soulm8socal

no problem, that's the one thing I like about AVG anti virus program, it scans websites and will not let you go in if there is a problem. One of many cool features for a free program.

She has some really cool products.... Have to give a warning here, I went to her website, www.aniselle.com, my AVG antivirus pops up a warning: The page you are trying to access has been identified as a known exploit, phishing, or social engineering web site and therefore has been blocked for your safety. Without protection, such as that in the AVG Security Toolbar and AVG, your computer is at risk of being compromised, corrupted or having your identity stolen. Please follow one of the suggestions below to continue. URL: google-nalytics.info/urchin.js Name: Rogue scanner (type 962) the URL above is a fake google analytics file to infect your computer. I have already notified her of the file, hopefully she will fix it soon, since I want to see the rest of the stuff on her site. I'm not pointing fingers or blaming anyone who inserted the file, just mentioning it so it gets fixed. Just be very careful when going to her website.

check out snowdrift farm, they have a recipe I use all and it gets great reviews. http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/form_handsan.html

The city probably thinks you're opening a store at you place, that's why he mentioned it was residental only. If you push the point of an online/mail order business, with no customers or sales happening at your residence, they should have a license for that. I came across that same thing when I started, and after explaining what I was going to do, they were extremely helpful in telling me the exact license I needed. The annual fee was over 50% less than I thought it would be... A win/win. Also, a session with a qualified tax pro (lawyer, CPA, not H&R Block) to discuss issues with starting a business, fees, taxes, etc. Here in California (which is very small business unfriendly) any corporation must pay a minimum of $800 per year in taxes whether or not you made any money. ( they are "nice" enough to let you do the first year without paying the tax), So I'm currently researching getting a corp in another state, Nev, Wyoming, Deleware. Take your time, write everything down, research, research and research... oh btw did I mention research? One last thing, make sure everything is done right, have your Lawyer look over everything, yes, it will cost some money, but in the long run, will save you even more. Three simple letters to remember: CYA (Cover your A**)

I've used PS20, but with some FO's no matter the ratio it's still cloudy, so now I use the modifier from WSP, stays clear, so now it the only modifier I use

I like them both, but I see a better profit margin with body sprays

Congratulations, I started in M&P, it's alot of fun, I learned quite a bit from playing around. My advice, make notes on everything.... how much FO, the strength of the scent, colors and any bleeding, any changes you made and the result, pretty soon you'll have a binder full of your testing. You will be amazed how useful that info is for future products. Have alot of fun and be sure to share photos of your products will us

Never heard of them, but looks like an interesting site. I currently use Optiphen which is Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol.

Congratulations, I enjoy making Lotions. Even when the ziplock bag opens as I'm filling bottles and 3/4 gallon of lotion spills on my leg, feet and all over my kitchen floor. Have the softest leg (only one) and feet (both) and floor in the area. It's amazing how creative one's language can get in that situation

Here's a question I have for those of you who use BTMS. I've used IPM in my regular lotions to get rid of the greasy feel, however, now I'm starting to experiment with BTMS. My question is, when using BTMS have you also used IPM in the formula or do you eliminate it all together? If you do use IPM along with BTMS what percentage do you use? thanks Ed

Yes to both. Now to be very serious, a rash is the smallest problem you can have. There have been cases where "bad" lotion has allowed the molds/bacteria to enter the body through a cut or other break in the skin causing a staph infection. At least 2 cases I've read about resulted in death. Scary, huh??? The price of adding a good preservative is a whole lot less than the alternative. Remember, you just aren't gambling with your health, but your loved ones and others who may use your products. There are numerous resources here and online where you can learn more about preservatives and checking for nasty things in your lotions.

Ok, she's right in saying intangible service items are not eligible for disputes and claims, chargebacks are through your credit card company and not paypal. This is from paypal's site: These programs only cover payments for tangible, physical goods. All other payments, such as payments for intangibles, services, airline flight tickets, Classified Ads on eBay or licenses and other access to digital content are not covered by any Buyer Protection Program that we offer (but may be covered by Chargeback rights). According to paypal, you can still file a dispute, but if you make it into a claim, they will wait until the time period to file chargeback with your credit card company is over before moving forward on the claim. If you file a chargeback at the same time, paypal will cancel the claim/dispute, since it is considered "double claims" My suggestion is to just file a chargeback and not even worry about paypal claim process. You can go here to see paypal's policy https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/UserAgreement/ua/USUA#pbp-policy Scroll down to paragraph 13.1 to see the above comment & to paragraph 13.14 for paypal/chargeback rights I hope you can resolve this without more grief, it seems that paypal protects sellers more than buyers, so your CC company will be on your side.

You can find them here: http://southernsoapers.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_25&products_id=419

Never sweetened the flavor before, always did the base then added the oils. I think the strength of the straight flavor would dilute the sweetness, so you could have a lip balm too sweet. My stevia is in a solution of coconut oil, and when combined with the flavor oils into the base, it causes the base to be softer than I wanted. I just added a tablespoon of additional beeswax to the mix to harden it up a little more. People have been going nuts with the new flavors I introduced. Good luck, Ed

depends on your cost and the amount of time it takes you to make it. Usually if the competition charges 12.50 retail, I'll sell at $8 - $9 retail, and my distributor buys them for $5 -$6 each, and around $4 each if they purchase a quantity of a single scent. but then I also take into account the cost to make them and usually double that as a minimum starting cost for distributors but usually more)