Teach Soap

Does anyone have a space in an indoor crafters market? I may have an opportunity to get in to a new market that is expanding, it just opened in the fall. It is not the type of place where there is one check out, each vendor controls their space and sales. It's open weekdays and weekends. The vendors there say it was a little slow in the first months but is starting to pick up. I think it is in a good location for growth over time.

I am excited about potentially growing my business, but also hesitant because I would have much less time at my "real money" job and would have to put in a lot more hours making and packaging soap to make my business more profitable to cover rent. I'm not sure I will even be successful, but I won't know if I don't try. I'm on the fence and trying to make a decision.

Does anyone have any tips or points to ponder that I may not have thought about?

I started to do something similar but backed out due to time. One thing to consider is the insurance required. The place here required $2 mil in general liability and to be put on the policy. My home business policy would be cancelled so I would have needed new product liability insurance too. It turned out to make the whole thing more expensive than I was prepared to pay. Good luck!

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

Ask to see a copy of their lease agreement. The one here is 30 pages long and had penalties for opening late or failing to open, insurance requirements, licensing, etc. You had to have your sign and design for your space (ie decorating plans like paint color) pre-approved too. It was very much like renting space in a mall.

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!