Start Your Own Handmade Soap Business

The soap industry is very lucrative these days. Are you dreaming about your own soap business? We can show you that starting a Handmade Soap Business is so easy; all it takes is thoughtful preparation and a little time.

In addition, you need some passion and good research to distribute your soap to the marketplace.

There is plenty of handmade soap in the U.S. market. If you search for it online you would find more than 300 pages of listings on this type of business. Therefore, it’s important to find your best niche and set yourself apart in terms of product offers.

Handmade Soap Business Guide

Detailed strategic planning is very important in a handmade soap business. You need to find cheap raw materials to purchase but ensure that the quality is still good. For the first few months of operation, the best thing to do is buy only the supplies you need to use for a month or two. Plan your production process ahead of time especially if your goal is to produce huge quantities of soap.

Another tip is to price your products low – calculate the cost for you to make one batch of soap. For example, if you made 50 bars costing only $20, then your cost per soap is 40 cents. Imagine your profit if you price each one for $3-$4!

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Marketing Handmade Soap Business

You can also make a nice profit if you keep your mark-up low for each soap and then sell huge volumes of it. Here are some instructions on how you can grab your edge in this business:

  • Secure legitimate licenses and business cards – the license will make sure that you are professional and your business is legal. Be ready to hand your cards to everyone you meet.
  • Find good places to sell your soap – you can make a nice income even if you just sell in craft fairs. But don’t limit yourself here; you can actually approach local stores to distribute your product. Alternatively, you can sell a huge volume to wholesalers and let them carry your brand on consignment basis.
  • Make natural soap baskets to package several soaps – if you make a nice packaging for your soaps, you can sell them in bulk. For instance, your soap basket could contain a foot scrubber and bath mint together with 3 handmade soaps. Then, you can approach real estate brokers or other organizations to give it to their customers as premium gifts. Although it would only cost a few dollars to creatively put these baskets together, you can easily sell them for around $50-$75 depending on your chosen price.
  • Launch a website displaying your items – you can make more income by accepting credit cards as forms of payment. You can market your handmade soaps using a website and several forms of payment facility to make this possible for you.

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461 Comments

  • Marla Bosworth said on April 22, 2010
    There is much thoughtful preparation and market research for starting a soap business in the U.S. The competition is fierce. Check out my marketing strategies, market research and consulting services. I also teach soap making classes and much more. www.backporchsoap.com
  • Agnelo Fernandes said on September 1, 2010
    I would like to start a home made soap manufacturing business. Can you please give me more information on this. Agnelo Fernandes P O Box No. 12276 dubai United Arab emirates Email: agiferns7@hotmail.com
  • Naveen Aggarwal said on September 3, 2010
    I want to start a soap business in New Delhi, India. Can anyone give me the information about how much it costs and what are the various machineries i should have for it... naveen.nitkkr@gmail.com 09716368851
  • anooplal k.k said on September 6, 2010
    I am from India. My state is Kerala and i wish to start home made soap business
  • Eds said on September 8, 2010
    to all the locals. please send me details i need to start a home made soap as a home-base business i am based in the philippines. e-mail me at nheng_0425@yahoo.com
  • sarita said on September 21, 2010
    I intend starting hand made soap business in Kolkata, India. Where may I get all the materials, tools etc? I'd appreciate any information.
  • manisha said on October 10, 2010
    I would like to learn the art of soap making and then start a home made soap manufacturing business. Can you please give me more information on this P.O.box-321 Abu dhabi
  • feleke said on January 30, 2011
    i am planning to venture in small soap manufacturing business in ethiopia. i have the marketing idea. can anyone tell me the step by step process of making the soap? please help
  • George Hanounik said on February 2, 2011
    I need How to get the License to make and to sell soap in USA Ca. Legally. Thank you. George Hanounik
  • shilpa verma said on February 24, 2011
    I am from sonepat (Haryana).I want to start my own business for hand made soaps.Please suggest me the right steps right from the scratch for starting it. Regards shilpa
  • christel said on March 7, 2011
    hi i am in south africa i want to start my own handmade soap and powder soap in south africa or in cameroon please i need all info from the scratch thanx
  • sanjay kacharia said on March 15, 2011
    hi, i sanjay from india and i want to start soap business in my city as well other nearest city so can u give me information about soap
  • mohammad dilnvaj said on May 1, 2011
    i am planning soap manufacturing business in india. i have good marketing place and idea. if anyone help me out to the process of making the soap? please help
  • Nicolae said on May 20, 2011
    Hi! I am from Romania and want to start my own handmade soap and liquid soap business. So I need information about original essential oils suppliers, molds suppliers, packaging machines and even how clients find. Yours sincerely, Nicolae. POSTAL CODE:325400, CARAS-SEVERIN conty, ROMANIA
  • Sam said on June 6, 2011
    I am interested to open soap manufacturing company but not getting idea from where to get raw material and how to start.Please guide me.
  • G Satyajeet said on June 21, 2011
    I am manufacturing men shirts and I want sell in the domestic market Tamilnadu, Andrapradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala by appointing area wise distributors. 10-15% margin. Our brand KRONYS DYGNE and very low price range Rs.135 to Rs.200 per shirt. Those interested may contact mob 9789672979. We will offer one month credit after ensuing regular business.
  • vikas panday said on June 28, 2011
    I am vikas panday from uttar pradesh in India. I am interested to open soap manufacturing unit. pls help me about how I setup a unit.
  • manmohan singh said on July 23, 2011
    i m manmohan from punjab India. I am interested to open soap manufacturing but i want somebody help me out to the process of making soap .please help me out
  • Jacqueline Dickson said on October 24, 2011
    I am jackie dickson this my email address please send me more info on how to set a home based business sailing soap and incense sort like Aroma home based business online. Thank You
  • s.smith said on November 10, 2011
    I am interested in manufacturing soap. I live in Jmaica West Indies, Can someone help me with any ideas how to make soap . what materials and machines do I need, and how to start.
  • dharminder kumae said on November 20, 2011
    Pls help me to set my own small nirol soap plant in himachal pradesh
  • jakir sandhi said on November 23, 2011
    hi i want to start new small scale detergent cake industry in ahmedabad,gujarat so give me all information about it thanks.
  • Reynaldo V. Diaz said on November 28, 2011
    Is there a seminar and training sponsored by Philippine department of Trade and Industries (DTI) for making a hand soap and detergent products? Thank you...
  • Sachin Kamboj said on December 10, 2011
    I m interested in manufacturing nirol soap. i live in Uttrakhand India. what materials and machine do i need and how to start?
  • binu varkey said on December 14, 2011
    I would like to start hand made consumer goods like floor cleaners, toilet cleaners, dish wash liquid, fabric whitener, soaps etc.as a proprietary firm in mumbai. What licenses required for this products?.
  • saju janet samuel said on December 15, 2011
    I am interested in manufacturing hand made soap in Qatar.can you please give the maximum information about initial expenses, materials and Machineries etc. Also what type of license do we need to start ? Thanking you sir, saju
  • prabodh said on December 16, 2011
    can anyone help me for making nirol soap plz also tell me about raw materials using for make soap.
  • mohamed haneef said on December 31, 2011
    i am interested manufacturing hand made soap in kerala. can you please give the maximum information about initial expenses, material and machineries etc. also what type of license do we need to start thanking you sir, i'm haneef
  • Naseer said on January 16, 2012
    Please mail me any information to start a soap making business @ naseer_hbk@yahoo.com.
  • Abrha said on January 17, 2012
    I know making soap but I need some one who knows the market system from addis ethiopia
  • Omar said on January 30, 2012
    I would like to know how to make soap so I can start a small Business. Can some one help me get started.
  • Rekha kunjumon said on March 11, 2012
    respected sir, I am RK from kerala,l would like to start small scale hand made soap unit, I need a training and more details. I am looking for your expert advice, By Rk
  • Kaushik said on March 13, 2012
    Hi, i am kaushik from GIRIDIH, JHARKHAND, INDIA. I want to start my own handmade powder soap factory. Please send me all information & project cost about powder soap.
  • Umer Javed said on March 20, 2012
    I am Umer from Pakistan. I want to start soap business, can any one help me regarding formula, chemicals and other things to start the business my email is genius_420@hotmail.com
  • dinesh h prajapati said on March 29, 2012
    i have a market in ahmedabad and the sample of other part which sold having a big market
  • Ravi Dogra said on April 2, 2012
    Hi, my self Ravi Dogra, i want to start Hand Made Soap Biz, could anyone help me, and advise the regarding formula, chemicals and other things to start the business, also want to know about the Laundry Soap (Cloth Washing) soap. Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India email : ravikdogra@gmail.com, Mob.: +919910485668
  • shamilla adams said on April 3, 2012
    I would like to start a soap business please help any information would be helpful
  • janet, ny said on April 3, 2012
    hi guys check out soapqueen.com it has all the info and recipes in regards to homemade soap also bramblebee.com for supplies..good luck to all
  • SANJAY RATTAN said on April 10, 2012
    want to start soap industry in my industrial plot in mandi himachal pradesh in a very low budget
  • mita said on April 12, 2012
    i want to start handmade soap business... do i need license for that... i heard FDA license is required ...and if i sell it from home and exhibitions..then also license is required?? if i want to start small company what is the procedure?? Can somebody help??
  • preeth said on April 22, 2012
    i would like to begin a hand-made soap business in kerala.. can anyone help me to know about the procedure and details of the required documents to approved from government. And also the basic capital needed for this
  • muhammad yaseen said on May 1, 2012
    I want to start handmade soap, pl send the making procedure with detailed, thanks.
  • BINIT MISHRA said on May 2, 2012
    i want make handmade cloth soap in jamua giridih (jharkhand) plz send me information about it
  • salam said on May 2, 2012
    I would like to start handmade soap making in cheap cost. if i get any idea, i can do very well marketing. please help me.
  • Muwereza Moses said on May 7, 2012
    I am Muwereza Moses from Kampala, Uganda. please send me details of how to make natural soap .You talked scratch what are they and how do i get them to start. Let me know all the process to make it natural.
  • renjith kumar said on May 8, 2012
    i would like to start(including soap business) home made business in kerala. pls give ideas and how to start business
  • Oyeladun khadijat said on May 14, 2012
    Pls can u help out because i am interested in starting a handmade soap. lafenwa, ogun, nigeria
  • Amandeep said on May 18, 2012
    I'm from Ludhiana, Punjab. Pse. give info. about soap manufacturing methods and machines
  • tebello said on May 24, 2012
    I'm Tebello mat from Lesotho, i have always dreamed of starting a soap manufacturing business from home for additional income, i also want to engage other women in my community to partner with me in the business for upliftment of my community. please assist me with training and guidance.
  • kaku said on May 28, 2012
    hi i am from guwahati, assam. i want to establish a hand made soap business. from where shall i purchase raw materials at minimum cost?
  • Babyjohn said on June 7, 2012
    I am interested to start a soap manufacturing company in kerala. where to get raw materials and how to start please give me details.
  • chinmay said on June 16, 2012
    I'm from kangra, himachal pradesh and i'm interested to start a nirol soap industry. so i want to know that what kind of machines required, how soap is prepared, and where i get raw material and skilled labour to start it. i can only invest 6 to 8 lakhs. so pls guide me how can i start the project. My mob. +91 98171 37400
  • Mohan Attarde said on June 23, 2012
    I am interested in manufacturing of natural hand made soaps. Please mail me any information to start a soap making business @ mohan_attarde@goodlife.com
  • Adekunle Tola Reuben said on June 24, 2012
    I can produce Sodium hydroixde (NaOH ) if would got buyers . This NaOH is one of chemical that my late ground mother is used to produce local black soap . The funny thing was that i couldn't know that its was NaOH until i got research place find that lye water is what being called Sodium hydroixde (NaOH) . Sodium hydroixde is important in soap making . If you can suggest were i can market this or you need of its its also may be someone around you need contact me on 2347055173795 , 2348067151213, 2348083303372 and 2348093224061 you can also E-mail me tolatech2011@yahoo.com Thank you
  • shamilla adams said on June 25, 2012
    I am a south african and would like to start a home made soap business. Would you please advise how i should start and what material is required, would appreciate any help to start off.
  • filagot said on July 11, 2012
    I am ethiopian I would like to start a home made soap business. would you mail me the step that help me to make home made soap by using cheap and easy ingredients.
  • Ovie said on July 15, 2012
    I want to know where can I buy Base Soap Glycerin or Lye at New Delhi, India. my Email: Ovie107@gmail.com. I just want to start a small business. Thanks, Ovie
  • Deepak kaushik said on July 26, 2012
    respected sir I am deepak from solan hp sir i want to start oil base nerol laundry soap making work in small scale please give me detail about it . machine or raw material and area. From: deepak kaushik uday vihar ward no 1 po barog distt & teh solan hp. Ph:09882367673
  • Premkumar said on July 26, 2012
    I am from Kerala, India, I wish to start a home made soap unit. Please advice how I should start and what raw material, machinery, working capital required. Thanks,
  • sanil kumar said on July 29, 2012
    Sir, i am from Kerala, India, I wish to start a home made bar soap unit. Please advice how I should start, chemical formula ,raw material, machinery and working capital required.
  • chibuzo said on July 31, 2012
    you are doing a great job. i do appreciate it. please am in new Delhi right now i want to use this opportunity to learn how to produce my own product. tell me the cost and your location thanks for your cooperation GOD Bless
  • Goodness Organization said on August 1, 2012
    We are local NGO we want to start a soap business in Tabora, Tanzania. Can anyone give us the information about how much it costs and what are the various machineries i should have for it. goodness_organization@yahoo.co.uk +255767328344
  • Desmond Naidoo said on August 8, 2012
    I HAVE 35 YEARS SOAP MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE ie from raw materials to finished goods.( UNILEVER EXP.) I WANT TO START UP A SOAP MANUFACTURING BUSINESS. I NEED SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR SOMEONE TO BE A PARTNER. EQUIPMENT COST - R2mil, 54 Silvermount Circle, Moorton Chatsworth, KWA - ZULU, SOUTH AFRICA, 4092
  • a sahay said on August 12, 2012
    i have ample of time and want to do production work. i found soap making course very interesting. i am from ranchi{jharkand}would love to start something on my own. help me if you can. thank you
  • Naky said on August 12, 2012
    I make soaps in the UK and would like to do the same in South Africa. Where can I buy raw materials in SA?
  • MURALI MADATHIL said on August 20, 2012
    I would like to start a soap manufacturing unit in Guruvayoor,Kerala.
  • Dhanender Kumar Arya said on August 20, 2012
    Respected Sir, I would like to start a nirol soap [washing cloths soap] business in small scale unit. I am from Panchkula, Haryana INDIA. My email dhanenderarya@gmail.com
  • Suresh dubey said on August 22, 2012
    I am suresh dubey from surat gujarat india i have 5 lacks capital in which i start a wholesale marketing business in surat city which give me minimum 30 thousand per month kindly give suggestion to which type of business start by me mobile no-8306735795 call me
  • Vishwajeet Bhanoo said on August 23, 2012
    Sir, I am planning to start 100kg/hr laundry soap plant. Please help me with its formulation and raw material required
  • Mekdim said on August 26, 2012
    Hi i want to start soap making biz in ethiopia but i don't know the price per kg of sodium hydroxide, borax, soda ash. & where to get, pls tel me.
  • pradipkumarsharma said on September 9, 2012
    Interested in setting up unit in dehradun to make hand crafted soap and liquid soap. Pl. e-mail nimveda@yhaoo.com.au if interested
  • Ruby said on September 11, 2012
    I am based in Dubai, UAE and am interested in starting a purely organic handmade soap business. How do I go about this including sources for obtaining certified organic ingredients in bulk for soap-making?
  • -balbir said on September 17, 2012
    i'm interested to start my business to make candles, soaps etc. plz advice me from what source i can get free training all. 08725940516(punjab) india
  • Siraj said on September 19, 2012
    I am interested to start my own business to the home made soap & candles in kerala plz advice me
  • Abebe said on September 21, 2012
    I want to start recycling soap biz in Ethiopia, tel me sth about recycling soap biz. My e-mail is mekdim05@yahoo.com
  • AMIT SHAW said on September 25, 2012
    I want u start a Soap business pls tell me about starting investment and profit. Asansol, west Bengal, India
  • T.J. Walk said on September 26, 2012
    Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, USA. We are established making soaps and salts from our kitchen. We would love to have any information that you can provide to assist us in expanding to reach more customers. We are polishing our business plan and any advice would be wonderful. Thank you!
  • Shanaz said on September 27, 2012
    I have a lot of hand made soaps which are organic. Chemically Free any one interested can mail Shanaztalib@yahoo.com based in Dubai
  • Phunmih said on September 27, 2012
    I have interest for soap making how can i get d raw material,i am a Nigerian and also if anyone is interested in soap making he or she can buy books form Amazon online with easy
  • Mr Satish Auty said on October 8, 2012
    I would like to start small scale manufacture of Soap, I am already qualified Cosmetologist, having ten years of experience in cosmetics industry, 35 yrs experience in Chemical industry. I am much interested in knowing the market appreciation in:- (1) African countries (2) In Gulf Countries. (3) In Pune, Maharashtra state Where I stay, and also in South East Asia Countries. I would like to know the complete manufacture process(Only Small scale)and also complete market scenario over all picture.
  • yussuf said on October 12, 2012
    I would like to start a small soap manufacturing business in kenya, currently i am living in USA, can any one tell me or help me the process of making soap step by step. Please advice me how I should start materials, machines and any other requirement. Thank you.
  • Suresh Chander Singh said on October 13, 2012
    I would like to start small scale manufacture of nerol soap in UK India . Pl. advice me how i should start. Regards, Suresh
  • tereza zugloi said on October 15, 2012
    hi, i'm from south africa, nigel, gauteng. i would like to start my own soap making(melt and pour)business but where do i find a company that sells glycerine and farmhouse soap cheap. please help?
  • bhargavaraman said on October 23, 2012
    kindly give me the details to start a soap manufacturing unit. i need to start in bangalore, india
  • anthony said on October 25, 2012
    i would like to start a small soap manufacturing business in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. please help me on how to process of making soap step by step. Please give me details. you can reach me by email: aljfacturanan@gmail.com . . Thank you.
  • Aditya Tyagi said on October 25, 2012
    i would like to start a soap manufacturing unit .please help me how can i start it . City Noida state U.P.(India) my mail aditya_tyagi@yahoo.in pho- 8860248126
  • biplab deb said on October 25, 2012
    I want to start a business of hand made laundry soap and detergent powder in jalpaiguri district in west bengal. pls suggest me in details how i can proceed. thanking you Biplab deb
  • N.RAVINDRANATH said on October 29, 2012
    I am located in rajajinagar, Bangalore, karnataka state. I would like to start soap making business from my residence. Kindly furnish me the details of chemicals, processes and marketing details and financial assistance from banks and financial institutes. Are there any government schemes like buy back schemes.
  • Ruchi Agarwal said on November 1, 2012
    Hi I am from India, Mumbai. Would like to learn making home made soaps- like glycerine, shea butter etc. Can someone guide me on a good classes in Mumbai.
  • AFAQ HAIDER said on November 9, 2012
    I would like to start a small soap and detergent manufacturing business in jharkhand, INDIA. So, can you please tell me in brief ,in which area i will setup this and how much total investment during setup. and which area i will grab for marketing.
  • C.Sreedharan said on November 10, 2012
    Dear Sirs, I am a graduate chemical engineer with 40 years of experience in formulation, development and production of soaps and detergents in India and overseas. I am desirous of seeking a suitable assignment in your esteemed orgnisation. Looking forward to associating with you, Yours truly, C.Sreedharan
  • Kyamanywa Ezra said on November 14, 2012
    dear sir i would like to start up a small bar washing soap company in Uganda Kampala, which can produce 100 - 200 bars every day. tell me the machine i need and the raw material, where to find them and what it takes for me to succeed with my dream.
  • Ganesh k said on November 14, 2012
    Hi, thanks for information. i want to start cloth washing soap making at home in india. please tell me about the process to be done.
  • OJUNE BENFACE said on November 17, 2012
    Halo am Ojune benface from uganda Kampala city. I started manufacturing liquid detergents though I need to to increase on my scale of production. it is still on small scale home made soap. if you can partner with me I see this as good when my vision comes to pass. I did industrial chemistry at makerere university and am graduating in january 2013. I would love to see partners as my gift.
  • abhinav bhamri said on November 17, 2012
    hi, we are in soap manufacturing line , last from 40 years, GULSHAN INDUSTRIES, for any information please do call 09826857775.
  • Evbs said on November 19, 2012
    I need serious minded partner who can partner with me to start cosmetic industry (mainly liquid soap of all kind). Am in to it and i have all the formulation. Am a chemical engineer. If you are interested call or email. The industry will be sited in BC Canada. +16044428215
  • sandra said on November 19, 2012
    i am from New-york city. I start making liquid soap over years now i am looking for to start selling it now and make money with it, i make it before and give it to my friend to use it they love it I want to know where can i sale it and where can I find bottle at cheap price. thanks
  • fredrick wambua said on November 23, 2012
    i hold a detergent industry in tanzania dar es salaam so please i need some help on how to market and manage my business
  • Anilkumargarti said on November 26, 2012
    I am from Nepal. please send me details need to start a home made washing soap as a homebase business. anilkumargarti@gmail.com
  • Ajay singh said on November 26, 2012
    hi, I want to build the small scale industry of making handmade detergent soap bar, in Hyderabad. hence I need all the information of machine it's cost, how many members requires to run the machine etc and etc. as soon as possible, waiting for your feedback.....

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