Thank you!!!
Lisa