WHat do you think of my line?

[sandyrose]

Too much? Too little? I plan to ofer 10 signature scents at craft shows and open houses. More scents will be available in the website store. I've tested everything and have only to try the bath bombs again, still not working.

I hope to be in busines by early spring. Anything important I'm forgetting? All my products are Soy and Shea.

Here's what I have:

Body Butter- All scents

Foaming Sugar Scrubs -All scents

Shea Butter Salt Soap- Vanilla & Honey Creme only (this is an MP from PVS with sea salt)

Loofah Soap- All Scents

Shimmery Butter Bars (solid lotion)- All scents

Cocoa Butter Bath Melties -White and dark chocolate only

Bubble Bars- All Scents

Fizzie Tub Cakes- (essentially these are bath bombs IF I can get them to work:wink2: ) All scents

Minty Lip Butter- Peppermint only

Revitilizing Shampoo- Peppermint Citrus only

Revitilizing Conditioner- Peppermint Citrus only

Foaming Foot soak- Peppermint only

Macies Natural Doggie Soap- with EO’s

Macies Natural Doggie Deoderant- with EO’s

Mama’s Belly Balm- One subtle scent only

Babies Natural Bum Balm- One subtle scent only

Soy Candles-Buying Wholesale - mix of scents/many similair to my signature B&B scents

Comments and suggestions please! THANX!

[Lorrie]

All I can say is what is your scent list? There are some items on your list that I would love to try:) But other than that it all sounds good to me!

[sandyrose]

Sorry, I should have added the scents...

The 10 I know for sure and will be the signature scents are:

Exotic citrus (YUZU)

Raspberry peppermint

Cotton Blossom

Coconut Creme

Black Cherry

Lavender Creme Dream

Fresh Aloe

Vanilla & Honey

Blackberry Sage

Desert Pear

More will be availble on the website

[sawyer's moon]

Will your Baby's Natural Bum Balm be scented with fos (which I don't recommend)? If so - no longer natural!

Jen

[sockmonkey]

I'm just curious how long you've been making b&b products. Of course, since you ask if you're forgetting anything, you know what's going to come up...insurance. Have you got that covered?

[sandyrose]

Sawyer, your right... no scent in the natural products. Thanks! I was just getting carried away as I was typing.. I'm such a foho.

Sock.. Well I have been making B&B products for about two months! I've been investigating and researching though for about a year before I actually started making anything. I am having a blast!

Insurance? No not yet. I am not selling anything yet though.. I will be getting insurance though very soon before I sell even an ounce of anything to anyone.

[Candybee]

You tested all that in two months? Candles, balms, butters, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, deodorants?!!!! Not to mention all the fragrances. All I can say is holy cow!

[jazzbo848]

what preservation systems are you using in your b and b products?

what wicks are you using in your soy candles?

are your fragrances skin safe in your b and b products?

what kind of throw do you have in your soy candles? how long a cure do the candles take to produce that throw?

i believe that since you posted that you were not really aware of potential labeling problems with things like diaper rash balm, that per haps you need to research each item more thoroughly.

this is a good group to ask questions. no one here will thwap your dream, but we will ask you to research and know what you are doing and why you are doing it...........................fragrances come after knowledge of product.

we want you to sell the safest, most delightful product you can, but SAFE comes first.

cheryl

[sandyrose]

Candy.. I am using bases. I said I've been making the products for two months but I have been researching and talking to suppliers about additives and the like....for an entire year to see if this was something I could actually do without having to do it from scratch.

I have been in contact with all my suppliers and have discussed their preservation systems. I have also discussed with them what I am adding to the products (which I keep very simple) safety issues and how that might effect the product..etc... Everything is good and I am working with reputable suppliers like KB, BCN, NG, and TCS. I am not making anything from scratch except the fizzies, melties and bubblebars.

Soy candle wicks and candle safety?? I have contacted Jenny/Kristine's Shower and have tried her candles out. Love them! I have not filled out her wholesale form yet but I intend to. I would love to carry her candles. I am not making them myself. Wholesale all the way.

Right Jazz, I have not researched the diaper rash balm yet. It is simply something that I want to try and I got the answers I was looking for. From that I have to decide is this somethig I want to research more or just forget about it and focus on everything else. I was just tossing t out there.

Thanks for all your responses!

[Guest MLS]

I really don't know what happened to these forums. I remember what it was like here a couple years ago and I don't recall as many people asking how long someone has been "working" on their B&B products as I do now - this attitude that seems to have sprouted up overnight seperating the "newbies" from the "veteran soapers." It's starting to remind me of MMORPG's. I'm just waiting for someone to start calling the new members "newbsauce." PWNED BY A SOAPER!

Some nights it is almost painful to come here and see the answers people are dishing out - or should I say, the condescending statement that "we" expect research to be done, before help is just handed out - What is with that?

I am guessing Sandy came here, like others I've seen recently, excitedly wanting to show their lines and see if it is "a good start" (as in, too many bubble items, not enough scrubs, fragrances ok?) and wham, they're hit by the soaper firing squad armed with a stockpile of super soakers! Gives new meaning to the words "wet dreams!"

"Am I forgetting anything?" - yes, you forgot your entire business plan, R&D data sheets for the past 29 years, proof of insurance, notorized statements from your lawyer, chemist and the Fed agent who approved everything you've made, as well as the sworn statement from the Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat specialist verifying that the nose that sniffed your scent throw was in proper working order - be sure to include a copy of his PHD, along with verification that he did, indeed, attend med school. We'll be needing that in triplicate. In addition, please print each of your labels on a 4 x 5 index card so that we may scrutinze your ingredient list and ascertain that you've met INCI guidelines, as well as whether or not your warnings meet or exceed current federal regulations. Wait a minute, not so fast, before you go we'll be needing the name, telephone number and address of the person who actually picked the cotton for these wicks!

Sandy, from where I sit, it's a very nice start. I'd like to see a solid "earthy" scent or two in your line - there are a lot of baby boomers out there who still haven't overcome the hippie patchouli. Your line seems to be a bit tootie-fruitie-mintie heavy and not everyone fits that mold. Will you be offering any of the items "fragrance-free" for people who have allergies or was that a "given" and I just missed it?

From my perspective, you're handling things well, regardless if it has been two months or two decades. Going directly to the manufacturer who produces the "base" of the items you want to "sell" and speaking directly to them about the additives you're incoporating into base products is a "safer" approach and shows that you're not just flipping through websites clicking "buy now" and tossing it in a jar with your label on it.

Good luck with your new introduction and web-store. I wish you all the best with it!

-Michelle

Maybe a week long break from the forum wasn't long enough.

:tiptoe:

.

[dandelion garden]

Looks like a great assortment! And the scent selection sounds yummy. Like MMS suggested, you should consider adding an earthy scent and a floral besides lavendar.

Good luck!

[RobinInOR]

Looks like a pretty good line. I might lose one of the Black Cherry/Blackberry Sage - I'd probably keep the Black Cherry just 'cuz I don't see that too often, and I see Blackberry Sage "everywhere"...

Another thing - don't have too many products that are similar - it's hard to tell from the list, it might be fine.. customers can have a harder time picking and choosing. Plus, you're going to be stocking a *lot* of different containers - a drain on your resources. Try to do things in the same containers and differentiate them with labels..

[Funky Monkey]

Looks to me like you have a good list going there. Many different types of things to keep people interested.

AND - don't let the "have you tested" police get to you. It looks to me like you have spent a deal deal of time (judging from your comment of talking directly to the manufactures) to create your line. And btw, talking DIRECTLY to the manufactures is EXACTLY what you should do. You made a good call with that one.

I'd love to see a photo of your products when you get them ready to go.

Funky

[jazzbo848]

the fact that sandyrose has spent so much time talking to the mftr's of her bases shows how much research and time she has invested.

i know that i came across as the strongest "product police", but there are so many newbies out there who say, tell me everything, or how does this look, i am selling tomorrow.................and they have done absolutely NO research.

it is better that the questions be asked here than when they get out on their own.

sandy, i do appologise if i offended you. but your answers told me you really had done your homework.

you will understand when you meet some of the ones who know nothing and sell everything...............

cheryl

[sandyrose]

MLS-Michelle. Thank you so much. I was surprised to read your response today because I was thinking the along those same lines and feeling kind of bad. I was starting to think maybe this forum isn't for people like me just getting started, looking for support, insight, advice and even a little mentoring.

Your eye, nose and throat Dr. thing gave me the best laugh of my day.

I've tried to just think "well, these people have been in the business for a while, then some newbie like me comes along thinking it's all easier than it really is, and maybe the veterans feel a little disrespected in their profession by that."

Well guess what? I DID come onto this a year ago thinking it should be a piece of cake. But it's not. I realized that after much research and tons of time invested in this so far. I always make sure to let the veterans know how much I respect their knowledge and I would never come here expecting "free handouts" of information.

As a "pay it forward" I try to answer threads if I have answers for people here even though I'm new because I want to be a part of a supportive forum. In the future as I learn more I'm sure I'll have more knowledge to share.

BTW, I went to Walgreens tonight and checked out all the diaper rash ointments. Thay all say "pharmicist tested" blah blah.. I need to keep my business a little more simple than that (which is why I am pre-made base girl) so I'm not going to make that product.

Also .. everyone.. AWESOME advice about the 'earthy scents.' I think your exactly right. I can't wait to try out some patchouli or & stuff like that. Thanks.

Jazz, No offense taken sis. I am hoping to start selling in the spring after more testing but it may take even longer, who knows. I'm still cruching numbers so that I can actually make a profit that is worth all the time I'll spend.

And Jazz ....I can imagine that people probably DO come to this forum and say.. "Hey, tell me how to do everything so I don't have to do any of the footwork myself" That must be hard to take.

Thanks again everyone!

[Guest MLS]

My pleasure (it's always a joy to go off on a wild tangent).

I'm very sorry that you had a day where things said here left a negative effect on you. It shouldn't be that way. You should be able to log in, unwind, do your thing, and log out feeling good about your craft/hobby/profession (whatever it is to you), not walk away feeling like you've just been exiled to the isle of wanna-be soapers.

Don't ever allow yourself to feel that these forums aren't for you or anyone else. Unless you violate the terms of use, you, and your questions, are as welcome here as anyone else(s).

In my opinion, these forums are for just what you described, people "getting started, looking for support, insight, advice and even a little mentoring." No one here was born with wicks in one hand, a kitchenaid in the other. I have no clue how people lose perspective of that.

Everyone has a hidden talent. The "newbie" that one assumes "knows nothing" and isn't worthy of getting soy advice today, may be the ad/logo designer who responds with "hey, go learn how to visualize," tomorrow. In short, you don't bite the hand that feeds you, and everyone on these boards needs fed in some way, shape, fashion or form! If not, they wouldn't be here.

As for the babies bottom that keeps popping up, if you're not ready to throw the towel in on it, maybe you could find out if/how the "Cradle to Grave" laws apply to you and the bases you're purchasing (including asking, "what words do I need to avoid to keep this product from being advertised/sold as a "healing, or medicinal" item like those in the pharmacy). I can't give advice on the matter - I wouldn't want to give you mis-information, but it may give you a direction to check into before tossing it completely out of your line if you were really set on it.

One thing I'd like to add about your line, and didn't last night was the peppermint lip balm (did I read that right?). I'm not sure what peppermint you're using (only you do from speaking to the manufacturer), but you may want to read the precautions of peppermint before you use it in anything that will be on the lips and possibly "licked" off - ingested. I'm a little paranoid right now about flavorings because I just had a lousy experience with a distributor (long story, but I ended up tossing everything I purchased from her in the trash). Here is a pretty good site for you to find out about different herbs if you're interested. From everything I've researched, it's pretty accurate. http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsLookups/Herbs.html

Here's hoping tomorrow's a better day!

-Michelle

[Funky Monkey]

No one here was born with wicks in one hand, a kitchenaid in the other.

Well... actually I WAS born with a wick in one hand and kitchenaid in the other. It was terribly cramped in there, good thing I was a small baby! Mom wanted me to be born with a sewing machine, but settled on buying me one for my 4th birthday. Dad wanted me to come out toting a skill-saw. It was much to heavy. It's a good thing I can wield them all today!

Ok.. not the wick, I must admit I fabricated that one. I have NEVER made a candle in my life. I just loved the quote so much I just had to go with it.

[cryptic]

I really don't know what happened to these forums. I remember what it was like here a couple years ago and I don't recall as many people asking how long someone has been "working" on their B&B products as I do now - this attitude that seems to have sprouted up overnight seperating the "newbies" from the "veteran soapers." It's starting to remind me of MMORPG's. I'm just waiting for someone to start calling the new members "newbsauce." PWNED BY A SOAPER!

Some nights it is almost painful to come here and see the answers people are dishing out - or should I say, the condescending statement that "we" expect research to be done, before help is just handed out - What is with that?

I am guessing Sandy came here, like others I've seen recently, excitedly wanting to show their lines and see if it is "a good start" (as in, too many bubble items, not enough scrubs, fragrances ok?) and wham, they're hit by the soaper firing squad armed with a stockpile of super soakers! Gives new meaning to the words "wet dreams!"

"Am I forgetting anything?" - yes, you forgot your entire business plan, R&D data sheets for the past 29 years, proof of insurance, notorized statements from your lawyer, chemist and the Fed agent who approved everything you've made, as well as the sworn statement from the Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat specialist verifying that the nose that sniffed your scent throw was in proper working order - be sure to include a copy of his PHD, along with verification that he did, indeed, attend med school. We'll be needing that in triplicate. In addition, please print each of your labels on a 4 x 5 index card so that we may scrutinze your ingredient list and ascertain that you've met INCI guidelines, as well as whether or not your warnings meet or exceed current federal regulations. Wait a minute, not so fast, before you go we'll be needing the name, telephone number and address of the person who actually picked the cotton for these wicks!

HAHA...I almost choked on a french fry while reading your post!

[Meridith]

Honestly, I didn't think anyone in this thread was being rude. I think the points brought up were valid points and worthy of thought. And perhaps they are points that others going into this would have never considered unless brought up. And it does come from so many that come on this board and other boards thinking this business is one you can easily pick up and be out selling your products in no time flat. The alternative is one making products without these considerations and ending up coming back here blasting folks for not letting them know after they have encountered some problem or worse yet, causing harm to someone with their unsafe products. It's not rude to want to make sure that a fellow B&B'er/soaper cover all the bases to ensure the best and safest product. It's in all our best interest to do so.

With that said, Sandy,. I think you have a great list started and have some great ideas going. Keep going with it.

[katy]

I think that your list is a great start. I use some of the pre made bases but I have started to make more of my own on products. Good Luck.

Katy

[roxi4112000]

you have a good selection, they all sound great:drool: and quite a selection to choose from, im glad someone can in and stopped the negative parade before it really got started, Good Luck to you pls show pics after you have a finished product;)

[LynnS]

Sandy,

I am starting the aromatherapy line and was interested when I read of the foot soak.Peppermint sounds like just what tired aching feet need.Invigorating IMO.I have never seen base for that and would you mind sharing that with me.I do body splash, lotion(not happy with that,to thick) and will do the shampoos and body wash.Just don't know where there is a base for Foot soak.Maybe you have to add/mix something.

I am like you.I want to stick with the bases.I absolutely love looking at all the beautiful soaps people on here make but because of a slight heart problem I cannot be near lye.It is dangerous for a healthy person too as some have had problems.

I see where it won't be till spring you hope to have a store.Good Luck.You still have plenty of time getting it all together.

Thank You

LynnS

[Ring of Fire]

Looks great to me!

[Hope]

Thread born on 10.6.06.

[Meridith]

Thread born on 10.6.06.

I had to have that pointed out to notice it. I didn't notice it on my own. I hate it when people resurrect old posts.