Expert: Terry Knorr - 1/30/2006

Question
Hello!
I am hoping to start a small home based buisness out of soap making. I love soap making and have been experimenting with it for quite some time. However, my soaps tend to come out looking rough and handmade. Is there any way I can get a more proffessional looking result? And, if you have any experience with it, what do you think the best way to promote my buisness and encourage some customers would be?

Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Stephanie!

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to respond.  I've had some trouble getting into the system.

You are probably using a bulk mold and then cutting the block into bars.  You could get more professional-looking bars by melting the soaps and pouring the melted soap into a single-bar mold.  These can be purchased from many craft shops.  

But, have you considered trying to capitalize on the handmade aspect of your soaps?  You could wash your soaps to soften the edges.  I use a vegetable peeler to bevel the edges but, I try to keep that homemade look.  Many people are willing to pay more for "homemade" and "handcrafted" than they are for "commercial".    

Also, in the minds of many, there is a difference between "homemade" and "handcrafted".  "Homemade"  brings to mind poor workmanship, while "handcrafted" causes people to believe much care has been used in creating the product.  I once looked at some "homemade" soaps in a store.  They weren't cut square and had oil spots in them.  They were clearly poorly made.  My soaps, however, never look like that.  They have an old-timey and rustic appearance, but are still attractive and uniform.

Possibly, the best advice I can give concerning the promoting of your business is to contact your local chamber of commerce.  However, some things I have learned are:

Choose a business name that is short, easy to remember, and tells the potential customer exactly what it is that your business does.  For example, "Stephanie's Handcrafted Soaps"
or if it applies, "Stephanie's All-Natural Handcrafted Soaps"

An inexpensive way to promote your business might be to call your local newspaper.  Talk to whomever writes the local interest columns.  You might get some free advertising by having an article written about your business.

Location is also very important.  If you can set up a store in a location which gets a lot of foot traffic, you will likely have more business early on.  However, word of mouth, I've found, is the best and most inexpensive advertising.  Talk with your customers.  Get to know them.  Find out what it is that they want or need, and try to meet that need.  When your customers are happy, they will let others know!  Also, don't be afraid to recommend another retailer if they can help your customer more than you can.  Customers love to feel like they are more important to you than their money is.

Specific advertising suggestions are difficult to offer because different locations have different mind-sets.  Your local chamber of commerce should be able to help you much more with this.  

I hope I've been some help to you.  Feel free to write again if I can be of more assistance.

Good Luck!!
Terry