I’m trying a new approach at the farmers’ market and offering soaps by the slice instead of my standard half-round bars, and I have to say that making soap by the loaf has been a welcome change. It’s given me a chance to experiment, and to do some cold process soaps as well.
So far I’ve made wheat germ, sheep’s milk, and honey; carrot, buttermilk and honey; calendula with avocado butter; and a fresh-linen scented avocado and olive soap with pretty blue-black mica. My plan is to slice and weigh them for the customer, and then wrap them in simple brown paper before adding a pre-printed label. It’s a great way to cut down on packaging while involving the customer.
A simple approach, but one I hope they’ll enjoy.
8 comments:
I love your half-round bars, but I think many customers would appreciate bying by the slice. Like when they want to try something new but don't know exactly what they want and with multiple choices... I always end up bying more than I was intending to, be it cheese, fish or soap...
Where are you having your market?
Lovely, lovely soaps... Are they really CP?
I.
The market takes place every second Saturday in Stirling. I've been hauling my bars back and forth and am keen to see how the soap slices will sell. I like the idea of more interaction with the customers, and less packaging is always a good thing.
Thank you for your kind words. :) The blue loaf on the far right is CP, but the others are HP. I'm going to do two more CP logs (with heavy water discounts) tomorrow.
Less packaging is a very good idea. I think a slice of a handmade soap would feel great in a little brown paper bag (couldn't find those, still looking) or just paper.
Too bad it's not Glasgow (the market), don't think I will make it to Stirling very soon...
More soaps - more pictures? [I'm addicted to looking at soap-art]
I.
I have little paper bags, but they're not ideal. Maybe some of that brown paper you get from the post office would work?
You'd probably do better at one of the Glasgow markets. They're huge!
They look irresistible, and brown paper wrapping is my favourite thing on earth!
When I used to do craft fairs with my felt, I found putting some nibbles out on a plate was a great way to get chatting to customers.
Thank you! The brown paper worked a treat, and being able to talk more with customers was great. I think my boxed and polished approach to soap had gotten a bit stale.
How long do you leave your logs to cure before taking them to market?
Would they need longer curing times than soap that's already been sliced? Especially if I'm not using palm or palm kernal oil. Do curing times differ between HP & CP?
I love your idea - freshly sliced. I'll do that at my next festival, if that's okay with you ;). And I usually sell 'naked' soaps anyway, less time consuming all round. Thanks for all your information, you're so lovely to share with us,
Cathy, Australia
Hi Cathy,
Thank you so much! I leave the loaves to cure for about six weeks. I also pre-cut a few bars and leave them to cure before wrapping them and taking them to market. Having pre-cut bars saves a lot of time if things get busy.
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