? for those of you with a biz

[Guest guest]

I have been making my own soaps, and a few other things for family

use...and friends now for over a year. After hearing me vent about

work again, my best friend mentioned that I really should try to

start my own soap biz. I know that there wouldn't be a lot of money

in it, and I know there are a lot of rules to follow...I hope I'm not

stepping on toes by asking, but I have a few questions.

1. I know I need a DBA and tax number...not sure how to get the DBA

(heck I can't even come up with a good name....thought I had one,

then realized it sounded too much like a few others).

2. Packaging: I would not want to spend a lot on this at first, but I

want it to look professional(read: waterproof)...is it worth it for

me to get that Xyron everyone raves about?

3. How do I pick craft shows to do? And how do I go about making sure

I'm not infringing on someone elses " territory " . This is important to

me...I respect the people on this list and would not want to do

something that even looks like I'm trying to take business from

anyone.

TIA for any tips,

(who is getting sick of working for a boss who is immoral and

appears to dislike women as professionals)

[Guest guest]

Colleen,

Thank you so much for the information...I still have to come up with a

name....start estimating what it's gonna cost to start up...etc.

I really love being home with my kids...and if I can do something that will

help that along, so I don't have to be full time out of the house that would

be nice...no illusions of wealth here

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[Guest guest]

When you go to the county to apply for your DBA, they only check your

county. There could be a business using this name outside of your

county. There is a national site, which I can't find this minute, but

do a google search. Make sure there isn't another name. I paid for my

DBA...having checked in Niagara County, did labels, business cards,

and so on...only to be told that there was a huge company in

California. I changed my name immediately at a small cost of another

DBA, business cards, relabeling all my products. Do a check and a

double check. Buy as many products is bulk as you can...it saves you

money down the road. Ask vendors at shows you attend as a customer.I

have found them to be honest and upfront with their information.There

is a New York State-4 times a year- published craft show booklet...I

believe it is called Showfinder. There is a subscription fee.

Sometimes you have to do a show to find out that you wouldn't do it

again. Good luck...it is a lot of hard work, many hours and low pay,

but if you love it...it will be worth it to you. Kim C

P.S. I use google.com to find out almost everything I need to know,

or at least it sends me in the right direction.

> I have been making my own soaps, and a few other things for family

> use...and friends now for over a year. After hearing me vent about

> work again, my best friend mentioned that I really should try to

> start my own soap biz. I know that there wouldn't be a lot of money

> in it, and I know there are a lot of rules to follow...I hope I'm

not

> stepping on toes by asking, but I have a few questions.

>

> 1. I know I need a DBA and tax number...not sure how to get the DBA

> (heck I can't even come up with a good name....thought I had one,

> then realized it sounded too much like a few others).

>

> 2. Packaging: I would not want to spend a lot on this at first, but

I

> want it to look professional(read: waterproof)...is it worth it for

> me to get that Xyron everyone raves about?

>

> 3. How do I pick craft shows to do? And how do I go about making

sure

> I'm not infringing on someone elses " territory " . This is important

to

> me...I respect the people on this list and would not want to do

> something that even looks like I'm trying to take business from

> anyone.

>

> TIA for any tips,

>

> (who is getting sick of working for a boss who is immoral and

> appears to dislike women as professionals)