Latest Blog Articles

  • Formal Bill - FDA Globalization Act 2009 I am not sure if you have been following me on twitter today but there was some important news and discussions. I am finally at home and can reflect on the day and post a blog update.

    I received a call early this morning from Dawn Detelich, the executive director at Association of Artisan Businesses. She called to inform me that Congresman Dingell (D-MI), Pallone (D-NJ) and Congressman Stupak (D-MI) formally announced a congressional bill entitled The FDA Globalization Act 2009.

    Further research provided published reports today indicated that this bill is expected closely resemble last years discussion draft entitled FDA Globalization Act 2008. Additional sources indicated that the recent salmonella peanut butter outbreak may provide reason to fast track the bill into law.

    Through several contacts I just obtained a confidential copy of the formal bill. It is over 130 pages long. I am going to read it tonight and again in the am. Before settle in for the full read tonight, I wanted to make this blog post, to let you know that I did read over the 3 or so pages dedicated to cosmetics.

    While I do not want to say much until I completely review the bill and have our legal team give an interpretation, I will tell you that it initially looks VERY good for our industry. If what I am reading is correct, WSP customers had their voices heard and our approach to working with elected officials was very much respected.  I am initially relieved and pleased.

    I am off to read now.  I will post more tomorrow.  I have several meetings tomorrow so please do not be concerned if you do not see something further posted until after work hours.

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

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  • Laundry and Perception A customer sent this to me. I wanted to share it with you. It is so true in so many ways!

    Hope your day is a good one!

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

    A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.

    The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her
    neighbor hanging the wash outside.

    'That laundry is not very clean', she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash
    correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap'

    Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

    Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would
    make the same comments.

    About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on
    the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash
    correctly. I wonder who taught her this?'

    The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'

    And so it is with life. What we see when watching others, depends on the
    purity of the window through which we look.

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  • Cool Soap Cutters - Just Arrived When we first sampled these cutters I was skeptical of their application to soap. After playing with them in the lab, we fell in love with them.

    Pictured here is the double heart cutter. We packaged two different soaps separately in clear cello wrap and then a shrink wrap band to hold them tight. The ribbon completed the package.

    Double Heart Cutter
    Wavy Triangle Cutter
    Three Rectangle Cutter

    If you are not a soapmaker, they are great for small cupcakes, brownies and rice krispie treats!

    I look forward to about your design ideas!

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

    more

  • Colored Metal Tins - 6 oz (Surplus)


    A large retailer just sold off extra inventory on these beautiful 6 oz colored metal tins. We purchased all we could find but quantities are limited.

    Perfect for Spring, Easter, Mother's Day and Summer Gift Sets.


    Product Ideas:
    Container Candles
    Candy Gift Sets
    Paper Me Spa Sets (add sample packets of products)
    Office Organizer Sets (paper clips, thumb tacks, etc.)

    Click here to view pricing.

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

    more

  • Lower Prices on Soap Base All Crafter's Choice MP Soap Bases now have lower prices!

    These lower prices are the result of lower raw material costs such as coconut and palm oils.

    A few things to note:
    1. WSP now offers additional savings for 2 pallets of any Crafter's Choice Big Block Soap Bases. You may mix full pallets only ex: 1 pallet of Extra Clear and 1 pallet of Ultra White.
    2. Pallets of soap can be delivered to any commercial addresses in the Continental US for $100.
    3. Pallets of soap can be delivered to residential addresses (using a lift gate) for $100 plus a minimal surcharge for the lift gate and residential address.
    New prices are now on our website.

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

    more

  • Sinus Help - Product Idea I found this at the drug store this weekend. I thought it was a unique product application for our Crafter's Choice Sachet Beads.

    The jar contains eucalyptus scented sachet beads. The jar is 2/3 full and then a folded a muslin bag into the top. The maker advertises to put beads in bag and place under pillow for cold sinus relief.

    I had not seen anything like this and thought I would share. Maybe you can do something similar. I see products with lavender being popular also. I hope it helps you develop ideas of your own!

    If you wish to purchase this product for yourself, I found it online here.
    The retail price is $6.00 for 2.5 oz. It is made in the United States.

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

    more

  • Drums of Lotions & Washes When a person orders 300 gallons of Crafter's Choice Lotions or Liquid Washes, the container is a drum. I have recently had several people ask to see an image of the drums.

    As you can see it is an open head steel drum with plastic liner.

    The open head means there is a latch that removes the entire top of the drum. For those that use pumps and filling equipment, there are two bung holes. There is a plastic liner in the drum that prevents the product from rusting.

    Drums are often used by resellers packaging under their own label and/or larger manufacturers that attach their filling equipment directly to the drum.

    Drum quantities on Crafter's Choice Lotions and Crafter's Choice Liquid Washes are available to all customers at a tremendous savings off of the single gallon price. Lead times for 300 gallon drum orders are 2-3 weeks (depending on time of year).

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

    more

  • Discount Program Changes This week I completed the WSP 2008 Business Analysis Reports. These reports include 6 different views of business. Over the years I have come to depend on these reports because they are the foundation for my business decisions and the bench marks I use to evaluate business throughout the year. Good decisions are essential because an important part of WSP's mission is to serve the long term and short term needs of customers, support employees and be a leader in our industry.

    Given the results of this years reports and the fact we are in an economic recession, I need to discontinue two shipping programs that are losing thousands of dollars. These programs and changes are:

    1. Fragrance and Flavors.com - This site has been closed and all traffic has been redirected to the WSP website. To help compensate customers for this unexpected change, WSP has lowered its 1 pound fragrance oil prices. Economy Scents now $15.50 ($1.50 decrease). Standard Scents now $23 ($2.00 decrease). Premium Scents now $32 ($2.00 decrease).
    2. Flat Rate Shipping of $7.95 for orders under $25 - This program is in the process of being discontinued. A significant amount of website programming changes need to be completed to reflect the change. I anticipate this program to be discontinued sometime Friday night or Saturday morning.

    We will continue to offer the Mix & Match Flat Rate Discounted Shipping Program and our UPS Preferred Discounted Shipping Rates for orders over 220 pounds.

    Please know that I am working hard everyday to convince our vendors for lower prices and/or sales which allow me to pass savings on to you.

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

    more

  • Mystery Sale - Sachet Bead & Puffs We were lucky to negotiate such great prices on these surplus Aromatic Puffs and Scented Sachet Beads.

    All have high fragrance content. Price is only $2.50 per set.

    We typically get these every few years and they sell out fast. Please note that stock is limited and we cannot purchase more.

    Product Ideas:
    Drawer & Closet Sachets
    Vacuum Bag Scents
    Locker, Gym Bag or Car Sachets
    Holiday Ornaments

    Look for packaging ideas to be posted soon!

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

    more

  • Mix & Match Shipping - 2009 Rates As you are aware, WSP's Mix and Match Flat Rate Shipping Discount Program is an excellent way for customers all over the country to save money on shipping!

    Order 210 pounds of items from section A of the program chart and the flat rate shipping on those items. Once you your section A items add up to at least pounds, you can then ship an unlimited amount of Colors, Fragrance & Essential Oils and Molds for Free!

    Attached is our new 2009 Mix & Match Rate Schedule.

    If you have not tried Mix & Match, you should look into it. This programs saves many, many people hundreds of dollars every year!

    Working Hard for Your Success!

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

    more

  • Sale on Flavor Fragrance Oils We are discontinuing 10 Flavor Fragrance Oils.

    Fresh Watermelon, Hand Dipped Strawberries, Juicy Pineapple, Lemonade, Mango-Mango, Menthol, Tart Green Apple, Toasted Coconut, Vanilla Swirl, Watermelon Mania.

    Sale prices are:
    2 oz - 25% Off
    16 oz - $12.00

    Supplies are limited. Once gone, we will not continue to stock.

    CLICK HERE to view discontinued Flavor Fragrances.

    Debbie May
    http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
    1-80-359-0944

    more

  • Silicone Football Mold Super Bowl is right around the corner. This is a GREAT mold with many different product ideas.

    Product Ideas:

    Football Soap Party Favors
    Football Floating Ice for Party Punch
    Football Rice Krispy Treats
    Football Brownies
    Ideas are Endless.....

    This Silicone Football Mold is safe for food (once used for soap - don't then use for food) and can be used for oven baking up to 500º.

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

    more

  • Disappointing News Disappointing FDA Globalization Update

    I am disappointed to learn that the FDA Globalization Act 2008 may be back.  Congressman Waxman and Dingel are going to co-chair the committee and we all know that the act was something that Congressman Dingel really wanted introduced in 2009.

    On a good note, it looks like the focus for the first 1/2 of the year will remain the economy and healthcare.  This gives us breathing space to gather information and get out there to have our position heard.  Given some of what we have learned recently, we will revamp our position.

    As you know, WSP has engaged a lobby firm in 2008 to help us address the FDA Globalization Act.  Our contract with them runs out in February.   We cannot renew the contract as $8,000 is just to cost prohibitive to continue throughout the entire coming year.  

    Going forward, we will collaborate with Association of Artisan Businesses.  Their executive director has a strong advocacy background and great ideas on how to make the biggest impact.  Her plans go far beyond circulating petition letters and surveys such as the one WSP initiated in November.  Her plan involves advocacy processes with proven success.

    In the past, I have received many emails from customers asking to donate money to the WSP for the cause of fighting this issue.  Ethically, WSP could not accept these donations.  The laws are fairly straight forward on funding of lobbying efforts.  

    With the creating of AAB, you are able to join as a General Member and have your money fund representation on issues such as this.  It makes it a win-win for all of us.  

    The AAB offers outstanding business success tools.  Their mission is to really help artisans, such as yourself.  The AAB is currently offering a special promotion of $100 off memberships. To help support them, WSP has donated office space and shared resources.  New AAB Members will receive a 10% off coupon toward a WSP purchase.  To learn more Click Here.

    Debbie May
    1-800-359-0944

    more

  • Kudos - We raised $50K for Autism Big Kudos....

    I wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of the WSP customers that donated to Life Center for Autism! You "threw your change" into the construction fund and made a huge difference.

    For many customers, 1 penny is all that it took. Those pennies added up. Total, we raised just under $50,000!

    The kind spirit of our customers has left me speechless. A very, very deep felt thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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

    more

  • Do you how you will get there? When growing a business, it is easy to sometimes get lost.  

    The question becomes do you know where you are going?  Until you decide where you want to go, you can't set the best path for getting there. 

    Do you take the quickest route even if it takes you through dangerous neighborhoods, risk safety possibly leading to faster results!  Do you take the route that is a little longer but is much safer, maybe costing you more travel money?  Do you take your time and enjoy the scenery as you travel?  

    Each of these three ways to travel have pros and cons.  One is not right and one is not wrong.  It is most important that you know where you are going..........and how you will get there. 

    Hope this provides you thought on setting business goals.  

    Please comment with your goal and how you like to travel!

    Debbie May
    1-800-359-0944

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  • Business Thought for the Day Business Thought for the Day:
    When you say "no" to a customer is it a policy or a rule? Why is it important?

    Although many people use the terms interchangeably, policies and rules are very different. Policies are written in stone. Rules are guidelines to provide consistency.

    When it comes to customer service, policies provide the invisible "back up" to why an unpleasant decision is made. The downside is that they can alienate customers. They don't allow for latitude. It is hard to help a unhappy customer feel special when it comes to communicating a policy. You should never break a policy. They are always benefit just one side, the company.

    Rules on the other hand provide the guideline to decisions while still allowing you the flexibility to change or react to special customer circumstances. Rules give a company consistency but given a circumstance, provides a way to individualize service.

    Remember when it comes to tough customer service decisions, making it a win-win for all parties leads to happy customers and higher sales!

    Hope this provides food for thought!
    Debbie May
    www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
    1-800-359-0944

    more

  • Follow Me On Twitter Every New Year I find it a good time to evaluate life - as a wife, mother, friend and business woman.  I also look for areas of growth and change.  

    This year  I have elected to grow by dipping my toe into the "Twitter" pool.  

    I am still learning the twitter lingo.  I can't figure out how to do links or pictures!  I am sure I will "get it" soon.  I am not sure how everything will evolve.

    For those that know me, it will not surprise you that have opened 2 Twitter accounts.  One is personal and one that is professional.  The personal one is strictly me as a mom, wife and friend - no business.  The professional one I am still tweaking today, but it is live.

    I invite you to sign up for Twitter and follow me.  I would love to get to you know better too!  Signing up for a Twitter account is free and easy.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

    Follow Debbie May & WSP on these accounts:

    Personal:  Twitter.com/DebMay
    Business:  Twitter.com/WSP News

    Debbie May
    1-800-359-0944

    more

  • Fragrance Sale Update The current WSP Fragrance Sale (25% off all scents) will end start of business 1/8/2009 (Thursday).

    Due to the popularity of the sale, our order processing times are currently 3 days.  

    If you have an urgent order, please give us a call and we will do the best to accommodate your needs during these longer lead times.

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

    more

  • Association of Artisan Businesses - Website Live I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that the Association of Artisan Business website just went live a few hours ago.

    It can be found at http://www.artisanbusinesses.org/

    Several member benefits are not yet ready to go live. Specifically the artisan shopping mall and the first set of videos. There are ETA dates are on the AAB site for those benefits. The article and shared documents library are full of great information! To compensate members, there is a $100 discount being temporarily offered.

    The AAB felt it was best to go live now for a few reasons. Most importantly, they need to start formally advocating for artisans. When you get a chance to review the website, you will see that artisan toy makers are in immediate need of desperate help (look under history tab).

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the AAB directly. They have several contact email addresses on their website. I also welcome your feedback.

    Many people signed up for the AAB Newsletter. I would expect they will send out a formal announcement about the website soon.

    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.