Dear Readers-I need your input
Dearest Readers:
I am a little hesitant to ask this question. But I need to know the reality of the situation. Biceps and I are wanting to “owe no man anything”; thus the frugal lifestyle, the re-invention of home products, the biking to and fro, and the hope of making extra income on the side.
We want to be debt free and we live below our means. However, the pay cut we took for Biceps to become a firefighter is making the goal of owing no man anything difficult.
So, I have a question that I’m almost scared to ask you–because then it requires me to take a leap of faith.
I know I have posted these recipes on my site and shown you how to make all of these things. But, I also know many of you don’t have the time or energy to make this on your own-however, you still like the idea of organic products without unnecessary chemicals and additives.
So, if I offered to sell things like my Homemade Organic Lip Balm…
…my Homemade Laundry Detergent…
…my Organic Face Wash…
…my Organic Facial Moisturizer…
…and my Organic Eye Make-up Remover…
…is there a market out there for them? If I came up with much cuter packaging and the right price points to be competitive with what’s on the market today, do you think this is something worth pursuing?
My heart’s on my sleeve here, readers. But, please-tell me what you think.
Hi Rebekah, I think it’s an excellent idea. The only part I’d find daunting would be the technical business side…like, the standards the government may put on products? I don’t know much about this, but having made my own lip balms and creams and had people ask if I’m going to sell them, I’m unsure myself as to what the requirements of the law are for organic products. I think once you get over that hurdle, you should GO FOR IT! It may not be the same in the States as in Canada or it may be more stringent? Etsy, Market Booths? Figure out how long the products last when you use them and put a shelf life on them for sure. That’s my problem when I go to buy someone else’s products that don’t have preservatives…how long will it last before it goes rancid? Bet you didn’t expect me to put a whole other post in your comments! Hahaha! Good luck! I like how you think! xo wendy
Wendy-
Thanks for the encouragement! I’ve already begun my research-that was my major concern, too. We’ll see what happens!
Hey there! I do think there’s a market for this. In Tulsa, at least, there are a few folks who’ve had some success at this. The Peaceful Housewife, Indian Moon Soap Co., and 3 Ps in a Pod are local purveyors that I see at farmers markets and festivals and who’ve managed to get their products in local retail shops. That said, I’m really not sure how much money they’re making off of it. I think, for Indian Moon, it’s just a hobby. I know the Peaceful Housewife, and she is trying to turn her venture into a viable business, but in the meantime she and her family live with her parents. I don’t know the Ps in a Pod folks. It’d be hard to ask them, I’d think, since I can’t imagine they’d be too willing to fork over information to their competition. But maybe if you found someone doing something similar in, say, OKC whom you could ask for advice as far as actually turning a profit.
Holly-
Thanks so much for the insights into this world. I’m going to do some research on the companies you’ve mentioned. I’m just kicking around ideas right now and finding out the legal loopholes I have to go through. I’m glad you think there’s a market. That’s good to hear! Thanks!!!!
I love the idea, but I don’t know if the cost of shipping, producing and packaging will result in a proffitable endeavour, and also this type of products are subject to regulations, sample testings, etc. at least here in Europe is almost impossible to produce this kind of products and market them as a home-based operation.
I wish you great success and I love you blog!! I love the aestethic of it, and I really appreciate how you talk about your faith so earnestly. Greetings from a fan from Sicily, Italy
Would you ship? I would be interested in some of them! Good luck! Great idea!
Definitely, Jenny! I think that would be most of my clientele. PS-I love that your email is still “philmorefan”. Too funny!!!
Rebekah, I would buy. I’m always looking for and buying local made soaps and house cleaners. I’ve bought from all of the aforementioned purveyors. Theraganics Natural Skin Care has recently opened in the Farm Shopping Center. I believe it’s 2 sisters who make/sell the products. You might walk in and see what they are doing.
Shelley-
Thanks for the tips! I’ll go check Theraganics out. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel, but I’ve had such good results with what I’m making, I can’t help but think about this as a viable business!
I say go for it! My BFF has sold a bunch of this kind of items. I can’t remember for sure and it may vary by state, but I think the regulations are different depending on how much you are selling. In other words, if you are selling small numbers in your Etsy store it might be different regs than if you are shipping cases at a time to a boutique.
As far as shipping goes, I’ve found that most buyers will pay what it takes to get what they want. Within reason, of course. I’ve sold my homemade bread on Etsy from time to time and was surprised to find that people would pay as much for postage as they paid for the bread! I couldn’t believe that people were paying postage that doubled the cost of their order!
BTW, this is my first time here. I followed the link from All Free Sewing for that awesome lace top!
Rebeka, You go girl! There are not enough business-women but only because we have been told we can’t. You have received some excellent advice but I have another challenge. Anything that is applied to the body is also regulated by the FDA. There are so firey hoops to jump through, so many just through in the towel but if you believe in your product, go for it girl! I look forward to hearing of your success. Be inspired with the number of corporations that were started in their mother’s kichen.
Dear Rebeka,
Followed through from your ‘tablecloth’ top! Fantastic!! Love that kind of crap 🙂 With regard to your business venture I can only say “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. Here in South Africa we don’t have all the legal problems you appear to have. Many people make things and sell them at flea markets.
The word (word of mouth is a great advertiser) gets around and they all seem to do well. The usual good days, great days & not so hot days 🙂 normal selling wave. I wish you all the best for your venture.
Maureen
Thanks for the encouragement, Maureen! We are still looking into what it will take to do this legally and to make a bit of a profit. Hopefully, we can figure it out soon…:)