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Thanks everyone! I guessed I asked because I have had alot of people telling me this year at my craft fairs that they like the "smaller" bar, which I've never offered. I was just telling them they could cut it half once they got home. lol

I currently am selling 4 oz. bars, however I have a huge 2 day show coming up and was thinking of offering 2.5 - 3 oz for that "cheap price hook", and extra large bars 5 - 5.5 oz. Not sure though if it would be too confusing to the buyer. What is your usual or best selling sized bar of soap?

You can (usually) apply online for a sales tax ID at your states website (I was able to), and I got my DBA from my county clerks office, I simply filled out the form and paid $10. Do seek out a CPA for taxes, there are a couple of ways you can claim your "business" taxes and expenses, and a CPA with first hand experience with small business will know what will work best in your situation.

Gorgeous Soap! Did you ever get around to soaping the tomato and basil recipe posted on here a while back?

I just looked at those the other day on Nashville Wrap's website..... let me see if I can find the link. http://www.nashvillewraps.com/ShowType.ww?Class=012 Is this what you mean?

Those look great! My hubby did the same thing ( I only make soap) with our leftover Pergo flooring but its a light blonde color. He also made me one that instead of shelves it has one angled board that has a lip at the bottom to display full soap logs. Both are open in the back to hold stock too.

Well, after 3 days the soap still has issues, I chopped up one 7lb batch, discarded the lye heavy spots, and rebatched the rest. I am now thinking it was maybe the FO - I used Fudge Brownie from fragrancesandflavors, a division of WSP a scent I have never used before. It had seperation issues, more than just the holes. Live and learn I guess. lol

I voted yes, for personal preference and the reason I started doing this, but I agree most people do go by scent, etc, before the ingredients. I do have a few people though, like me that cannot tolerate anything synthetic so.. for me its about offering both. I only make soap, although I tried buying a "natural" base for lotions and between the 4 I did, it was something in them that was irritating. Robinor states the paraben thing, but that preservative is mild compared to the preservatives (the germall line) that are formaldyhyde releasing. Its research basically.

Can you tell I'm on? I'm answering as soon as replies are posted, lmbo. This soap I did not color because it was Fudge Brownie scented and will turn dark on its own, so I took my time (especially with this much soap, lol) and let it come to medium trace, turning off the stickblender and just stirring in between, so I dont think I had false trace. I dropped in a few handfuls of chunked up cocoa soap, and poured it, it looked/behaved beautifully. I am sooo confused. The first 2 batches with this mold I had multiple colors, swirls, and additives and did not have this happen. Carebear: Do you mean all the liquids that gushed out? All that ended up on my kitchen floor, and I have 3 year twins ( I cut this during the day) I had to scream to Do Not Come In Here - I was more concerned for them than the soap, so I mopped it up asap.

I am almost positive that my measurements were accurate, this size mold is new to me, so I know I checked everything twice. The only thing I can think of is that the lye was new from a chemical supplier locally, but I also made 6lbs more that night with that same lye and that soap is fine. I guess if I could rebatch it, I need to know how much more oils to add to make it not lye heavy. Any one have any clues on that? I've had zappy soap before, but not gushing lye water soap lol. (tossing this soap would cost me $34.00! EEK!)

The remote sales tax (use tax) applies to purchases when sales tax is not charged. Use tax is due on the total price (including shipping and handling charges) of all taxable items brought into your state, purchases by mail from out-of-state retailers, and purchases made on the Internet. It applies to purchases made in foreign countries as well as other states. Use tax can be paid on your states Income Tax Return. Its a companion tax to sales tax. You need to either find out for yourself what your state requires or consult a CPA. hth Sandy

My hubby made me a 14lb soap mold, and on my 3rd batch with it I left the soap in there for 48 hours, due to unmolding the first 2 at 24 hours they were pretty soft still. Ok, so this one looks great, pull it out cut it in half so it will fit on my curing rack, as I'm walking over I feel/see this gush of water and turn the soap over and it has a huge hole in it... lye pocket... major lye pocket - instantly had to set down the soap and run for the vinegar, my hands were burning. Anyway, both 7lb logs have this in one spot, I would rebatch, but I'm concerned at the lye concentration, but bummed to think about throwing away that much soap.... anyone have this happen? Is it possibly the longer time in the mold? Your opinions?

Is it a tube mold? Could it be lined with freezer paper - like make a tube with the freezer paper and insert into the mold and then pour?

They look gorgeous! Cute idea - and the cocoa ones look like brownies to me.

Clean cotton is a big request, and spicy scents - which make me gag to make lol, like Apple Jack and Peel.