Latest Blog Articles

  • Fragrance Gap Analysis If you are like most, you tend to have fragrances in your line that you personally prefer. It is natural to purchase what you like. For myself, when reviewing new scents I quickly say "yes" to sweet fruits and fresh/clean cucumber type scents.

    The problem with developing a line based on personal preference is that you end up excluding customers that do not have your preferences. Ideally you want a broad line that appeals to many different customers.

    WSP's purchasing department recently put all of our fragrances through a Fragrance Oil Gap Analysis. The results showed that we were greatly lacking in three areas. As a result, our last 10 new fragrance oils were designed to filled those three gaps.

    If you have customers approach your craft table and can't find a scent they like, maybe it is because their preferences are just a bit different than yours and you have a few gaps in your line.

    Attached is the Fragrance Gap Analysis Worksheet we used. I hope it can help you too!

    Wishing You Much Success!
    Debbie May
    http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/

    more

  • FDA Globalization Act 2008 (Update) As you may know there is a US Congressional Committee attempting to generate a bill entitled "FDA Globalization Act of 2008". If this bill becomes law as proposed, it will cost anyone making a cosmetic (lip balms, lotions, etc) to register and pay a minimum of $2,000 annually to the FDA. These businesses will also need to register each of their formulas with the government, document their standards of good manufacturing practices and report all adverse reactions.

    Wholesale Supplies Plus feels that all of this will greatly stifle small business owners and frankly force most customers to close their doors and go out of business.

    You may be aware the Donna Marie Coles Johnson has been working on this issue and even went to Washington with a group of small business owners. From my discussions with those involved, it was a very successful trip in that it brought attention to our concerns but may not have been successful in creating change in the proposed legislation.

    I do feel that it is time Wholesale Supplies Plus takes serious action. WSP has engaged a lobbyist firm to work on behalf of all small businesses and crafters making cosmetics. This firm has developed what I feel is a solid campaign on behalf of our customers.

    WSP has pledged $35,000 in 2008 specifically for this effort. Depending on how the issue unfolds, there will likely be additional financial requirements going into 2009. If this is the case, we are hoping to engage other companies to join our efforts.

    I want to let you know that in light of this important issue and the unexpected expenses, I will not attending the May 2009 Soap Guild Convention and/or sponsoring local gatherings for 2009. We will not be raising prices to fund this effort. Instead we will trim expenses.

    I feel bad about not attending the convention, I do hope you understand. If you have questions, suggestions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me!

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

    more

  • Recent Trip to BBW I made a trip to Bath and Body Works yesterday. I was disappointed to find that their fall line was not in yet...they tell me two more weeks. I guess another trip will not kill me!

    I noticed they still use the a product we call "Crafter's Choice Vitaburst Beads" in their Hand Lotion and Deep Cleansing Gel. I really like the look of the blue suspended beads. They "pop" when rubbed into the skin. Very cool!

    I found a new product called "Waterless Hand Foam". It is a foam used for cleansing, no rinsing needed. The active ingredient is Benzalkonium Chloride at 11%. It is an interesting concept. I look forward to seeing how it is received by consumers.

    Debbie May
    http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
    1-800-359-0499

    more

  • Lavender Metal Tin - Surplus This Surplus Metal Container is perfect for bath salts, bath potpourri and much more.

    Points of Interest:
    Beautiful light lavender color. Seamless with Rolled Edges. Embossed Lid. Lid has a plastic insert to assure a snug fit. Upscale and perfect for packaging salts, bath tea, potpourri, etc. Bath salts will need an inner cello bag as product is not resistant to rust.

    Measurements:
    2.5” x 5.5” tall

    Price:
    $20 for 24 sets

    To pre-order call our offices at 1-800-359-0944. Quantity is limited. Expected to arrive to our facility in the next 14 days.

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

    more

  • Book: Women & Money
    I like to watch Suze Orman's cable show on CNBC. She has a way of making things seem so simple. I like the live phone calls she takes. Things I always wondered about but never really had anyone to ask. Questions such as: Do you retire at 62 and take less social security or wait until 65 and get a bigger check?

    While school supply shopping at Office Max, I came across this book. I have wanted to read it for sometime and was glad I saw it. I bought it.



    I got about half way through the book yesterday and highly recommend it. I like that Suze makes the same point with different perspectives such as stay home mom, female business owner, and female employee. Her description of the Volunteer Syndrome hit eerily close to home.


    I have peeked to the end of the book and really look forward to her discussions on savings, retirement and mentoring of children. I look forward to the review of documents, insurance, investments, etc.

    If you read this book (or have read it) please feel free to leave your review in the comment area!

    Debbie May
    www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
    1-800-359-0944

    more

  • List Your Handcrafted Products Wholesale Supplies Plus annually receives hundreds of requests from businesses seeking “retail ready” handcrafted products.

    In response to requests, we are developing a page in our Resource Library to assist in the connection between artists and consumers/businesses.

    If you would like your company listed on these pages, please complete the application and you will be added. You do not need to be a customer of WSP to be listed.

    If you have any questions, feel free to email me at debbie@wholesalesuppliesplus.com

    Wishing You Much Success!
    Debbie May
    http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
    1-800-359-0944

    more

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Issue: FDA Globalization Act 2009

The FDA Globalization Act 2009 may be of interest to your business. Click on "View Bill" to view latest congressional activity.

Points of Interest: There has been no activity on this bill since it was referred to committee on 1/28/2009. Senator Dingell proposed a different bill (HR 2749) that amends the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for the purpose of improving food safety. This new bill does not impact drugs or cosmetics.

Issue: Safe Baby Products Act 2009

The Safe Baby Products Act 2009 may be of interest to your business. Click on "View Bill" to view latest congressional activity.

Points of Interest: There has been no activity on this bill since it was introduced 4/28/2009.