If your homemade soaps are beautiful and fragrant you will be able to sell them very easily, but the knowledge of some marketing techniques and a little entrepreneurial skills will certainly not hurt. Learn how to sell your handcrafted soaps to earn some extra cash or to set up a real business.
Steps
Step 1. Test your products before putting them on sale
If you've been making your own soaps for a while, you've probably already gotten some opinions from friends, family, or other people who have tried them. If, on the other hand, you are still a beginner, find out about the quality of the products you use and try to understand if they are suitable for sale. Then give them to relatives, friends and acquaintances to have a comparison.
Step 2. Find out if you need special licenses or permits
Call the office of your provicia or region to find out if there are any taxes you have to pay for the sale of your soaps. Also look for information about licenses or special controls to apply to your product.
Step 3. Donate some free samples to charity or sweepstakes to those most in need
Also, give your soaps to some small local company, adding business cards and brochures.
Step 4. Sell your soaps at flea markets, fairs or other events
Take some time to plan well your attendance at these dedicated events. Get an idea of the number of visitors who show up and the products that other trade fair attendees will sell and choose the event that best suits your tastes. Also inform yourself about the theme of the fair so that your products and the decorations of your stall fit perfectly there. Create some specific products depending on the season or holiday.
Step 5. Try to get your own space at the local market or flea market, especially during the holidays
These markets usually open very early, so take the time to set up your stall and arrange your produce before customers arrive.
Step 6. Decide what kind of customers you want to target your product to
The colors, fragrances and types of soaps you sell will attract different types of customers. Observe and take note of the age, status and other significant details of the people who buy your products to improve your sales techniques. You should also try to understand what your customers read and what sites your customers visit, to better advertise your products. Also inquire about the stores that interest them and make sure they are stocked with your soaps.
Step 7. Ask a graphic designer for help in creating prints and drawings, or do it yourself
You will need specific packaging prints and business cards, catalogs and brochures. You will also need a logo to put on product labels and on your site. Distribute business cards and brochures to your customers and periodically send updated catalogs with news and offers by post.
Step 8. Build your online space
Create a site or sell your products on portals like eBay, Etsy or other online shops. Write information or articles about your products - soaps or natural products - in various blogs or specific sites. Learn to incorporate some keywords, in order to appear among the first results of users' searches. Advertise on sites you think your potential customers frequent.
Step 9. Ask some local stores to place your products on their shelves and display cases
Interact with retailers or online stores to see if they accept new products.
Step 10. Improve your skills
Getting your customers to buy more products or asking retailers to buy your soaps can be a very difficult task. Remember to always be friendly and courteous, but above all always believe in what you are selling. You might consider hiring someone who is in the trade and has experience running new businesses.
