Ask-Anne Marie: Starting a Soap Business - Trademarks, Markets & More | Bramble Berry

[@bramble-berry]

Thanks for watching! Find more small business tips on our website here: bberry.studio/AskAMSmallBusinessTips Video Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:18 - When starting a business how do we choose our target market? How do we know who is most likely to buy handmade soaps from us? 02:05 - Yehey:) how can a soap maker stand out in a market that is saturated with soap makers who all have access to the same ingredients and supplies? Thank you. Love you to bits, Anne Marie:) 05:40 - How do you decide which products/recipes/tips or tricks to copyright/trademark? Besides the obvious: logo, company name, base soap recipe. Thank you for doing another Q&A! I’ve been following for over 9 years!! 💗💗 08:07 - What things did you make to promote yourself at the beginning? 10:04 - Best revenue stream to see profit? Farmers markets and wholesale don’t seem profitable 12:14 - When selling soaps can you sell a soap you made from a recipe you found online or your recipe has to be 100% original? 13:24 - Outro If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service team at [e-mail] or 877-627-7883 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. You can also live chat with customer service on BrambleBerry.com from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. Shop Bramble Berry: bberry.studio/_ShopBrambleBerry Recipes, Tips & Inspiration: bberry.studio/IntheStudio_Projects Facebook: facebook.com/BrambleBerry Instagram: instagram.com/brambleberry/ Twitter: twitter.com/brambleberry TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@brambleberry Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/brambleberry/

[@Thebeardedviking865]

It’s always nice to see someone who has created an amazing business taking time out of their busy life to lend some of that wisdom to us for free. Been following you for a long time and am just now starting a soap business. I know it’s going to be tough and slow but I’m ready for it. The passion makes it so much easier bc it doesn’t feel like work.

[@VicVic-p9y]

Hows the business going

[@micahthomas9521]

She's great

[@sl4983]

Love this video. It's such a breath of fresh air to hear someone giving soap advice that's not "you can't do this!" or giving negatives in absolutes, scaring you about "new regulations" etc. Instead you are very positive, with a "you can" or "go for it" message. So thank you Anne Marie!! 👏

[@shellyirby9828]

Thank you! This is one of the best, most direct soap business videos I've seen.

[@RonkeBeauty84]

You're still doing it,helping people many more blessings to you and yours

[@odalisrodriguez8494]

Thank you for sharing over a year ago my husband bought me books for soaps and ingredients and your book has been my favorite and two weeks ago I found out that you are the author of the book it was great I am reading the book and I love to wach the videos here.

[@bramble-berry]

That is so exciting! We are happy to see you starting your journey and our team is available to offer support on our website if you ever have questions about our recipes.

[@VicVic-p9y]

Have u started the business

[@leonormarrero162]

Thank you for this video and Bramble Berry channel

[@CA-LOVEFORJESUSCHRIST]

You still look pretty, I want to say, I'm I appreciate everything you have done all these years, helping people start their business and sharing projects, classes, kits, and so much more, you are The Best Ann Marie.

[@bramble-berry]

Thanks!

[@deeaveverita]

Amazing thank you for this video! The Only video that is actually encouraging xx

[@dpcaw]

OMG my question got asked and answered! Thank you so much:)

[@khalifleur]

Loved & Needed this. Thanks

[@ylstaggs]

Love your videos, it helps me out a lot, to start doing my small business! I’m a beginner and your videos is a start for me!❤️💯🙏🏽

[@amyneeh7050]

i really loved your honesty and the precious advices you gave i wish you all the best mina from algeria

[@knowledgesharing2654]

Love this channel. God Bless you more

[@Cosmonitten]

Thank you for another great video!

[@roohisayed89]

Just heard the first answer and it’s so much more detailed than any small business owner! ❤

[@katie.27]

Thanks! I’m trying to make a soap making business, and these are great tips!

[@Modest_Meridian]

😢😢😢 that short, you are an inspiration ❤❤thank you

[@godsgracesoaps1849]

Thank you i learned from watching your videos ❤

[@willowriverranch7965]

I started making tallow soap. We have a ranch, so great way to utilize the whole animal. Friends and family I give it to love it. But, I don’t get any online sales.

[@haileynakayxx]

i'm sorry! i bet your soap is amazing

[@danaspetrini8338]

How educational and well stated this is! Thank you!

[@EvolvingSeedsSoap]

This was so helpful

[@VicVic-p9y]

Are u starting a soap business

[@akhter-u8g]

nice information ❤

[@carolmanson4497]

Thanks for sharing … great information ❤

[@joanbusby3213]

You are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing these tips, it helps the new and old soapers when trying to find their direction. I am a woodturner and this video helped me decide how to combing the two crafts! Thank you do much! One question, how do you store your soaps and how to advise customers how to store their extra bars when not in use?

[@sl4983]

They are not like food, they don't "go bad" but stay usable years. Just store them in a drawer or cabinet as normal.

[@MariaReyes-bn2zm]

I have been watching your videos and you are such a great inspiration. Just started this soap making as a hobby after buying a bunch of handmade soaps from Sunshine Coast BC Canada and I thought, why don’t I make my own. 😊 So, I bought 2 of your books, Soap Crafting and Milk Soap. Now, I’m hooked and I’m thinking of doing a business and this video is quite perfect for my plan. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@leshonrevels9486]

Just ordered your book and got 50% off. Can’t wait till it comes! 😊😊😊

[@sherriemartin6202]

I love this thank you ❤

[@kdh5448]

Thanks sweetie. Love your advice.

[@JoVi-gs2ws]

Hi Anne Marie, How can I make melt and pour base more creamier? Many thanks

[@bramble-berry]

We love using our SFIC Shea, Buttermilk or Goats Milk Melt and Pour bases for a creamy melt and pour soap.

[@deedee9312]

what type of liability insurance do you need for farmers, craft shows, flea markets, retail stores, etc?

[@bramble-berry]

The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild has a couple different insurance options available for makers for markets, craft shows and other events.

[@shahwar60]

For pricing , what is the recommended percentage to add up on the cost of one bar of soap? Thank you.

[@bramble-berry]

Here's a useful article about pricing products: www.brambleberry.com/small-business/help-and-advice/art0151-price-products.html

[@shahwar60]

@@bramble-berry Thank you so much.

[@_Tiff]

My question is ,for a beginner who has literally never made soap..how do we get the measurements right?...does it start from knowing you want to make 1kg of soap total then fix the measurements from that...and then how do you fix the measurements

[@sandrabarbera1222]

Hi great video!!! When I calculate the cost of materials what is the usually range of profit I should get per bar? Do you should use a standard recipe for your soap? For example if you are looking for a moisturizer soap once you find a recipe you are happy with you should continue using that recipe and just change fragrances? Whats your recommendation. Thank you

[@kathyvolpe-schaffer7419]

what is your opinion on selling on Shopify?

[@susanbancroft1575]

AnneMarie thank you so much for your videos. Do we have to use Olive oil in cp asolive oil is soooo expensive? Are there any alternative to oo? Tia

[@bramble-berry]

You're welcome to make substitutions, some great alternatives for olive oil in cold process soap are rice bran oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.

[@yola2362]

Hi Anne-Marie. Cliché, but I absolutely love your channel. You have taught me so much. I have a few questions, though (small business-related, not soap related)… I sell bath salts in glass vials. Looks absolutely gorgeous. But my packaging costs are way more than my actual product cost. I love the glass look, and the reusable, recyclable deal is very dear to my heart. Also, I live in South Africa, where many people do not make much money. How do I substantiate my costs, as most people cannot afford them? I know my product is good and worth every penny, but how do you sell it to a community where people cannot afford it? Lastly, where can I find more information on how to make my product? I have a good recipe, but I want to find out how the “big boys” operate. I need to let the bath salt dry out; otherwise, the salts get stuck in the vial - very infuriating to get it out. I don’t know how big companies do it, and I don’t know where to research.

[@Lizz30221]

Thanks for this video,ure an amazing person..my question is..can we make soaps at home and sell them on etsy or amazon? Do we have to get a company registered? I'm sure all soap makers have to follow a protocol or get a certification before selling?

[@bramble-berry]

You do not have to be a registered company or need a certification to sell your soap but there are labeling requirements that you do have to follow based on your country. You will want to look into this - our website has a labeling guide available if you are located in the USA.

[@Lizz30221]

@bramble-berry thanks a ton for answering my question.ure the best

[@Lizz30221]

@bramble-berry Also I want to know if you have any workshops or 3,4 day courses on cold pressed soap making?would love to do that!!

[@jacquelineburke1164]

Hi. If I want to use three oils for my soap recipe but want to add powdered milk or green clay, how much of each of these dried ingredients would I use to 8ozs coconut oil 15ozs olive oil and 11ozs almond oil.

[@bramble-berry]

We would suggest starting with 2 tsp of the green clay and the powdered milk.

[@jacquelineburke1164]

@@bramble-berry Thank you so much for your quick response. I made my first batch of soap a week ago with coconut oil, olive and almond oils. It is gradually hardening up. Not sure if it took that long because of the heat that we are experiencing at this time. I tried the scraps and the lather was great. I was very excited that I was able to shower with soap my own diy soap. Thank you so much

[@loolovevoosh]

Thanks for sharing, super helpful! Question: Can we use the basic ingredients for the paws like dogs and cats? I appreciate and loving the educational and informative videos that you’re sharing. All the best and take care 🥂

[@bramble-berry]

Yes, the basic ingredients can be used for animals too, though you'll want to consult a vet for anything specific.

[@jordanalvarez6927]

When starting a soap business, does one need a sellers permit or any other documents to get started?

[@waynegross2113]

Wonderful video! I still buy Brambleberry fragrances because I know that I have the soaping notes and what to expect from that fragrance. If a company doesn't have complete soaping notes you take a huge risk of losing a batch! Yes you pay more up front for these fragrances, but you are secure in knowing it's been tested by soapers. Although your own recipe can and sometimes does change results. My question is what recipe does Brambleberry use to test all their new fragrances? This would be nice to know, so if you have 20 percent cocoa butter in your recipe and Anne Marie uses none or 5 percent, you already know yours will trace and thicken faster! Thanks for sharing, I learned soap making from Soap Queen TV 11 years ago! Jill Gross

[@deedee9312]

hello anne marie... starting a business is not easy but fun...tackling the preservatives! when and what do I use for a preservative.. is there a guide! a go to? help!

[@bramble-berry]

Preservatives are for anything that uses water but is not soap! The usage rate is generally around 1%.

[@deedee9312]

@@bramble-berry Tysm!

[@VicVic-p9y]

Graphics designer here 🙋

[@shermainballah7689]

I recently came across a video saying that soap is fast for use after 48hrs. What are your thoughts on this? As someone who is now getting into the soaping business, do I need to wait for 4-6 weeks for my soap to cure before I can sell them?

[@bramble-berry]

You can use melt and pour after 48 hours but cold process soap is not gentle enough to use until 2 weeks minimum after the pour. We recommend waiting 4 weeks to sell to increase the longevity of your soap.

[@shermainballah7689]

Thanks. Keep up the good work. Love your videos.

[@bulentkoc3211]

Which brand pigment do u use?

[@bramble-berry]

You can find all our colorants here: www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-product/ingredients/colorants

[@JessicaNiles]

Question #1: "Great question! ...You're really asking the wrong question." 😂😜 (That hit my funny bone!) 😉 But truly- THANKS, Anne-Marie, for doing these business Q&A's! Great info. You're a wealth of knowledge and happy to share. I really respect that! 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@JadouxXx123]

😅

[@debfiel6585]

How do you price your soap Also, if I am doing MP soap do I price that cheaper? Sometimes MP soap takes just as long to make.

[@janerymus3524]

Hello, do you have to get a LLC to start selling soap?

[@SirenaSpades]

No.

[@74If]

How much should I be charging for a bar of soap??

[@bramble-berry]

That depends on where you are selling your soap and your location. We recommend doing a little reconnaissance to see what other makers in your area and/or online companies are charging for designs similar to the ones you want to make. Handmade bar soap tends to sell between $5 and 15$ a bar.

[@terricordes4096]

Hi! Thank you for your videos. I have a question. It’s about legalities and shelf life. How do you figure shelf life on natural products, or plant based, without preservatives. I know you list the ingredients. I’m not sure legalities with either. Any danger to natural soap getting moldy and causing issues. I haven’t found a video specifically but may have missed something. You are an inspiration in what you do. 😊😊

[@bramble-berry]

Aw thank you! We have an article about determining shelf life, here's the link: www.brambleberry.com/tips-and-tricks/bath-and-body/art0078-shelf-life-of-bath-products.html

[@pamelawalker8815]

Do I have to get a business license or reseller permit or license to start?

[@sl4983]

No, but some areas are different

[@pierigarcia4629]

Please send products to Perú

[@pankajchakravarty8155]

Transparent soap making without heat and without alcohol, is it possible, please recipe and process.

[@dianafloros8202]

What people means by your story

[@bramble-berry]

Your story is where you tell your customers about yourself and why they should purchase from your company.

[@claudiavasquez3308]

@@bramble-berry cooking oils are good to make soaps?

[@jennl93]

Anne Marie shouting out Gwen’s P🐱 candles made me giggle lol

[@katrina3693]

How do you deal with burn out when there are so many talented soap makers out there now?

[@sl4983]

Why would that cause you burnout?