I have been soap-making for nearly a year and am gradually acquiring more skills and equipment. I am hooked on making soap and enjoy exploring and learning the seemingly endless possibilities for making beautiful custom soap.
My interest in soap-making is on the hobby level. I am not interested in developing it into a business. However, I make a lot of soap and therefore gift it to everyone I know and many people I don't know. Recently I have donated soap to the local women's shelter and the county food shelf. I will continue to make those donations because they need it and seem to really appreciate getting it.
My soap-making has become an expensive hobby and at some point I need to sell some soap to at least partly support "my soap habit".
I am going to try to sell next summer at the local flea market. And maybe I will occasionally sell at a craft show. I will price fairly and competitively as not to undermine the Artisans that sell as a business.
I would like to hear if there are any other soap-makers on this forum who share my situation. And have you found it necessary to buy insurance, or do any of the other things I have read business sellers do? I understand the importance of insurance, business plans, etc. if I am striving to make a successful business. But, I don't see how it is necessary for a person like me who just wants to help defray some of the expenses of making soap.
Your comments will be appreciated.
My interest in soap-making is on the hobby level. I am not interested in developing it into a business. However, I make a lot of soap and therefore gift it to everyone I know and many people I don't know. Recently I have donated soap to the local women's shelter and the county food shelf. I will continue to make those donations because they need it and seem to really appreciate getting it.
My soap-making has become an expensive hobby and at some point I need to sell some soap to at least partly support "my soap habit".
I am going to try to sell next summer at the local flea market. And maybe I will occasionally sell at a craft show. I will price fairly and competitively as not to undermine the Artisans that sell as a business.
I would like to hear if there are any other soap-makers on this forum who share my situation. And have you found it necessary to buy insurance, or do any of the other things I have read business sellers do? I understand the importance of insurance, business plans, etc. if I am striving to make a successful business. But, I don't see how it is necessary for a person like me who just wants to help defray some of the expenses of making soap.
Your comments will be appreciated.