I love soapmaking and am very fond of it. My family enjoys the different kinds of soap I create. Is it a good idea to sell soaps online or is it not worth it considering the shipment cost, the payment cost, etc.?

I think there are a lot of factors to consider here.

Figure out the cost of making your soap. Does it seem higher than what most people would pay for a good soap? If so, could you afford to buy materials in wholesale quantities? That will usually save you money.

Secondly, what's your competition like? Will it be hard to make a go of it online? If so, can you offer a unique product to bring more potential customers to your site? Maybe your product has a gimmick like environmentally friendly or hypoallergenic.

With shipping and handling, that can be easily solved, and is usually not a big deal.

Hope that helps.

Home-made soaps are pretty much more expensive that commercially made soaps but the benefits of using a home-made soap outweighs its cost.

I have seen some sites online that's dedicated to selling soaps and as to what I can tell, my soap products are cheaper by half.

I think I will consider this. Thanks!

Soap making is a good idea for a home business. If you love making soaps, then you must have a real good product. Selling online might add more to your overhead costs but you're product will be exposed to and made available to a broader market. Good luck!

Yet another great idea. I am curious as to what it takes to make soap. Do you use a kit? What is the average cost of making a bar of custom soap? Do you do it to a customers specifications or all of your soaps pre catalogued?

I would say yes, its a great idea. If your family enjoys it, chances are others will too!

Explain the advantages to your soap in detail, and the reasons that you enjoy them. I know my wife loves soaps and lotions.

Maybe offer a sampler set that has smaller soaps of a variety. Also, maybe consider the possibiliy of finding some other related products that you can buy wholesale, and sell along with your soap products.

You can try selling some soaps on eBay. See how much they go for. Pick good keywords like unique soap gifts or something similar, make you add very pretty...Women will buy this product more than men I would expect.

Use purples and pinks these are more appealing to women...If they sell well on eBay you can fund your website set-up costs and advertising or SEO while you are getting your business going. You can always get a free account with a shipping company like UPS or FedEx. If you ship often they will give you a discount.

It's a good niche. People from all over are looking more for natural ways of living like organics and environmental friendly products. Do the research and then if it seems like a winner to you go for it!

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Heidi

You would have a lot of competition out there especially if you would have to sell your soaps online. But I think just the thought of you starting your own business based on what you like doing is a good enough reason to start. Just make sure you emphasize your edge over the others. Marketing is that important.

My answer would be yes. If you love soapmaking and wants to earn even a little from your hobby, then why not venture into it? I have ordered soaps online and i am satisfied with its quality. Just make sure there's something in your soap that cannot be found in commercial soaps in the supermarket. Otherwise, customers won't be shelling out delivery charges for your soaps. Think of something that can make it different from the others and you're on your right track.