If you are looking for new ways to sell your bath and body creations, consider selling your products near your home. Selling near home is usually one of the least costly ways to get new business. You can use your local online directory (like Google Maps or Yelp) as a guide. Most of the people you need to reach can be contacted by an in-person visit or with a local phone call. And most businesses like to support local companies because it lowers their costs and it builds good-will within the community. Here are ten ways to sell your bath and body care products near your home.
Bazaars, Craft Shows, Farmer's Markets: This has always been one of the most popular ways to sell handmade soap and cosmetics. Some areas have craft shows and farmer's markets year round. Other areas only have these during the last few months of the year. If you sell your products at any of these events, consider making a mailing list with the names and addresses of your customers. Then during times when business is slow, send your customers an email or an updated brochure or catalog inviting them to purchase something new from you.
Bed & Breakfasts: Your local bed and breakfasts are a potential source of new business. Consider making products in a “bed and breakfast size" (1 oz. soaps, lotions and shower gels). You can advertise these to the local bed and breakfasts by visiting the owners in person, by mailing brochures, or by sending them samples.
Clothing Boutiques: Most stores that sell clothes also sell accessories. You might want to visit some of the specialty clothing boutiques in your area to see if they would like to carry your products.
Florists: Many florists also are in the gift delivery business. Look at the advertisements in your telephone book to see which florists also sell gifts. You may want to visit these businesses to show them your product line.
Gift Basket Companies: Gift basket companies use lots of soap and other cosmetics in their gift baskets. If you want to try and sell your products to a local gift basket company consider making an appointment with the owner to show your product line.
Gift Shops: Gift shops come in many shapes and sizes. Gift shops are located in garden supply stores, in malls, in historic buildings, in restaurants, in office buildings and in hospitals. Look in your local directory online under "Gift Shops.”
Interior Designers: Interior designers who decorate for home shows (like the Parade of Homes or Street of Dreams) will use indy-type soaps and cosmetics in their bathroom decor. Some of the designers will also sell the products on their websites. The best way to find out about this type of opportunity is to visit a home show, observe the decor, and get the business cards of some of the designers to see if there is any kind of opportunity for you with them.
Local Business To Business Trade Shows: Consider exhibiting at a local business to business trade show to let other businesses know about your products. Call or visit the website of your local Chamber of Commerce or business paper to find out about local trade shows.
Real Estate Agents: Many real estate agents give their customers a gift basket as a way of saying thanks. If there are any real estate agents in your area consider contacting them about buying soap or bath and body gift sets from you.
Specialty Directories and Publications: Visit your local library to see if there are any publications or directories that target special groups in your area. You might look for publications or directories that target new parents, women, retired persons, etc. Consider advertising your products in one of these publications.
As you can see, there are many different ways to sell your bath and body care products. All you have to do is explore the options and pursue those that are best for you!
