Starting your handmade soap business in Malaysia has, perhaps, never been a more exciting endeavor in your life. With so many possibilities for market growth, you will be as excited as the next person for your newly-established soap business in Malaysia.
One of your earliest questions would have to be “how do I sell handmade soaps in Malaysia?” Valid question and I will be here to put that question to rest.
Here are some ways you can sell your handmade soaps in Malaysia.
1. Profitability of handmade soaps
Profitability of handmade soaps (and just about any other products and services anywhere) really depends on how you sell it and your profit margin. There are people who made huge profits from just selling handmade soaps whereas some people barely breakeven. Some other people even lose money from the business.
For some soap makers, they started out as hobbyists who sell their soaps and barely cover the cost of making the product. Make sure that when you are selling your soap, you’d need to have good record keeping. Note down every expenses that you have spent while making your handmade soaps.
2. Price points of your handmade soaps
Pricing your handmade soaps is a tricky thing in Malaysia. One of the easiest way to price your handmade soaps in Malaysia is to compare similar range soap prices in the country, then go from there. Budget end handmade soaps typically cost somewhere in the RM20 to RM30 range whereas “upmarket” ones cost beyond RM80.
It all boils down to your target market by the end of the day. If your target market is the lower income group, then for obvious reasons you will not be charging like a bomb per soap. Think of who you would like to sell your soaps to and finally price your products from there.
3. How much business knowledge do you have?
Even if it’s just handmade soap business, it’s still business nonetheless. It is okay to take baby steps in the beginning but do make a lot of readings and planning before making your next move.
Read a lot of books and articles on how to start a new business. Watch plenty of startup business videos if you need to. Attend seminars and networking events if it helps you grow your business. As long as it’s helping your business out, that’s great.
4. Having a product information file in place
When you make handmade soaps, the most obvious thing to have is a product information file. This is where it contains all details about your products. It includes the exact formulation, how it is produced, details of its physical characteristics, and what its packaging looks like. Your chosen manufacturer will maintain all of these for you on your behalf on their premises. They should be willing to provide you with a copy and updated versions – if there are any.
5. Lab test your handmade soaps
Before your handmade soaps hit the shelf, you should send your soaps to labs to be tested. Your handmade soaps will be tested for the following:
- Heavy metal testing
- Microbial testing
- Shelf-life testing
Cost and charge per formulation may vary but it starts from RM1200 per formulation to cover all these basic lab tests. You can always ask the labs for a quote and their advice on the battery of tests you should go for. Do note that different cosmetics may different slightly different battery of tests. As soon as you have received your lab results you can attach them to your product information file
Have enquiries?
If you have any enquiries on how to start a handmade soap business, feel free to contact us today. Are you looking for soap bases in wholesale? Talk to us today and we can get you some!