Wholesale Supplies Plus Blog

Live Chats With WSP

2009-07-15T13:23:00.001-04:00

Live Chats with WSP

The WSP marketing department has just confirmed the following dates for upcoming Live Chats! Each chat is approximately one hour in length, and allows you to discuss in real time topics that are vital to our industry.
We've already hosted chats on Cold Process Soap, Starting Your Business, and an Open Chat with Debbie May. Join us for more exciting topics in the next coming weeks!

July 3o, 8-10pm EST~ Melt and Pour Soap. Led by Forum Moderator Leni.

August 4, 1-2pm, 7-8pm EST~ Open Topic. Led by Debbie May.

August 25, 1-3pm EST~ Selling at Craft Shows. Led by Forum Moderator Leni.

It is highly recommended that you register to become a regular member of the chat rooms. This will allow you to review past transcripts and enter at anytime of the day or night.
To become a regular member, email the WSP Marketing Department at Jill@WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com Once you are a registered member, you may go directly to the chat room by using the following link: http://WholesaleSuppliesPlus.CampfireNow.com.

Working Hard For Your Success!

Silicone Loaf Mold Update

2009-07-14T17:30:00.005-04:00

Crafter's Choice Silicone Loaf Mold

I am thrilled to announce that we approved the final design of the Crafter's Choice Silicone Loaf Mold. We successfully achieved a design that allows the molds sides to remain perfectly straight.

This mold will be in-stock and ready for shipping in approximately 2 weeks. The mold will be eligible for the free shipping program.

Products used to make soap in the image above:

Crafter's Choice Loaf Silicone Mold
Crafter's Choice Ultra White MP Soap
Flower Silicone Mold
Crafter's Choice Beach Daisies Fragrance Oil
Crafter's Choice Liquid Lake Colors

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

Several New Silicone Molds

2009-07-14T15:38:00.004-04:00

Several New Silicone Molds

Wholesale Supplies Plus has new products arriving everyday. For the soap in the above image, we used:

Seashore Silicone Mold
Crafter's Choice Guest Loaf Silicone Mold
Crafter's Choice Oatmeal MP Soap Base (replicates sand)
Crafter's Choice Extra Clear MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice Ultramarine Blue Color (added to clear soap)
Crafter's Choice Sun & Sand Fragrance Oil

I hope this project inspires you to have think of some new product designs while having summer fun!

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

Soy Wax - New Lower Price

2009-07-14T11:13:00.003-04:00

Soy Wax - New Lower Price

Wholesale Supplies Plus was just notified of a SIGNIFICANT decrease in the price of soy wax. We have immediately passed this savings on to all of our customers! New prices are on our website now! Full cases dropped $10 per case!

Click Here to view prices.

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Soap Molds - Free Shipping

2009-07-13T19:50:00.008-04:00

Soap Molds - Free Shipping

Due to recent changes in the cost of plastic and our increase in shipping costs to bring molds into our facility, we have had to increase the price of Crafter's Choice, Milky Way and our other mold lines.

To help you offset this increase, I have obtained permission to include molds in our FREE UPS Ground Shipping Program. Overall, this should save you significant money!

This change is effective immediately.

Click Here to view molds.

Thanks for your understanding!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

24/410 Silver Metal Sprayer, Pump, Disc - Stock!

2009-07-13T17:58:00.005-04:00

24/410 Silver Metal Sprayer, Pump, Disc - Stock Items!

These are GREAT closures that will update any product line. I love that you can see the treads. Very hip and very cool!

Wholesale Supplies Plus is now offering all of these closures as stock items. For the quality, you will find the price is very reasonable.

24/410 Silver Metal Sprayer
24/410 Silver Metal Pump
24/410 Silver Metal Disc Top

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

New Surplus - These Will Sell Fast!

2009-07-13T17:41:00.004-04:00

New Surplus - These Will Sell Fast!

Wholesale Supplies Plus just received two great surplus deals. Both are sure to sell fast because these prices are low and quantities are limited. They are:

70/40 Silver Metal Top
1/4 oz Polycon Jar & Top

This top is AWESOME! It gives a very high end look to a basic plastic jar. It has a plastic inner shell and foam liner. Just adding this top to your current lotion or scrub will likely allow you to charge at least $1.00 more per jar. It is that nice.

The polycon jar and top set are perfect for samples. GREAT for perfume balms.

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Live Chat on Starting Your Business

2009-07-13T14:16:00.004-04:00

Live Chat on Starting Your Business

Join WSP tonight from 9-11PM EST for a Live Chat on Starting Your Business.

We will be discussing everything from taxes to pricing your products and everything in between. Bring your questions, and be prepared to take away lots of helpful information.

Click here to join the chat as a guest, or email jill@wholesalesuppliesplus.com to register to become a regular member of the chat rooms.
Rooms open 15 minutes prior to the start of the chat.

Working Hard For Your Success!

Five Simple Rules for Happiness

2009-07-13T11:07:00.005-04:00

Five Simple Rules for Happiness

This is AWESOME ... something we should all remember. Author unknown.

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait. 'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

I hope your day is a happy one!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Evaluating Website Traffic

2009-07-11T14:34:00.002-04:00

Evaluating Website Traffic

There are two popular tools used for evaluating website traffic. Both are good in their own ways. I hope this summary helps you use both tools to your advantage!

Google Analytics

This is a tool for evaluating the habits of visitors to your website. To use this tool, you need to register and set up a Google Analytics account (this is a free). Once you have your account set up, Google Analytics will generate a piece of computer code that you or a computer programmer will need place onto your website. Once this code has been in place for 24 hours, you can log into to your Google Analytics account and view your traffic information. Google Analytics is a popular tool because: 1) The information gathered is confidential to the website owner, 2) The data is very accurate because of the computer code that sits on the website, 3) You are given tons of information such as visitor computer browsers, keyword searches, pages viewed on the website and e-commerce trends. Overall, this is a tool that I highly recommend. You can access Google Analytics by going to www.Google.com/Analytics

Alexa

This is a tool used for evaluating website traffic. To use this tool you do not need to register for an account, you simply go to their website and view the data (it is free). Instead of gathering data from code that sits on your website, Alexa gathers data from visitors that have an “Alexa Toolbar”, “Sparky Toolbar” and other “Confidential Sources” (possibly spyware). Since not everyone that uses the Internet has an Alexa Toolbar and many people now block spyware, most industry experts agree that the data is assumed to be possibly incomplete and therefore bias. This tool is very popular because it is the only tool that allows you to see what is happening at other websites. All data and information is public. You can access Alexa by going to www.Alexa.com

When I work with Google Analytics and Alexa, there are 4 things that I immediately evaluate. They are:

1) Visitors & Traffic Rank. For Google Analytics Users, “Visitors” is the number of times people visited your site. You want to see this number grow and get bigger, which means your site has more traffic. For Alexa Users, “traffic rank” is a computed number that reflects website popularity and traffic. You want to see this number get smaller. A site such as Yahoo or Google will have an Alexa Traffic Rank of 1, which is the best of the best. Notice that traditionally Alexa gave you a three month number, you can now click on the word traffic rank and get a 7 day number.

2) Bounce Rate. Not all traffic is good traffic. You want traffic that values your website and visitors that are going to stay on your site, not immediately leave. The bounce rate is the percent of people leave a website almost immediately. You want to strive for a bounce rate of less than 20%. You can have great overall traffic but if 50% of the visitors bounce off your site, you may be spinning your wheels with current marketing programs..

3) Time on Site. You want to see this number grow. The longer visitors are on your site, the more likely they are going to turn into buyers.

4) Page Views. You want to see this number grow. The more pages visitors view, the more likely they are to turn into profitable shoppers.

I hope this helps you understand the basics of website traffic and two simple tools that are available to you. Feel free to ask questions. I am here for you!!

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

Provide a Recipe - Advertise Your Business for FREE

2009-07-09T09:40:00.003-04:00

Provide a Recipe - Advertise Your Business for FREE

I am excited to announce that the new Wholesale Supplies Plus Learning Library is nearing completion!!

This new Learning Library will be located within the Wholesale Supplies Plus website. We are merging all of our teaching sites such as SoapTeacher.com to this one location. The library will feature instructions, videos, business tips, calculators and free recipes.

I wanted to give you an opportunity to contribute your favorite recipes and in return I will help promote your business!

If you send in the needed recipe information (see below), I will advertise your name and any business information you would like to provide.

As you know the Wholesale Supplies Plus website gets quite a bit of traffic and this would be a great way to show off your talent and boost your business. I would anticipate the biggest potential for selling is going to be to people that produce related products but do not want to produce a full line of products. For example a person who makes candles may want not want to make soap but would like to purchase it ready to sell.

If you are interested, send me the following information:

Recipe Title
Product Image
Ingredients (include amounts)
Equipment
Step by Step Directions
Notes
Retail price (estimated if you don't have a price set)
Wholesale price (if you have one)
Your Business Information

Email the above information to Debbie@WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
Subject line: Recipe for WSP Website - (title of recipe)

Working Hard to Help You Succeed!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

WSP YouTube Channel

2009-07-08T14:22:00.003-04:00

WSP YouTube Channel

WSP is working to bring you over 100 new videos featuring Wholesale Supplies Plus, Crafter's Choice, and Debbie May. We've also put together a new Online Media Center where you can access all our videos.

WSP has also developed a YouTube Channel, and videos are also available on the WSP Facebook Fan Page.

We hope that these videos inspire you, and that you are able to learn something new from each of them! We have received great feedback and suggestions from our customers and it is greatly appreciated!

Working Hard For Your Success!

Melt & Pour Soap - Which Agency Regulates?

2009-07-07T12:42:00.015-04:00

Melt & Pour Soap - Which Agency Regulates This Product?

When making products for the purpose of sale, it is important you follow the correct regulations governing the product.

Over the years, there has been quite a bit of confusion when it comes to melt and pour soap. To try and clear up the subject, Wholesale Supplies Plus has sponsored a video that discusses the subject of the FDA's soap exemption rule. To view this video - Click Here.

For an added convenience I have outlined which agency regulates the different Crafter's Choice Melt and Pour Soap Bases. This information has also been added to the Wholesale Supplies Plus website.

The following Crafter's Choice Melt and Pour Soap Bases are
Regulated by the FDA:

Crafter's Choice ALOE & OLIVE OIL MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice CRYSTAL CLEAR MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice CLEAR SUSPENSION MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice CREAMY GOAT MILK MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice EXTRA CLEAR MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice OATMEAL MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice Pro Base C-1000 MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice Pro Base W-2500 MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice SILK & SHEA BUTTER MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice SWEETENED HONEY MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice ULTRA WHITE MP Soap Base

The following Crafter's Choice Melt and Pour Soap Bases are
Regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Crafter's Choice NATURAL CLEAR MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice NATURAL GOAT MILK MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice NATURAL SHEA BUTTER MP Soap Base
Crafter's Choice NATURAL WHITE MP Soap Base

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Clamshell Containers

2009-07-07T09:43:00.006-04:00

Clamshell Containers

If you're looking for a new way to create samples for customers or to develop new packaging for products look no further than our Clamshell.

These are great for wax tarts, creating travel soaps, guest soap samples, and so much more.
Each Clamshell is not only easy to use, but presents a professional looking product. They also hold more, and break apart very easily which is a huge time saver.
Give them a try today!

Working Hard For Your Success!

Cosmetic, Drug or Soap? Why It's Important!

2009-07-02T18:17:00.005-04:00

Cosmetic, Drug or Soap? Why It's Important!

Fixed Oils & Butters Video

2009-07-02T18:04:00.009-04:00

Fixed Oils & Butters Video

Heat Seal Cello Bags

2009-07-01T15:41:00.005-04:00

Heat Seal Cello Bags

Sometimes our products come with unexpected benefits. WSP has carried our crystal clear Cello Bags for quite some time, and we just discovered an added benefit.

Regardless of what size Cello Bag you're using, it can be sealed across the top with any household iron on low heat!

Cello Bags are a great way to hold bath salts, individual soaps, or anything that you would like to be easily seen through packaging, and are available in seven different sizes.

We want to bring you only the best packaging that will be the most popular with today's consumers. Not sure what to choose? Call us at 1-800-359-0944 and we will be happy to help you!

Working Hard For Your Success!

Why Evolution and Improvement Are Necessary

2009-06-29T19:02:00.005-04:00

Why Evolution and Improvement Are Necessary

I have been truly moved by the personal emails I have received commending Wholesale Supplies Plus on their recent educational videos. Thank you for noticing the hard work!

The FDA Globalization Act seriously threatened our industry last year and while that issue has died and been put to rest, I cannot help but reflect on how we must continually evolve and improve the industry of handmade cosmetics.

From my perspective these videos are a necessity, especially as new people enter the art of producing handmade soaps, lotions and cosmetics. People need to know that they are getting correct, up to date information from respected resources. On all levels, I will continue to be vigilant on this issue.

Look for more educational videos to be published in July 2009. We are currently working on:

1. Is Your Product A Cosmetic, Drug or Soap?
2. Melt and Pour Soap – What is It?
3. Cold Process, Hot Process, CPOP Soap – What is It?
4. Cosmetic Color Additives – What Are They and Why Does It Matter?
5. Fragrance Oils – What Are They and Why Does It Matter?
6. Essential Oils – What Are They and Why Does It Matter?
7. Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines for Cosmetics

In the fall, Wholesale Supplies Plus will be producing a line of videos highlighting recipes and formulas. It is just very, very important that new and old customers understand what they are doing and why they are doing it. After that...... the fun and creativity will be never ending!!!

Thanks for your support. Please know that I am always working hard to help you succeed!

Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Plastic Bail Jars - Less than $1 Each

2009-06-25T19:10:00.007-04:00

PET Plastic Bail Jars - Less than $1 Each

I want to move the last of the Plastic Bail Jars before we begin remodeling the mid section of our warehouse.

This is a fantastic deal that I hope can benefit you. Quantities are limited.

Click Here to view product information.

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

New Crafter's Choice Silicone Molds

2009-06-23T13:22:00.010-04:00

New Crafter's Choice Silicone Molds

The wait is almost over. The new Crafter's Choice Classic Oval and Guest Rectangle molds will be in stock in 2 weeks.

These are outstanding molds and we are so excited to be able to offer such a great product to our customers!

Crafter's Choice Classic Oval Mold
Crafter's Choice Guest Rectangle Mold

You can place a pre-order for the molds by calling our offices at 1-800-359-0944. You can also click the link on our website that states "Email me when in stock".

The final prototype for the Guest Loaf Mold will be in stock in 2 weeks as well! Look for more information soon. All of the silicone molds that will be brought out this year are now listed on the website. Start putting together your wish lists!

We have some great announcements for 2010 designs that we will announce closer to the holiday season.

Working Hard For Your Success!
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/

Live Chats With Debbie May

2009-06-22T15:17:00.007-04:00

Live Chats With Debbie May

Join Debbie May for a live chat on June 24 from 1-3 PM EST. This chat will focus on Fragrance Oils - Trends, IFRA Maximum Use Levels & More.

This chat is a great opportunity to ask Debbie any questions you may have, and also receive feedback from the WSP community.

To receive an invitation to join this chat please email jill@wholesalesuppliesplus.com. You will receive an email that will include a link to a simple registration process.

If you are unable to participate in the chat on June 24, the chat transcript will be posted on the WSP Forum within 24 hours. Look under the forum topic Debbie May – Scheduled Live Chats.

Any questions regarding the chat can be emailed to jill@wholesalesuppliesplus.com.

Check our Company Events Calendar for future chats with Debbie May coming in July!

Working Hard For Your Success!

Closeout Fragrance Oils - $10/lb & Free Ship

2009-06-19T13:55:00.003-04:00

Closeout Fragrance Oils - $10/lb
Plus FREE Shipping!

Wholesale Supplies Plus has placed several fragrance oils on closeout. They are all $10 per pound and have FREE UPS Ground Shipping.

Don't miss out! Quantities are limited.

Click here to view Closeout Fragrance Oils.

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oils

2009-06-19T11:40:00.012-04:00

Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oils

Buy the Best!

When you buy Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oils you have our pledge that you are buying the best available!!

All Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oils…..

1. Have FREE UPS Ground Shipping!
2. Are Phthalate Free.
3. List Vanilla Content, Flashpoint, Color Suggestions.
4. List IFRA Maximum Use Levels.
5. Are Labeled with a “Best Used Date” (linked to batch ID).

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Taste Enhanced Flavor Oils

2009-06-18T17:39:00.003-04:00

Taste Enhanced Flavor Oils

Traditional flavor fragrances have a strong aroma which trick the brain into thinking the scent of a sweetened lip product is an actual flavor.

Crafter’s Choice Taste Enhanced Flavors have an actual taste and are used in the food industry to enhance the flavors of products such as soda pop and ice cream. We have worked hard with industry chemists to have them formulated to work in lip products.

Our extensive testing has shown that when these "Taste Enhanced Flavors" are used in conjunction with a sweetened lip base, a superior lip balm/gloss is produced.

Crafter's Choice Taste Enhanced Flavors are approved to be used in edible body oils.

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Video: Lotions & Creams - What are they?

2009-06-18T15:47:00.004-04:00

Video: Lotions & Creams - What are they?

We will be uploading this to the Wholesale Supplies Plus Video Library tonight. Our website video player has a bigger picture and better quality than what YouTube can publish. For now, I thought I would give you a preview!

I hope you learn something new. If you have questions, please feel free to call us.....we are here to help you!!

Look for our next video to be released next week....Crafter's Choice Fixed Oils & Butters!

Working Hard for Your Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944