How many do I make??

[soapingwench]

What a GREAT board!  I think I'm going to like it here .

I have been reading some of the topics and everyone is so nice about suggestions and honest critiques of the talents here.

Okay, onto my question:

I have beeb making m&p and other bath goodies (salts, milk bath, fizzies, dusting powders) for awhile.  I've given to family and friends and sold a few, too.  

Now, a friend has asked me to put my products in her booth (to fill-in the extra, unused area) at an upcoming fiber show.  She'll handle all the paperwork as far as taxes, etc (I don't have a business license) because we'll use her sales slips.  She doesn't want any financial part of what I sell, she's just being nice and needs more in her booth (she sells wool).

Anyway, it is a 2 day show and they had about 500 people a day last year (the first year of this festival) .  I know that number is nothing compared to some shows!  

So, I am trying to figure out how many soaps I should make, along with the other goodies.    I realize it is better to have too much than too little, but the initial outlay, financially, could be daunting!!  My darling husband says to buy whatever I need and $$$ isn't a problem for us.  I just don't want to spend money just to spend money, you know what I mean?

I plan on having 4 different scents available for all the products (that way, folks can go with a "theme" if they like).  I'll have Nag Champa, Oatmeal/Milk/Honey, Lavender and, possibly, Bay Rum.

The soaps are in molded shapes and I do a really nice packaging job on all the products.  Everything is labeled with ingredients (INCI correct) and our name.  I'll have business cards available, so people could contact me if they like the stuff and want more!

I'm okay on what I feel is fair pricing, it's the amount to bring that has me stumped (since I've never done this before!) .  

Should I bring 10 of each scent (for the soaps)?  16?  20?  Same question for the other products.

HELP!!

ANY and ALL assistance & suggestions GRATEFULLY accepted!!

Thanks, in advance!

soapingwench

[CraftyChef]

I'm reading you have 5 products. I would go no more than 10 each. 500 people seems like a lot, but stretched over time and considering that only a small percentage will be interested in the first place, 50 purchases of some kind seems reasonable. Plus you're sharing a table, so you won't have room for much. And your friend will push her stuff, not yours. My opinion, anyway.

[soapingwench]

Thanks!  I appreciate your feedback!  I'll keep it at 10 items per product (which will save me both time and money in the first place!). 

I am hoping it will be helpful in that nobody else will be selling this type of stuff at the show!

I already have a nice shelving unit (4 shelves with lined shallow wicker baskets on each) to display the products.  It will fit on a table (that I am bringing), so I won't be taking up too much room in her booth (and it's a BIG booth!).  She will be selling wool, blankets, knit goods and spinning supplies. 

Again, thank you for your suggestions, I really appreciate it!

[bobbie2oo4]

If no one else is selling your type of product at the show that you should go with more rather than less - maybe up it to 15 of each to be on the safe side. You should also consider having a "tester" of each if possible product so that people can actually try the product real time rather than just smell it. I've had experiences where I didn't like how something smelled but it felt so good that I couldn't help but buy it 

You may also want to bring order forms so that if you do run out, you can take down peoples information and contact them later