Is testing/insurance necessary for selling lotions?

[Guest PassionSunKiss]

I've read on numerous posts that people have spoken to their lawyers for one reason or another. I'm just barely starting out and would like to eventually start selling my products down the road. But I was wondering is it necessary to get the product tested for safety? I've seen the fungi/bacterial testing websites, but not a site for testing the safety. Is it necessary to have a lawyer on hand? Wasn't sure if there really is a big need for these two things.

Thanks,

Sarah

[rebeccajo99]

not 100% sure about the safety part, but I think if you test on yourself and on willing family and friend, get the fungi/icky stuff tested and everything else that I can't think of... then it should be safe. I don't make lotions yet, testing lotion bars, but not creams, so I'm probably not the best person to talk to on this yet

Insurance isn't required, but VERY HIGHLY recommended incase somebody does sue you for something your product did. This is a sue happy world and people are just out there looking for ways to sue people. Also, some craft shows do ask to see your insurance in order to be accepted.

As for a lawyer, again, probably don't need one on hand. I have one, but that is because it is my best friends husband. If I didn't know him, I probably would still talk to a lawyer before selling but wouldn't go to them for every little detail. (my friend husband doesn't charge me for reading over wording on things and most laywers would)

Hope somebody with lotion making/selling experinse chimes in for you.

[Kitn]

Once you have your lotion formula exactly as you want it. I would get it challenge tested and get yourself insurance if you plan to sell it. There are to many sue happy people in the world today, to take a chance imho.

[caryfh]

I agree with KITN. I just perfected my formulations... and while I'm incredibly excited to start selling it, I'm forcing myself to be patient and have the bacterial/fungus/yeast & challenge testing done. I like to think of it from the standpoint of what I'm trying to provide to my customers. I want them to have a product that will make their skin better, and if I don't do the proper testing, and it ends up being loaded with nasty stuff, then am I really helping them? No. As for insurance, I'm waiting until the results of the testing comes back, and then I'm going to investigate whether some of these places will allow monthly installment payments instead of the yearly rate upfront. It is kind of costly in the beginning to get this stuff going, but I feel it would be more costly in the long run if I didn't do the leg work.

[islandgirl]

You would be very foolish to sell anything without the proper insurance testing needed.

If testers can sue you!! People are nuts today. :rolleyes2 Cover your butt!!

Edited July 22, 2010 by islandgirl

[vickilee]

Would testing be necessary if you are only selling pre-made lotion bases and melt/pour soaps you purchase from suppliers like WSJ?

Vicki

[islandgirl]

Would testing be necessary if you are only selling pre-made lotion bases and melt/pour soaps you purchase from suppliers like WSJ?

Vicki

Yes, test everything - You never know how the oil reacts with any base.

If you meant to ask, do you need insurance if you are only selling pre-made lotion bases and melt/pour soaps you purchase from suppliers like WSJ?

My insurance agent said that I did because I was adding the oil to the base, and that changed the formula and need to have insurance to cover any law suits.

All insurance companies are different and will have different requirements.

I had State Farm when I started making candles, and they would not cover my candles business so I switched Insurance companies.

You may want to call an insurance agent and ask them these questions so you can make sure you get the insurance you need.

I found every company gives different answers and have different requirements.

Edited July 24, 2010 by islandgirl

[LuminousBoutique]

yes, and yes.

Even if you are using pre-made bases, something could happen along the way.. you could introduce bacteria or mold into the mix at some point.. its important lotions are tested. We test our scrubs too.

Insurance is very important as well and quite affordable... there are many insurance choices out there specifically for candles and B&B that are great options and less than $600 a year. Sure you could try and get away with not having it, lots of people do.... but thats far too large of a risk, in my opinion.

another quick note on insurance...You also can look into show/farmers market insurance, and insurance through your home owner (or renters insurance) to cover your stock and supplies. Contrary to what some believe, most home owners insurance policies will NOT cover any of your business supplies if they are destroyed, damaged, or stolen.

[botanica]

For those of you who have testing done, what company would you suggest going through?

Is this testing something required by insurance companies? Mine does not require this.

[caryfh]

Sagescript Institute LLC is one place, and I actually just sent my stuff off to them to be tested. Some places do make testing kits you can do yourself, but I feel that I put so much energy into learning the ins and outs of my ingredients and formulations, that I don't wish to take on the project of doing my own testing.