Latest Blog Articles

  • WSP - Maximum Fragrance Use Rates I received several emails last night requesting additional information regarding the Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oil Maximum Use Levels.

    Click Here to read an expanded explanation.

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.

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

    more

  • Retail Introductions 2.24.2008 Main stream retail lines strongly influence the buying habits of many, many consumers. If you are going to successfully grown your business, you need to understand what is going on at the retail level and what consumers might be expecting.

    Recent Retail Additions Include:

    Lip-licious Lip Color & Sugar Scrub (Bath & Body Works)
    Mango Mandarin Body Splash (Bath & Body Works)

    At the end of the day remember that not all trends are popular. All additions to your line, regardless of trend, must make sense to you and your customers.

    Hope you find this helpful!
    Debbie May
    http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
    1-800-359-0944

    more

  • Top 10 Things People are Still Buying I wanted to take a moment and pass this article on to you. It was posted in Forbes Magazine. it outlines the top 10 things people are buying. It is good to see Personal Care items on the list!

    5. Personal Care
    Keeping up appearances also means investing in personal care products, which range from shaving cream to toothpaste to perfume. From November 2007 to November 2008, U.S. sales of shampoo, acne treatments, skin care gift sets and grooming products increased by 18%, 14%, 11% and 15%, respectively, according to Karen Grant, senior beauty analyst at NPD.

    Natural beauty products--such as moisturizer made with organic ingredients--are also faring well, according to Grant. In fact, 64% of women who use beauty products say that they've gone the natural route.

    Click here to read full article.

    Click here for a second article on how some people will be spending their money in 2009.

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

    more

  • Thumbprint Bath Cookies You can give Sue in customer service credit for this recipe!!

    The bath cookies look 100% better in person and the aroma is out of this world!

    Thumprint Bath Cookies
    "Perfect for the Bath"
    "Perfect as Room Fresheners"

    Ingredinets:
    3/4 Cup Crafter's Choice European Salts - Fine Grain
    1 Cup Crafter's Choice Cornstarch
    1/2 Cup Crafter's Choice Buttermilk Powder
    3 oz Crafter's Choice Rice Bran Oil
    2 oz Crafter's Choice Shea Butter - Refined
    1 Cup Crafter's Choice Baking Soda
    1/2 Cup Crafter's Choice Citric Acid
    5 tsp Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oil
    1 oz Crafter's Choice Extra Clear Soap Base
    Liquid Lake Colors

    Directions:
    Over a low heat, warm shea butter and rice bran oil until melted. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add fragrance and set aside. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In a bowl mix salt, buttermilk powder and cornstarch. Break up any clumps. In a separate bowl, mix baking soda and citric acid. Combine with salt mixture. Pour melted oil mixture into dry ingredients.

    Mix quickly (use gloved covered hands if necessary). Make tablespoon sized balls from mixture. If mixture does not stick together, add a little more rice bran oil. Place on waxed paper and flatten gently. For the thumbprint well, gently press thumb down in the middle of the cookie.

    For cookie toppings, melt 1 oz of Crafter's Choice Extra Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave. Add desired Liquid Lake Colors. Allow soap to sit and thicken. Pour thickened soap over bath cookie. Allow to completely harden for 24 hours. Package as desired.

    These cookies are sure to be quick sellers. Tell your customers to drop one in the bath tub before taking their long relaxing warm bath. They will fizz and fill the room with a wonderful aroma. They look and smell DELICIOUS!

    Recipe makes approximately 40 bath cookies.

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

    more

  • Good Manufacturing Guidelines I received several panic emails regarding "internet rumors" about the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices. All of these rumors appear to be based on "speculation" as I cannot find any facts to support them.

    There is no need to speculate, the guidelines have been published for sometime and were even updated in April 2008. As a convenience, I have converted the FDA's Good Manufacturing Guideline document and to a pdf format. This will make it easier for you to print and keep on hand for a reference.

    As you will see, the document does not prohibit you from having a home based cosmetic business. It does not require an in-house lab and the hiring of a chemist. It does not say there will be a "knock on your door" from inspectors.

    I encourage all of you to read the document for yourself. If you have any questions about the guidelines, please email them directly to me at debbie@wholesalesuppliesplus.com I will be happy to answer all of your questions. If I do not have the answer, I will be happy to put you in contact with someone at the FDA that can help.

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

    more

  • Fragrance & Essential Oil Blends I have completed the online descriptions and pricing for our new Fragrance & Essential Oil Blend line of fragrances.

    All of these are fragrance oils that contain pure all natural essential oils. They have expanded descriptions that will aid you in producing compelling marketing materials!

    Crafter's Choice Fragrance & Essential Oil Blends

    You will find that all of these scents are included in our "2009 - Year of Optimism" line.

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

    more

  • Bulk - Lotions & Washes We are adding bulk bases to our line of Crafter's Choice Lotions & Washes. All of the formulas are the same as we have offered in the 1 gallon size.

    You will find that the 5 gallon pails is easier for those producing large amounts of the same color and fragrance. Just add fragrance and color directly to the bucket. Mix, package and label!

    Our drums will be stocked in house so they are available for immediate shipment.

    For those that purchase our bases and resell under private label names, you will find that repackaging is much easier in these new additional sizes.

    Products being offered in bulk are:

    Crafter's Choice Basic Lotion Base
    Crafter's Choice Goat Milk & Honey Lotion Base
    Crafter's Choice Liquid Suspension Soap Base
    Crafter's Choice Moisturizing Lotion Base
    Crafter's Choice Satin & Silk Lotion Base
    Crafter's Choice Crystal Clear Shower Gel

    Click here to view bulk bases in 5 gallon bucket.
    Click here to view bulk basaes in 50 gallon drum.

    Click here to view our lotions packaged in 1 gallon containers.
    Click here to view our liquid washes packaged in 1 gallon containers

    As with any new product it will take us a few months to establish good inventory levels. During this time, we may unexpectedly run out of stock. If you would like to guarantee an order for these items you may place a pre-order by calling us at 1-800-359-0944.

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

    more

  • 25% Off Butters! Crafter's Choice Shea, Mango and Coconut Butters are currently 25% off our everyday price. (Full cases are not on sale).

    This sale is a special intended to help customers increase their profit margins.

    All butters are shipped from our standard stock. None of the butters are surplus, expired or otherwise off specification.

    Click Here to view butter sale prices.

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

    more

  • Recent Retail Introductions Main stream retail lines strongly influence the buying habits of many, many consumers. If you are going to successfully grown your business, you need to understand what is going on at the retail level and what consumers might be expecting.

    In an effort to help you, I will be starting a new series of blog posts title "Recent Retail Introductions". In these posts, I will include new retail product and fragrance introduced in retail stores.

    This weeks additions are:
    • Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Optimism Bright Blossoms - Body Mist
    • Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Optimism Bright Blossoms - Body Wash
    • Bath & Body Works Ile de Tahiti Moana - Body Wash
    • Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir - Scented Bath & Shower Cream
    • Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Candy, Baby - Body Soufflé Moisture Cream
    • The Body Shop Moroccan Rose - Shower Gel
    • The Body Shop Spa Wisdom - Tropical Oasis Shower Milk
    • Bath & Body Works Velvet Tuberose - Fragrant Mist
    • The Body Shop Sugaring - Roll-On Hair Removal
    • Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir - Scented Body Lotion

    When trending retail products, look for scent and product trends. For example, the above list has several lotion and skin moisturizer introductions. Scents names appear bright, sweet and sexy. Don't think you need to copy the above introductions, instead look at the trend and tweak your line if needed.

    At the end of the day remember that not all trends are popular. All additions to your line, regardless of trend, must make sense to you and your customers.

    Hope you find this helpful!
    Debbie May
    http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
    1-800-359-0944

    more

  • 46 New Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oils Our testing and market study analysis has been completed and I am pleased to announce 46 new Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oils.

    All lines are in the process of being added to the WSP website and are expected to be in stock 2/25/2008. Website information is not 100% complete, I am hoping that process will be completed by mid next week. Our new lines are:

    Line 1: 2009 Year of Optimism
    Trend reports indicate that consumers are optimistic and eager to support small businesses that hand make products in the United States. They are seeking complex scents that help them feel pampered while living on a budget. They want value and do not want to sacrifice quality.

    It is with this in mind that we developed our line of “Optimism” fragrances. Each fragrance is a combination of traditional fragrance oil and pure essential oils. Each has an aroma that is complex but identifiable in their notes. Each is upbeat and was very well received by both of our test market groups.

    Click Here to view scents in this line.

    Line 2: Candle Trends for Spring/Summer 2009
    The year of 2008 was difficult for the candle industry. Crude oil prices rose to record levels, wax refineries cut back production to handle other consumer demands, and the aroma air market took a significant market share. While many candle companies closed their doors, many managed to survive and are looking forward to a prosperous 2009.

    Candle fragrance trends for Spring and Summer 2009 will have an emphasis on economically priced complex scents. Consumers are seeking sophisticated scents but will not be willing to pay too much more for American Made vs. Asian Made candles.

    It is with this in mind that we are offering the following 2009 Spring and Summer Candle Trend line. All fragrances have been formulated to meet consumer expectations of excellent throw and performance. All have been formulated so that they may also be added to personal care products. All will be priced at $15.50/lb.

    Click Here to view scents in this line.

    Line 3: Scent of the Month Suggestions for 2009
    Offering a scent of the month is a great way to introduce new scents to customers. Many customers will return for special promotions and to get the “latest and greatest” introduction to the market.

    Below are suggestions for 2009 Scent of the Month marketing programs. All scents have been formulated to appeal to both candle and personal care markets. Color suggestions are based on published 2009 color trends. A resource link is listed with each scent. This provides you with a marketing description for you to use to promote the line.

    Click Here to view scents in this line.
    Quick Link to Scent of the Month Marketing Guide

    Line 4: Scent - Color Palette Trends (Spring & Summer 2009)
    Color influences a consumers buying decisions. While it is easy to gravitate to fragrances that have been successful in the past, it is very important to keep your product line fresh and in step with what consumers are seeking today.

    Below WSP has listed 5 color palettes that will influence much of the retail market in Spring/Summer 2009. For each palette below we have listed 2-3 fragrances to match the palette.

    Click Here to view scents in this line.
    Quick Link to Color Palette Trend Report

    I look forward to having all information on the website next week, until then - this gives you a little food for thought on how you can increase your sales in 2009!

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

    more

  • WSP Partially Closed Last night the area had strong winds and rain.  Unfortunately, we came into the office with no connectivity to Internet.   Due to numerous damages in the area the ATT technicians are not sure if they can come out today to make the needed repairs.

    Therefore, our showroom is open for pick ups.  We cannot invoice orders.  We can take phone orders but cannot invoice.  We can ship orders by reverting our routine to the old system of shipping by typing directly into our shipping computers.  Our web store servers are located out of the state.  Therefore, you can order online without an problems.
    Please understand that while this is all being repaired, we will do our best to serve you. 

    Thanks for your understanding.

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

    more

  • Changes to Our Line of Colors I have made a few minor changes to our line of cosmetic colors. Specifically the Crafter's Choice Liquid Dyes and Crafter's Choice Liquid Lakes.

    The first change is for pricing and size. I have added an 8 oz and 16 oz size options. Both size additions have deeper price breaks designed to save you money.

    In regards to the Crafter's Choice Liquid Dyes, the color names have been changed to reflect the dye being used to manufacturer the color. It is my hope that this change will educate customers on the ingredients actually going into their products. It also allows you to easily cross reference the FDA Color List for the purpose of verifying that a color is approved by the FDA for your intended application.

    If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to email or post.

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

    more

  • Fragrance Oils - Additions to WSP Descriptions RIFM is the international scientific authority that evaluates and distributes scientific data on the safety assessment of fragrance raw materials.

    The fragrance raw materials they review are the individual ingredients that make up the fragrance oil you use everyday.

    Starting today, WSP will begin to update each fragrance oil description to reflect the maximum amount of fragrance approved for skin and lip contact. Several candle only fragrances have a limit to the amount of fragrance that can go into wax candles being handled (such as pillars, votive, tarts, etc).

    It is my hope that you will use this information to help your business. In many cases, you will now be able to safely add additional fragrance to lotions and soap recipes. In other cases, you will need to lower your fragrance levels to limiting your product liability.

    Reviewing all WSP fragrance formulas will take some time. I expect the entire process to take about 1 month. As soon as I get the information, I will update the website.

    These pages have been fully or partially updated with the new information.

    Crafter's Choice Premium Flavor Fragrances
    Crafter's Choice Economy Scents

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

    more

  • Great Labels - Sure to Sell! I wanted to share these labels with you.

    Denise wanted to freshen her line to increase sales. Her market group is kids and teens. These colorful labels hit the mark!

    If you have questions for Denise, please post in the comment area. I know that she regularly reads the blog!

    Great Job Denise & Thanks for Sharing!

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

    more

  • Price Decrease - Soy Wax EcoSoya wax prices continue to drop and I have immediately passed this latest savings to you! It is my hope that you can use these lower prices to your advantage.

    You will find that cases are now at least $10 less per case and all 10 pound sample bags of soy wax are $15.50.

    Click here to view pricing.

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

    more

  • Pink & Purple Bullet Bottles - Stock Our stock pink and purple bullet bottles will be arriving next week. They are PERFECT for spring and fun teen lines!

    Use our "Email When in Stock" notification system to be the first to order and receive these new bottles!

    Click here to view pricing on pink bullet bottles.
    Click here to view pricing on purple bullet bottles.
    Click here to view ALL colored bottles.

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

    more

  • Colored Lava Lip Gloss Rita in customer service made these fun little guys. I was at the office late last night and my kids came to visit. They went crazy over them and I promised we would make them at home over the weekend.

    The concept behind Lava Lip Gloss is that oil and water do not mix. In their natural states, oil actually sits on water. Oil and water would not make a very nice lip base so for lava lip gloss you need to substitute oil and water ingredients that would feel nice on the lip - always making sure all ingredients are approved for lip contact.

    In this case Rita replaced water with liquid glycerin and colored it with a lip safe cosmetic dye (water based). For the oil she used sweet almond oil and colored it with liquid lake colors (oil based). Both colors will incorporate with flavor fragrances and sweetener. Since most girls like a little gloss to their lip products, she added melted candelilla wax to the sweet almond oil. To finish off the look, she packed them in our surplus roll on lip tubes.

    Ingredients:
    2 oz Crafter's Choice Glycerin
    2ml Crafter's Choice Flavor Fragrance
    1/2 ml Crafter's Choice Liquid Lake Dye
    Dash of Crafter's Choice Super Sweet
    2 oz Crafter's Choice Sweet Almond Oil
    1/8 teaspoon Crafter's Choice Candelilla Wax
    2 ml Crafter's Choice Flavor Fragrance
    1/2 ml Crafter's Choice Liquid Dye
    Dash of Crafter's Choice Super Sweet
    Pink Top - Roll On Lip Containers

    Directions:
    In a Pyrex cup 1, blend first 4 ingredients. Mix well. In Pyrex cup 2, heat wax on low heat in microwave until melted. Once liquid, blend all remaining ingredients. Mix well. Partially fill roll on containers with cup 1 blend. Complete the filling of the roll on container with blend in cup 2.

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

    more

  • Increasing Candle Sales Have you ever gone to the store and everything looks like "the same old thing". You walk out buying nothing.

    For shoppers sometimes it isn't that they didn't want to spend money, it is that nothing really caught your eye as being special.

    With this in mind, Sue in customer service has been testing different ideas. This design caught my eye because I think it could be easily done or adapted with items you likely have in your candle shop.

    The candle is a soy wax container candle. While the candle was cooling, she took unmelted soy flakes and tossed them in liquid candle color. After the candle was fully cured, she heated the top slightly with a hair dryer and pressed the colored flakes into the top of the candle. To top off the look, she gave the top of the candle a light dusting of glitter.

    Ingredients:
    Surplus Metal Tins
    CB Soy Container Wax
    Crafter's Choice Simple Soy Wick 2
    Crafter's Choice Liquid Candle Color - Hunter Green
    Crafter's Choice Coconut Lime Verbena Fragrance Oil
    Glitter

    I am looking forward to hearing how this design inspired your line!

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

    more

  • WSP Popular Product List










    The question I asked often is: "What are your most popular fragrances".

    I learned a long time ago not to release this exact information - it makes it too easy for competitors to try and duplicate a product line. But in saying that, I do understand the question and think it is a good one.

    Our web programmers designed a search feature for each of the WSP product pages. This feature allows shoppers to sort the products on that page by:
    • Name (A to Z)
    • Price (Lowest Price to Highest)
    • Release Date (Newest to Oldest)
    • Popularity (Customer Ratings)
    Chosing to "sort by popularity" will help anyone looking for top sellers. If you have any suggestions on how to further improve your experience when visiting our website, I would love to hear from you!

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

    more

  • Personal Reminder Service - Products In Stock We all get frustrated when something is out of stock and if you are like me, you forget to check back often.

    It is with this in mind that WSP programmers created a personal notification system for out of stock items. Just click the link and follow the instructions.

    When the item returns to stock, you will receive an email notification that it has returned to stock!

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

    more

  • FDA Globalization Update I wanted to take a moment and let you know that Dawn Detelich at the Association of Artisan Businesses has written a wonderful assessment on the FDA Globalization Act of 2009.

    I appreciate Dawn's honest and candid assessment of the bill. I have spent hours going over the bill and then spent the better part of this morning personally speaking with Dawn about the AAB's position and rational for why they have their position. Coming out of that conversation, I fully support Dawn and the AAB in their position on this bill. At the end of our conversation, I offered to be available as a professional resource and would gladly consultant, free of charge, for questions coming out of Washington.

    I did communicate with Dawn one concern I have with the bill. That is the listing of individual ingredients for every product. I think this may pose an unnecessary paperwork burden on small businesses that often change formulas based on commodity prices and ingredients that go on uncontrolled allocation. My proposed solution would be one single ingredient sheet listing all ingredients used to formulate all products a company manufacturers. This would allow a small businesses to remain profitable.

    I really do think this bill is a win-win for the industry and consumers. You should feel proud and hold your head high because the products you produce are some of the best in the market. Complying with the bill gives you the same creditability as the "big guys". Consumers that previously would not consider purchasing from very small businesses will now have confidence to make those purchases.

    Together, I look forward to growing all of our businesses in 2009 and beyond!

    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.