Selling your handmade goods is always a challenge. Are you just starting your business? Have you been selling your products at farmer’s markets and craft shows, but want to start an online store? Or, perhaps you’re looking to get offline and start a storefront?
From everything to marketing and social media to business basics and pricing, The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin is an all-around how-to for building, branding and boosting your new or existing crafty business. It even includes tips on photographing your products, pricing your products and keeping good records. It’s definitely written for the crafter NOW with an up-to-date social media and marketing section. Also, don’t forget the free resource section on this blog here with my advice from the trenches of our small business.
This book proves that you don’t need a business degree to start a successful crafts business (I didn’t have my business degree until I was 10 years into it!). The Handmade Marketplace is full of insight, tips and ideas from crafters who’ve taken their business to the next level by improving an area of their business. Whether it’s your logo, blog, or photos, everyone has room for improvement and this book is overflowing with ideas, inspiration and handy advice for keeping your business moving forward.
CONTEST: What are your business goals? Where does your business have room for growth? Leave a comment below and tell us about a specific business goal you have this year to enter a chance to win a free copy of The Handmade Marketplace and get you on your way. We’ll pick a winner at random on Monday, April 23rd.
I am just starting in Cold Processed Soaps and already have a Campground/Resort who wants to meet and discuss guest bars as well as providing soap for the General Store at the campground. This would be a HUGE opportunity so I really have to get soap making down to the art form that it is. Winning this book would be a big start
Good morning, Diane!
Unfortunately, this contest ended last year, but you can still purchase this book on Bramble Berry’s website:
The Handmade Marketplace: https://www.brambleberry.com/The-Handmade-Marketplace-P5230.aspx
We also have these e-books & videos available that you might want to check out:
Making Cold Process Soap: https://www.brambleberry.com/E-Book-Making-Cold-Process-Soap-P5200.aspx
Advanced Cold Process Trio – Online Video: https://www.brambleberry.com/Advanced-Cold-Process-Trio-Online-Video-P5157.aspx
-Becky with Bramble Berry
P.S. Congrats on the huge opportunity! We can’t wait to here more about it. =)
OH MY OH MY OH MY…how i would love this book! I checked it out at my local library, and had to return it before I was done with it.
Oh, I have lots of improving for my craft and vintage selling on Etsy… I need help and this book looks to be just what I need!
Thanks for the chance to win!!!!
I would love to win this book. I have been doing really well selling my bath and body creations part time at craft shows and farmers markets for the past 4.5 years and I already have an online store, which is down at the moment, but I really feel I need a store front and work shop, I have so much to offer and so many great ideas, and that is my goal. I would love to quit my current job to pursue and dedicate myself full time to my true passion of soap & lotion making.
My goals for this year is to do at least four local farmers markets, at least one a month, for the summer months.
Create and continue a blog, by writing 30 minutes a day and posting at least once a week.
Increase my marketing/business knowledge by reading at least one book a month on marketing and/or business.
Last but certainly not least, do some research and testing for packaging by setting aside time one day a week and colect feed back from my small but spread out group of followers in my market areas.
I’m glad that I am already an accountant so that part does not have to be included on this long list of goals for this year.
That is an excellent list of goals! You know exactly what you want to do and where you want to be, great job!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
My business goal is to get a website up and running to process reorders from my customers at boutiques.
I’ve had lots of challenges getting my business up and running over the last year, but now that I’ve got a handle on things, I’d like to incorporate some new exotic products into my line of hair care products. I also want to expand into bath and body products this year.
I am loving the direction my soap business is going with its new design. I would love to start introducing toiletries into my line this year. My biggest challenges right now are marketing the products correctly and the photography.
Consistency is something I’m always working on since I easily derail myself and start making everything under the sun – I can’t help myself!
I want to improve my courage and start selling my products locally.
You can do it Crystal!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
OMG Crystal, this was me over 4 yrs ago, believe in your awesome products and they will practically sell themselves, you are just there to back them up. Take a friend with you for support when you do your first craft show. You can do it! It gets easier, trust me 🙂
I am a newbie to soaping ( less than a year) but I just can’t get enough of it! So many scents and different recipes to try! My husband is ready to kill me for all the money I spend on my all consuming hobbie…so my goal for this year is to find suitable insurance and start selling my all natural soaps and shampoo bars at craft fairs and farmers markets as means for extra income. If that works out who knows what the next step might be…..
I have many goals. I have been making soap on & off for 15 years. I own and run a successful construction business which keeps me extremely busy. I officially started my soap business in January. My first goal is to complete my website; second is marketing; third define my “regular” scents.I love fragrance and can’t narrow them down!
-I need to streamline my product line–I am having our 3rd child thid summer and want to keep up the business and enjoy the wee one:)
-start acquiring wholsale accounts
-get a system in place for inventory, and manufacturing schedule.
-move off of etsy and get my own website as my main online store.
I’m just starting out, so my overall goal is to start out on the right foot! Specific goals include creating a returning customer base, giving my products a unique edge (something different from the norm), and to grow my business to be an income-producer for our family. This book sounds like a terrific help towards those goals, and so much more!
I have a few goals I want to reach with my business… I am working on add-ons with my soaps. One is a bug spray (something you need in Vermont!), and toothpaste. Also, I want to come up with a new winter scent. Another goal is to sell my soaps in a big store in Vermont. I also want 2 more stores as concessions. And, an important one, my web site needs to be updated and functional. All those things will be accomplished within this coming year. If I can do better, then that will be great! Those are my goals and nobody will be allowed to stop me!!
What an excellent attitude Julie Ann!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
My specific business goal is to have my standalone website and new wordpress blog built and branded and flowing smoothly this year.
Also, to consolidate my product offering, making those hard decisions to stop trying to please everybody.
My goal is 12 fragrances – no more – consolidated into collections. With the occasional limited and seasonal editions, of course, to satisfy my passion for fragrance which really is insatiable.
Finally, to get uber aggressive about reaching out to my territory.
Just discovered Bramble Berry and Soap Queen TV about a month ago and am totally hooked! What a blast and an inspiration! My goal is to develope and market my homemade bath creations online and locally. Not sure how to go about it all but am motivated to learn and move forward in my new business and have a great time doing it!
Welcome Anna! Those are wonderful goals, we are so excited for you!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
So much to share. 🙂 In May I’m going to start taking an Entrepreneur class (6wks, an hour a week) The class will teach me how to market my product, how to write a business plan and much more. I’ve set up a Facebook page and Twitter account (nothing fancy, just basic, for now.) I have a business name picked out and there are colors that I’m really drawn to as well. I’ve asked family and friends to be my test market and they’ve all agreed. (SO EXCITED) There is so much that I have done for gifts over the last 15 yrs. Sugar scrubs, glycerin soaps, room sprays, jewelry, I think that I may need to narrow down what I want to do. I have been kind of thinking about this for awhile. 😉
I have been making soap for 13 years now, but after my daughter passed away three and half years ago I quit making and selling it and just used up what I had. A couple of months ago I got back into it and things have moved full steam ahead with me starting a new business due to demand and I will be doing my first market in June… My business is in memory of daughter as she was the reason I starting making soap due to allergies and she used to help me out so my goal is to make her proud. I know it’s not a normal business goal but its one that is important to me.
I have been working on my business for 3 years-
2012 goals:
1. Complete my re-design for my displays candle/soap line housed in area shops-
2. Complete my research on how to improve my merchandising ( packaging, labels, with better than competitive pricing )
3. Control my creativity – sticking with my “nich”
4. Find a reputable website to host my shop online
5. I recently invested in a photo box – pictures are 100% better
6. Working on creating work shop to help others see thier own creativity potentials
7. Add more items to my Esty shop —
8. Updated my record keeping area – 3-5 hrs per week spent on record keeping
9. Write down all my experiments in order to repeat when it comes out great- ( Its my Journal)
10.Get my Blog up and going !
I have created a “to do list” for 2012- I have set aside one weekend per month making soap /candles
I have created an inventory list in order to track Best sellers and customer favorites
I have participated in several swaps this year receiving feedback on packaging and over quality – getting my product into many different places – awesome exposure
arranged for my local beauty shop/spa to take a few soap samples in – Above all else put more time into my business then I did last year — More importantly reach my agressive sales target of a 40% gain in 2012…
That’s a great list Cindy! I love how you have goals in different areas, it is so smart to address all areas of your business!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I have two primary business goals. The first goal for this year is to simply start my own business! 🙂 As a mom to two gorgeous boys who happen to be differently abled, I have found it increasingly difficult to work the typical 9-5. I don’t want to rush into it though, because my second goal is to really learn the soapmaking craft so that I can provide not just a beautiful product, but one that is trustworthy and responsible to the environment and to the community.
Thanks for reading 🙂
I have to confess that I am a hobby have no intention of selling my soap.I am a felter who started making my own soap for felting. I was hooked from the very first alchemical soapmaking experience but I read your blog mainly because you have some good overall advice for marketing anything hand made. So my goals this year are to have a more cohesive presentation. I’m starting to think about a logo (never thought I needed one before) and packaging and whether I can increase my sales by a blog or/and going online.
oops! I mean a hobby soap maker
Well, I’m about to take the leap into business in the next 2-3 months and am just finishing getting the logistics and personal funding in place.
I would have to say that my first goal would be to sell 40-50 bars of soap a month by the end of my first fiscal year.
My second goal would be to diversify my product line by testing and adding bath bombs and possibly lotion bars by the end of the second year.
My third goal is to create a web presence via Facebook and a website.
Some small goals, and a larger goal, but goals none the less.
Those are great goals. You have set goals, and a time-frame in which to achieve them, great job!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
One of my goals is to reach new customers, and be able to help a wider array of people with skin-loving products. My business is very small, and very local. It’s word of mouth, and facebook between friends. I could really use some advice on how to get out there… I want to learn more about my products and their capabilities, about their properties. I guess all of my goals tie into one, I just want to learn more this year.
Well mine is more about networking, advertising and taking amazing eye catching photographs. My business is so new I would love to hear more insights. Being able to quit that day job and have my passion be my profession. 🙂
My goals are to develop a professional website (as I will be retiring soon) and doing Craft fairs in Florida all year long. I am blessed to have a partner and photographer and we are building a business from the ground up. Can’t go into to much detail as my product theme is like no other that I have seen out there yet! Learning and loving what you do is a dream that I am turning a hobby into a job/business.
My goal is to increase my product line over the next several months. I currently make soaps, bath salts, oils and jewerly. I would love to add a few extras such as lip balms and tints, lotions, more varieties of soaps, wedding and party favors, and perfumes. I will really need to learn how to manage and organize my time as I am expecting my first any day now!
What great goals! You know what you are doing now and what you want to do in the future, and that is so important.
-Becky with Bramble Berry
My goal is to start taking my business more seriously. I describe it as a hobby that pays for itself, when I need to consider it more as a business. I definitely need help with book-keeping and consistency. I tend to work in spurts.
I am really new at this, so my current goal is to develop a cohesive product line.
I make mineral makeup, lip balms, and some soaps. I’ve been selling at Craft Shows and Farmers markets mostly. My goal this year is to expand my online market so that I can sell in non-market seasons. This looks like a great book. Thanks for sharing!
I am a stay at home mom to a toddler and I have been in business now for 2 years. I have grown substanially in this time, leaving me working out a plan as to where I see my business going forward. I currently sell consignment in retail stores, Farmers Markets, Festivals and Juried Shows I keep very busy during the Christmas and Summer seasons now I have to figure out more innovative ways to keep money rolling in during the off season. Here are my 2012 Goals
* Start offering direct sales parties, birthday parties, classes etc…
* Gain more customers and exposure on my Etsy store figuring out how wo bring shipping costs down (shipping from Canada its hard to compete with US shipping prices)
* Focus on Website, creating a new site that offers everything up to date as well as an online ordering store.
* Weekly production to keep inventory stocked for markets at all times.
* Create Work with Graphic designer to better my labels and graphics (ie; more stand out signage, car decals, ect…)
I would love this book as I think that there are always things to be learned and to have a fresh approach would be great!
Thanks
Kristy
Soak Essentials
P.S. Check me out on FB! :O)
https://www.facebook.com/soakessentials
That is a wonderful list, it is so organized and goal-oriented that I know you’ll be able to achieve them!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I have been making soaps and candles for about 2 years. I don’t know a thing about running a business so this book sounds like it will point me in the right direction. I would like to get my feet wet by selling in a local farmer’s market and seeing how God will bless me 🙂
Planning to start selling soap for the first time this summer. Will just jump in and GO for it!!!
I have been making soap for myself and friends for quite awhile and now have just gotten a booth at a local farmer’s market so very excited! My goal is to get up a dedicated website and make it through this summer, and make some nicer packaging.
You can do it! Many people here,started at their local farmer’s market and went on to selling more and more soap!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I reallr, really, really need to get a better wholesale info package together. Its kind of sad looking and definately not representing my products in the best light.
This fall marks 10 years with our business, while working full time in the public sector. The reason we began our venture was to have something we enjoyed doing together, something fun, and to have it established and somewhat profitable by the time we retire. Well, it’s time to seriously consider that next big step in my life, so my goal is retire by the end of the year in order to focus all my time and energy on our business, which is what I truly enjoy. Keep your fingers crossed!
My goals for this year are to create a Twitter and Facebook Page for my soap business, reach 50 sales a month, and ultimately, start a reviewing system for my products. I hope to incorporate my family in the reviewing system and give each person a Royal name to match my business theme! So excited about this giveaway!
I WILL get online this year. I have had positive results from friends and family with several referrals. I think I can build from there and move forward with my business. Thanks for the contest and the vision.
Getting online can really benefit your business and there are so many different ways and opportunities to sell online!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I created a line of all natural pet shampoo. At the moment I manufacture, market and sell the line wholesale to specialty stores. I would like to expand my business. Thanks for the give away!
Sheri
With running two separate endeavors now, my goal is to build the second one and really stock up on products and make it as noticed and successful as the first.
I am taking this slow… thinking when I retire, maybe 5-6 years from now, I will want to sell at the farmers market. In order for this to happen I am in the process of perfecting my CP soap recipe line. I gather important information from people I meet and I follow the teach soap forum on a regular basis. I was also thinking about taking a class within the next 2 years at the tech collage in small buisness. It never hurts to plan ahead!
2012 goals included securing a sale rep for my products and creating sales sheets for those products she would be representing.
I am happy to say that both those goals have been meet!
Remaining goals include:
Trying a new farmers market in a new town (I have signed up for it)
Capturing local buying club accounts (1 done already)!
And a really big one….getting bar codes for my soaps (proving to not be super easy and do it yourself cheap)
thanks for the give away and all your business advice!
🙂
Shannon
My biggest goal this year is to get completely un-packed from our move and to organize my new product making lab.
my 2nd goal is to have holiday products made 4 weeks BEFORE the holiday so I don’t have to stay up 24 hours a day doing things last minute!!
Blessings,
Ro
http://www.AbsolutelyOrganic-ToxicFree.com
281-346-1886
I am just starting out. I have been looking for something to do for a small income that I really love. I just love learning all about soap, lotion, mineral makeup, all of it!! I belong to a large organic food co-op. My first plan is to offer just basic CP soap there, and move up from there. Two other girls have sold their creations, and were always sold out! No one is selling now, so opportunity knocks!!This year I am going to develop a basic product line, stock up on supplies (Thank You BrambleBerry!!) and build up a storage closet for everything. Right now I am experimenting and planning it out. Can’t wait!!
Opportunity does knock, and your soaps are going to be a hit at the co-op!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I am just starting out, so my goal is to just do my best and try my hardest with my little soapmaking business. I have a regular full time job, so this small side business has to be what makes me happy, not just additional income!
I started making soap only a year ago. My goals this year are to develop more creative labeling and to attend my first small craft fair. I am having so much fun soapmaking!
I just started to make my own soaps and packaging and I love it!!! I’m 6 months pregnant to my first child and lost my job because of it. My goal is to make a small business so I can help my family economically. I love working on my own and creating things!
Ive been making CP soap for 15 years now and giving it all away to family and friends. I have recently started in M&P.
I’ve been working as. Psychiatric nurse for 15 years and doing night shifts. I’d like to build up the soapmaking and start doing markets and getting a web page up and running. I’m moving to a larger country area shortly so I’m hoping to cut back my hours of nursing and build up my own business . I’m more than ready for a change.
My biggest goal for Sudsie Q Soaps this year is to move from simply being an online seller to operating both on and offline. I’ve signed up for two events so far, one in mid-summer and one in mid-fall, and I look forward to bringing my soaps to a more local audience!
That is a great goal! Being ‘offline’ and selling at events is going to bring you in even more business!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
My 2012 goal is to accurately cost out each product I make to discover my true costs, not just what I think it costs.
I’m currently taking an ecourse on building my own website. I use social media and blogs, and sell on etsy and copius. But I think it’s time to have an actual website where I can link my blog and have my own shop.
Not sure if this contest applies to outside of the USA but I’m a police officer in New Zealand and I started making soap as a creative outlet to the black and white world of my work day life. The soap making took off and now I spend the majority of my time away from my day job making and selling soap. I would love to give up my day job cleaning up crime and turn it into cleaning up grime! Raewyn from New Zealand
I love goals! They keep me centered and I feel as if I can see the path. My problem is, as a busy mom those paths can sometimes become winding roads 🙂 My goals this year are to organize my business so it flows better and the balance between home and business (which share the same space) can work happily side by side……After all, I started this so I could enjoy what I did for a living and be a stay at home mom, the best of both worlds!
I want my business to thrive and reflect my passion for my products.
I love your philosophy on goals! Goals are a great way to keep us centered on what is important to ourselves. 🙂 -Becky
I was Diagnosed in Octber of last year Primary Progressive Mulitple Sclerosis three days after my thirtith birthday and about a month later started making soap as a way to cop with staying at home full time after working two jobs since I was 15 years old. I started selling soap in January and arlready have regular customers some of which I got off my face book page.
My bussiness goals for this year are:
Start doing Craft fairs, I am already signed up for my first two.
Create a web site
Make a broughsure
(learn how to spell)
Price competitivly
pay my self at least once
Get to the point at the end of the year where I need a sellers permit and bussiness lincense.
Get to spend some income on this on my three kids!
Wow…I have been asking myself this same question for months.
My goals for 2012:
1. get more retail exposure at markets, shows, etc.
2. create a line just for men
3. teach my daughter how to create our product line
4. organize, organize, organize
Here’s to happy skin,
Theresa from Ava Bayba Soaps
I donate far more soap to worthy causes/institutions than I actually sell. I do sell enough to cover my expenses.
Over the past 5 years I have raised $12,107.50 through soap sales to support our Church’s high school summer mission trips (repairing housing on Indian reservations in the western US).
My goal this year is to raise $4250 for these terrific kids & the work they do. I have over 950 bars of soap ready for sale on 4/29 & 5/6.
Volunteer work has been a very important part of my life for nearly 30 years. It is so rewarding on many levels.
Green Blessings,
Kathy
That is an amazing goal Kathy. We are so happy to hear that you are donating to charities and causes that are important to you as well as selling enough to cover your expenses! That’s incredible!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Goals
1, create S U V Soap Utility Vehicle
advertising on my Prius with Magnets DONE
2, Inventoried all molds, fragrances, colors, mica’s
butters, waxes in QUICK BOOKS PRO
3, decided that my financial goal as a second job at this time would have to be to break even
4, have 2 active Web Sites, but sell more from my home made Catalog, listing a soap mold of all my molds( over 80) of all my fragrances and blends I made
5, Even though my hobby is still Soapmaking My goal is to bring the best supplies to friends family and Customers at resonable prices
6, this is an overview of my goals
Rima from
RIMA’S SOAPY KITCHEN
My goal is to get started making and selling soap! I’ve been so scared to get started, but I need to try to help out financially for the family, so I’m hoping it will work!
My goal this year is to get my logo and business up and running by the end of the year. I have so much to do but I will make a list and check things off slowly. I really want to make soaps and lotion bars since I am massage therapist. I can’t wait to get this going!
SHort term business goals of Stc & Company:
– Rent a studio/workshop before August 2012 using personal savings to fund the first 6 months of tenancy
– Add two additional soaps to the existing line before the end of 2012
– Participate in a different event every 2 months. Do not become too comfortable in one farmer’s market for too long. Seek new customers and market at new events
– Weekly production of each batch of soap starting from mid-May in order to keep up with increasing demand
– Continue expanding the line of existing products to include a body scrub by the beginning of 2012
– Have all soap formulae tested by the Ministry of Health by August 2012
– Maintain the high quality of packaging and product. Make improvements where necessary
– Have at least two boutiques/ speciality stores carry the signature line of soaps and candles before the end of 2012
– Officially open up the web store by the end of 2012
That is a wonderful list of goals, and I know you can get them done before the end of the year!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Thanks Becky! I just realised that I had a typo on the goal of body scrub, it was supposed to say 2013 instead of 2012. See you at the conference soon
My business goals are honestly simply to sell enough to survive while I can’t work out of the home due to my husband’s battle with cancer. Once that nightmare is behind us, I will create more longterm goals but right now that is my main concern. Thanks for sharing!
I could really benefit from this book because I have spent a lot of time formulating the perfect soap recipe and I’m ready to start learning the business side of things!
My Business Goals
1. Make soap every week in order to build inventory
2. Keep excellent records of sales
3. Keep selling on Etsy but start regularly selling at our local high-end flea market
4. Keep learning and never stop researching better methods and techniques for soapmaking
5. Visit local shops and present them with soaps and a media package in order to consign with them
6. Prepare for major fall craft fair (finish creating my displays and signage)
7. Keep researching ingredients and the science of making lotions, lip balms, and body sprays to expand product line
8. Get water-based products tested by lab for safety
That is an excellent list of goals, it’s totally reachable and with the hard work you have been doing, you can easily achieve them!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I’m ready to get either a blog or website going. My most immediate goal is to get pictures of all my products. I know I can do it myself but I just need to make the leap and get it done. I’m ready.
Hi,I am just developing and testing I am trying to be innovative and unique with my soaps. I want to think outside of the box create soaps that will be helpful to people with skin issues. I need guidance and help and this book can get me on the right path to success.
I am just getting started, so my goal is to spend my limited startup cash the smartest way possible so I can begin getting profits to reinvest in the business.
Last year was the first year of a Green Market that I sold at in our area. This year it is not just my goal, but all the vendors goals together that we find an indoor “market” to sell our wares. We are working as a team to make our dreams a reality; which will bring me to obtain my ultimate goal: quit my full time job and do my soap and natural skin care line full time instead.
One goal for 2012: add 2 local craft shows or farmer’s markets to my sales venues (right now I am only online).
MY BFF joined our business last year to help me get things off the ground as I work full time. We are hoping to double our revenue (at least), get more wholesale accounts and expand our name into the special order bridal and party favor business for our soap. We have been blogging, tweeting, etsying and doing craft shows but in order to actually make money (rather than just cover our expenses) we need to grow the business much more than we are now. We would love to get some more tips from this book.
What a great adventure for you and your BFF! Bridal and party favors are a great way to go in soaping. 🙂
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I have been is business for 3 yrs now and I would love to learn how to take better pictures of my online products as well as learn how to be better organized with the paper work side of the business.
My goal for this year is to sell at least $500 of my soap. I have taken off from any soap making(except for personal use) for the past 3 years since my baby was born. I would like to get back into items then some!
My goal for the year is to perfect my craft and learn how to market my business online and locally.
I’ve been making soap and bath products for family and friends for about 8 years now. I have done some craft fairs in which I did quite well. My plans are to also teach classes and eventually sell supplies. My main concern right now is marketing! It’s not something I’m good at, which is a handicap because people love my products – but I can’t seem to get the exposure I need even though I am fairly computer savvy!
I have just entered my third year of selling soap. In 2011, thanks in large part to the tremendous support, information and products of Bramble Berry, I have slowly added Lip Balms, Lotions, Body Butters/Lotion Bars etc to my products. I currently sell at small local Farmer’s Markets, with an event or two thrown in – but not many. I carry soaps at two local shops “in town.” I recently started selling on-line again thru FaceBook & Artfire. I have several repeat and word-of-mouth customers. I’ve become a regular donator to a local annual Foster Parent Organization and Breast Cancer Awareness events. My business goal for 2012 is three fold: 1) Become a member of the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild 2) Get a better handle on my weakness in packaging; which can sometimes affect that all-important “branding” and 3) Branch out into making Candles. I am a small venture and have no real plans of expanding to a brick & mortor store front in the too-near future. I work in a profession I also love as much as making soap! I would however, like to solidify what my business is today and become a viable and consistent part of my small community. I would like to grow my business in the on-line market place in the form of more consistent sales. I’d like to branch out into larger surrounding Farmer’s Markets and Events. I trust Bramble Berry as you are my “First Love” in the Supplier chain =) Therefore, I trust that this book will help me achieve my small business goals for this year and the coming years.
Congrats on your third year, that is great to hear! And thank you so much for your kind words!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I started my soap business on a whim when a friend opened a gift shop last summer. Since then I’ve had to learn a LOT of things by trial and error. I have quite a few goals for this year – work on my pictures and descriptions to draw people in, labeling, and how to figure out profitable/competitive pricing…whew! I still have a ‘day job’, but I would love to figure out how to make my business my only job. I also want to learn how to effectively make cold calls to get my products into more shops – how to stand out from the herd! 🙂
My business goal is to get a website going and to stop procrastinating and being scared and go for it.
My main goal this year is to market, market, market… I have done a lot of time invested into creating, packaging, photographing, and listing my product, but sales are slow. Instead of grumbling about it, I hope to expand my marketing techniques to improve sales and establish a customer base. Sounds like this is the book I may need!
OH my goodness…I NEED to read this book NOW!! 🙂
I spent most of last year developing my very own CP recipe, getting my business set up, defining my company image & ideals, etc. Now I am finally in the selling stage and am so excited that I can actually earn money doing something that I love to do! My immediate goal is to pay back my household checking account for all of the start up costs of my soap business. 😉
You’ve done some incredibly hard work and now you are going to be seeing amazing results from all that work!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Oh my gosh! I was just looking at this book the other day! I was in the market for a particular book that day, but I marked it down as a book I need to get.
My good friend and I have recently launched our small biz making soaps and other bath and body gifts. It’s all a work in progress. Our goal is to simply find our base product line and run with it. And where do we have room for growth? Haha, almost everywhere! We have so much work left to do from labels and packaging to hammering out our pricing structure.
And neither of us studied business in college. I studied math and she studied psychology and general science. Aren’t we a pair! We have a lot to learn.
I have been so busy creating, infusing, testing, making changes, testing, and selling, that I haven’t yet set a goal =) I am currently in 2 places, one locally and 1 two states away. If I manage to do well with that one, I could see a huge growth. Currently looking at changing containers, labels, etc so I have a more “professional” look. As I have done all this “on the fly” I would Love a book that offers advice, references, and any help =)
Best wishes to everyone !
I WILL launch an Etsy site by July 1, 2012. It will be full stocked with soaps, lotions and lip balms. Each product is something I already make but I want enough stock built that will sustain the shop for at least three months. My goal will be to sell at least 6 products a week for the first three months. I will, I will, I will. I promise me this. I will do this. =o)
You will! You can do it! We are here to support you and answer questions!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
my goals for this year is to get my name out there and start some serious selling. I just started making soaps last year ( and while I sold a few dozen bars I would like to increase that alot!!) so I still am in the learning phase of that business. This year I am adding a jewelry line as well as my felt purses and small items. I also do decorative woodcrafting so I’m all over the spectrum!! Since my husband has health issues its more important than ever to get my home based business up and going.
I’ve been in business for about 8 months now but have been making for over a year. Before the end of 2011 I set up two goals for my business:
1) Do at least two shows/markets per quarter (Signed up, just have to get there and sell!)
2) Test my Cold Process Soap (I do MP & other toiletries) line through the year to determine the recipe that my testers prefer the best and release that in November in time for the winter and Christmas shows/fairs/festivals.
My goal this year is to find a local farmer’s market where I can sell my soap and hope to set up a website.
I have been selling my soap, lotions and lip balms for about a year now. This year, I would love to improve my online sales.
The largest goal I have for 2012 is to double my gross sales this year (wholesale/retail combined) -I plan to accomplish this long-term goal by setting and achieving several short term goals that are currently in process: 1. Streamlining packaging 2. Opening six additional wholesale accounts, 3. SEO to optimize our online presence. 4. Utilize all available media (even rather uncomfortable/awkward ones such as video) to promote my brand online.
Whew! That sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? LOL! 🙂
One of my goals for my little bath and body company is to actually take some darn pictures! I just don’t think there are enough hours in the day! 😉
I am actually in the process of working on one of my goals, refine my product line. I started selling what I thought people wanted. Now that I have regular customers, I can make what people really want by listening to them. So Awesome!
This book is on my wish list for sure!
Regular customers are so important to build a business, congrats on getting them! Once you start taking pictures, you should share them on our Facebook page, we’d love to see them!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Currently, my goal is to get this business up and running! Ultimately, I’d like to make some money at this, but for the moment I’m just hoping that it will pay for itself so that I can keep doing the hobby I love!
My business is currently generating sales from local craft shows and farmers markets. It’s my goal to get our products in a few boutiques and small spas for 2012. We have been invited to pitch to a beauty industry magazine so hopefully that will generate business if they choose to feature us.
I’d love a copy of the book. We can use any help we can get!
My business goal is to start selling my products instead if handing out testers. I have been invited to set up at a Christmas walk this fall and hope to get my packaging in order and get enough product ready to do well! If that goes well, I would like to try Etsy!
That sounds great, Christmas fairs can be so much fun! I know you’ll be able to get everything together!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
My goal is to actually start my business…to move out of the “product development” phase…and to just take the leap!
Thank you!
I’ve just started the soap business and have many question about getting a web page up, pictures, etc. Saw the contest for this book and would like one to help in obtaining my goal of a business. I have had severe heart problems since I was 50 years old, had a gastric bypass lost 160 lbs, and have kept the weight off. and still had to have a pacemaker Nov. 10, 2004. I was forced to retire due to continuing heart problems. Doing soap is the only thing I have tried and stuck to, it relaxes me.
I want to start a soap business and it will fill my time and I really need the income.
I am opening a new storefront of my own in 38 days!
My goal for the first year is to really establish myself in the community. I am going into a town that does not completely understand hand made soap and lotions so I also hope to give them a better understanding how much better for you a handmade bar of soap is.
I plan to join the chamber of commerce and start meeting some of the other business owners in town not only to learn how they deal with the challenges they face but to also just to network. They have a local farmers market so I also plan on selling in that market as well. I have never sold this far “down valley” (local term. LOL) but have had great success “up valley”
My first year I hope to grow as a soapmaker, a business owner, and as an individual, but in regards to business growth I would like to increase my farmers market client base, my special orders, gift baskets, and get some people in the shop doing some fun soapmaking classes!
So as you can see I truly need a copy of this book!
Thanks, Donna
Congrats on the storefront, that is great news! Good luck with your plans in this first year, you can do it!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
What a great contest! My main business goal right now (one of many) is to take a financial risk and promote my current soaping trainee into being a full-time employee. Once the more routine work is off my hands, I will be freed up to plan bigger growth and work on our marketing strategies. I’m stuck on whether our current customer base is large enough to do that, though.
Our specific goal for this year is to gain wholesale accounts. Although doing craft shows and fairs are nice, it is not growing the business.
My goal is to streamline my packaging across my MP, CP, lip balms and other products, and hopefully one day nail down my favorite favorite products and those I feel are the best and most popular, and stick with those for less confusion!
My buisness is that of keeping my kids healthy, and helping other mothers to do the same. We have taken all the additives and preservatives out of my allergy childs life and he has improved in leaps and bounds. My specific goal is to help other mothers out there with their kids needs with my products by growing my online buisiness by 25% and establishing one local store connection.
That is a fantastic goal! Having allergies myself, I know how important it is to allergen-friendly products! Good luck!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
My business goal is to actually do a large scale, juried craft fair. I am selling in two stores and online but I really need to get my name out to people seeking handmade goods. So far the cost of entering the large craft fairs has been somewhat prohibited because this is my first year so everything has been purchased piece by little piece.
I also want to expand my offering to include other bath and body products, not just soap!
I have been ‘in business’ for six months now. I am about to leave my teaching job and will focus more on family and my soap business. Two goals for me are:
1. Get eight wholesale accounts by the end of the year.
2. Actually pay myself for the work that I have done! All of the money has gone back into the business the last six months and it is time to support myself and not just my business!
Thanks!
Jesse Wilson
Well, my goals for this year include: Taking better pictures of items for sale, work on descriptions for said items and post them all online (more of a short term goal). Work on labels, and packaging ideas. And, most importantly, working on branding and getting my name out there.
Sounds like you have your goals down pat! Branding is such an important part of getting your product out there and known!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Sounds very interesting! Just wondering, what kind of craft handmade business was or is successful at?
Just in the planning and product testing phases right now – my 2012 goal is to firm up the line up of products and get the online store started up! Lofty and heady stuff!!!
I hope to improve my pictures and descriptions- I desperately need to fix them and make them better!
I one day just started looking into Shea butter for my own use and it healed my eczema so I started my own website after seeing I could make money selling something I know works and heals because it is organic. Now I sell whipped Shea butters, body/face balms, lip balms, and raw Shea butter on my online website. I am now wanting to expand my business locally in my neighborhood too at the flea market. I’m also going to start making candles, soap, and lotions too to sell overtime. If you have any tips for selling body/beauty/ & craft products at flea markets then please share! Thanks so much!
I’ve been making soaps and candles as a hobby for the last 7 years and I have just starting thinking about selling a few items locally and online. I’d love to try out a few farmers markets close by and setting up an online store later this year 😀
That sounds like a lovely plan Jen! It can be a bit scary to start out, but I know you can do it!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
This is my dream job!!! I’ve wanted to do this for years! Just starting out and I’m very thankful for your product supply line and ‘The Handmade Marketplace Book.
Welcome to the soaping world, Karen! We are so happy to that you are starting out and if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. 🙂
-Becky with Bramble Berry