Author Topic: SoapMaking legal stuff (Read 9770 times)

Susie · « **on:** August 29, 2010, 08:42:41 pm »

Hello,
Looking for some advice from the soap-makers here please. I've been making Castile soap and bath teas etc for years for friends and family and have just been asked if I would have a stall at our local Christmas Fair. I was under the impression that there is lots of legal stuff you have to do (testing to see if the products are safe??) before you can actually sell soap and would like to know what this involves and what the costs are likely to be. I don't set up my own business but a bit of extra money around Christmas time would be great if its possible.
Thanks,
Susie

plumseverywhere · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2010, 08:20:32 am »

Hello

yes, you need to have a safety assessment completed by a specialist - I use cosmetic safety assessments by a man called Scott. He is very good and also very helpful.
you also need insurance if you are selling to the public - I W Walker are the craft insurers I use.

A safety assessment can set you back in the upwards region of £75 per recipe and the insurance (if I remember right?) was about £100 per year.

most craft fair organisers will not allow soap makers to hold a stall without proof of insurance too.

oh, and all of your soaps etc have to be labelled using the correct terminology and any fragrances need allergen declerations. and an open pot symbol to show use by once open date, address of maker etc etc (labelling drives me nuts lol!!)

Susie · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2010, 12:54:03 pm »

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Think I'll leave the Christmas Fair alone! I don't think I could ever sell enough to cover costs and don't really want it to become more than a hobby. Good luck with your soap business,

Susie

OverWyreGrower · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2010, 05:43:19 pm »

There is a soap/cosmetics forum on www.fresholi.co.uk and they are very helpful on the H&S/Legal side of things. Many of the girls on there started out as hobby producers and have ended up with shops or online businesses from it, so it can be done!

storm35 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2010, 09:03:03 am »

I used to have my own business is making soap, but it was not CP., it got too busy for me, and it was not the time for me to take it further, but its thriving still and the guy has a good going business there.
There is also Elizabeth here http://www.gracefruit.com/ she is really nice, you can email her about anything, or Sally at plushfolly, google plushfolly.

plumseverywhere · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2010, 09:55:39 am »

I have to admit, I'm amazed at how busy my soap making business is! I make CP soap but only using goats milk base so people either love it or hate the idea of using milk soap.
The 6 week school holidays have proved difficult for soap making but I will be working all day every day now to make xmas orders.

I have also started to make goats milk bath bombs as well as non milk bath bombs due to demand so just waiting for safety assessment and can start to sell them too!

I find soaposh really helpful and agree plushfolly are very nice too

jameslindsay · « **Reply #6 on:** September 01, 2010, 10:09:51 am »

Quote from: plumseverywhere on September 01, 2010, 09:55:39 am

I have to admit, I'm amazed at how busy my soap making business is! I make CP soap but only using goats milk base so people either love it or hate the idea of using milk soap.The 6 week school holidays have proved difficult for soap making but I will be working all day every day now to make xmas orders.

I have also started to make goats milk bath bombs as well as non milk bath bombs due to demand so just waiting for safety assessment and can start to sell them too!

I find soaposh really helpful and agree plushfolly are very nice too

Well, as a new customer to Lisa's soap I have to say that I love it.

plumseverywhere · « **Reply #7 on:** September 01, 2010, 10:22:26 am »

Aw James thank you!!

Susie · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2010, 08:22:43 pm »

Thanks again for all the info. Had a look at the other sites mentioned and the more I think about it the more I think I might go for it. There are a some localish farm and community shops who would stock a couple of varieties to start with so hopefully I could eventually cover the costs of certification - the costs upfront are main thing I'm worried about. $:-\$ Don't want to ever go as far as a website as I'm useless with computers and can barely find my way around the forum but selling locally sounds good.