Latest Blog Articles

  • How to Determine Max. Fragrance Level A product’s fragrance level is very important, yet not totally understood by all customers. I thought this would be a good time to do a quick review.

    When determining how much fragrance to add to a product, you need to consider three factors. They are:
    1. How much fragrance your base will accept?
    2. How much fragrance is skin safe?
    3. How much fragrance your packaging choice is allowed?
    Your maximum fragrance level will be the LOWEST of all of these 3 percentages. For example:
    1. A lotion performs well at a fragrance max level of 6%
    2. A fragrance is safe at max of 3%
    3. A PET bottle likely leak/warp at a fragrance level over 5%
    In this example, the maximum amount of fragrance you should use is 3% ~ the lowest of all of these numbers.

    I hope this answers many of your questions. I will cover it further in a video WSP is producing for this summer!

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

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  • Handmade Products on WSP Website As many of you are aware, WSP offers customers a method of marketing their businesses via their resource library and we are the only vendor that provides marketing for customers.

    It has come to my attention that a shopper has a financial dispute with one of the stores listed. This shopper is a good WSP customer that was attempting to purchase some “ready made” products to go with his handmade products. This customer is VERY upset that he never received his product or got his money back.

    I feel really bad because fraud is a terrible thing, especially when you have been the person wronged. I feel bad because he was a victim of fraud because of something on the WSP website.

    Therefore, I have directed our programmers to begin removing this service from our site. I will begin to look at other ways to help customers promote their businesses. For right now, it will not be through advertising such as the above mentioned.

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

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  • Video Production Schedule I appreciate all of the positive emails sent regarding the new WSP marketing video! We worked very hard on this project and it is a great feeling to have it recognized by so many people.

    I have received lots of questions and suggestions for new videos. As the emails continue to grow, now seems like a good time to “go public” with our concept and schedule for video production.
    1. Wholesale Supplies Plus will produce 30 educational videos. These videos will provide you with the background of how and why you do things. I feel strongly that this background is a necessity for success. For example in the next 2-3 weeks there will be 8 videos on Plastic Bottles, Jars and Closures. These will cover everything to production considerations to plastic performance.
    2. Crafter’s Choice will produce a line of 20 videos. These videos will emphasize the Crafter’s Choice line of products. The concept is helping customers spending their money wisely. For example, there will be no reason to purchase a sample of each lotion if you can see a video displaying the performance of each!
    3. Debbie May will produce a line of videos demonstrating formulas and design ideas. These videos will be hosted by Debbie May and will regularly feature customer appearances/demonstrations. If a customer cannot appear then we will have a stand in demonstrate the formula or design. All customers featured will receive free advertising at the end of each video. I expect that these videos will be available August 2009 ~ just in time for the fall season!!

    In a nutshell this is our video production plan. Each line of videos will be on the WSP website as well has have their own You Tube Channel. I appreciate and look forward to your suggestions and feedback!!

    Working Hard for Your Success!

    Debbie May

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

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  • Excellent Business Resource Book I was on the phone today with a gentleman that I thought was speaking way over my head. I pulled out my handy resource book and found that HE didn't know what he was saying!

    I recommend this book to anyone that deals with consultants, accountants, bankers, etc. It is great to speak their language and know you are speaking it correctly!

    Click here for more information on this book.

    Working Hard for Your Success!

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

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  • Crafter's Choice Round Silicone Mold Thanks to everyone that sent emails requesting new silicone designs!!

    This mold is the first design we approved and it should arrive to us by June 1st.

    I have to tell you that this is a GREAT mold! The size feels good in the hand and unlike traditional plastic molds, the edges are perfectly straight. Those producing larger runs of soap will appreciate the 6 cavities.

    We found that this mold is ideal for rubber duck soaps because the toy does not dislodge with un-molding.

    I hope you like this mold as much as we do!!

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

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  • Checkerboard Loaf Soap
    Checkerboard Loaf Soap

    Sue in customer service made this outstanding loaf of soap. It is very easy to produce and high volume customers will love the ease of mass production.

    Ingredients Used:
    Crafter’s Choice Ultra White Soap
    Crafter’s Choice Extra Clear Soap
    Crafter’s Choice Liquid Lake Colors
    Crafter’s Choice Fragrance Oil

    Crafter’s Choice Silicone Basic Loaf Mold
    Crafter’s Choice Silicone Guest Loaf Mold
    Square Cube/Chopper with 2 Handles


    Directions:
    Melt the clear soap then add color and fragrance as directed/desired. Pour into the guest loaf mold and allow to harden. When this soap is hard, remove from the guest loaf and stand it vertically (tall). Use the Square Cube/Chopper to cut symmetrical long square columns that will be used later to embed into loaf.

    Melt the white soap and fragrance as directed. Pour the loaf 1/3 full with white soap. Use rubbing alcohol to fine mist spray the long columns of colored clear soap (this allows different layers of soap to adhere to each other). Immediately embed columns into the white soap. Spray the top with rubbing alcohol to pop any bubbles. Allow to harden.

    Spray soap in loaf with rubbing alcohol and fill loaf with white soap until 2/3 full. Add and additional layer of columns using same steps as previously taken. Allow entire loaf to completely harden and then remove from mold.

    Cut with straight soap cutter and soap mitre box. Wrap in clear plastic wrap and label as directed.

    Notes: When making this design, it is best to color the columns a slightly darker color. When the soap is sliced the squares will become significantly lighter due to the light that shines through the squares. Also, the Crafter’s Choice Silicone Basic and Guest Loaf Molds are in production and have an ETA date of 5/15/2009.

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

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  • Debbie May's 25 Favorite Things I was recently interviewed by a online business magazine. The reporter asked me to list my 25 favorite things. I thought you might be interested in my answers!

    My 25 Favorite Things - By Debbie May
    1. Shopping with my oldest daughter.

    2. Long morning hugs from my middle daughter.

    3. Laughing with my youngest daughter.

    4. Date night and dinner with my husband.

    5. One good glass of Chardonnay Wine.

    6. Several good glasses of White Cosmopolitans.

    7. Lobster Nachos at Blue Canyon.

    8. Playing craps at one table in Vegas with husband and six good friends.

    9. Going to Michael's Restaurant in Vegas.

    10. Praying at sunset in a quiet church ~ alone.

    11. A good suntan.

    12. Long talks and advice from my very wise grandmother.

    13. Daily breakfast at my desk ~ Panera “Everything Bagel” and Hazelnut Coffee.

    14. Talking with my best friend while our kids jump on the trampoline.

    15. Meeting customers in person and answering their questions.

    16. Playing in the WSP Product Lab ~ especially when a new product design works!

    17. Going to craft shows with my mom.

    18. Christmas Day.

    19. Helping others less fortunate.

    20. A hug from my husband at just the right time.

    21. Cable TV.

    22. Neighborhood swim parties and weekend barbeque with friends.

    23. Enthusiastic customers ~ especially those excited about great craft/trade show.

    24. Fourth of July week at Lakeside Ohio.

    25. Dreaming about tomorrow.

    Feel free to play along.....I would love to have you comment and hear your 25 favorite things!

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

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  • Faces of Twitter For those that have not heard of Twitter, it is a service that allows a person to communicate "What they are doing right now" in 140 characters or less. WSP makes 5-10 posts a day.For those interested, a twitter account is free by signing up HERE.

    As a convenience to the WSP blog readers, we are now posting our twitter posts on this blog page! (see side column)

    Big thanks to everyone following WSP on Twitter. Below are the "real faces" of our followers!

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

    Become a WSP Facebook Fan - Click Here
    Follow us on Twitter - Click Here


    Get your twitter mosaic here.

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  • WSP Social Media Specialist I am pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the WSP team, Jill Speegle. Jill is a recent graduate of The University of Akron with a degree in Marketing. Jill holds the position of Marketing and Social Media Specialist at Wholesale Supplies Plus.

    Jill’s job is to connect with customers through new media while providing the personal customer service you have come to expect.

    “I look forward to meeting and networking with customers. One of my first goals is to give people more ways to connect with Wholesale Supplies Plus. For those that are interested on the daily happenings at WSP, I will be your personal spy ~ posting about new products and happenings. I look forward to sharing ideas, advice and learning new things. Ultimately I want to help you succeed in your own business.”

    You will find Jill to be an administrator on the Wholesale Supplies Plus Facebook, Twitter and YouTube Channels. If you get a chance, please give her a warm welcome!

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

    Become a WSP Facebook Fan - Click Here
    Follow us on Twitter - Click Here

    more
  • Killer Cupcakes - Bake Off I hope all of you are enjoying the holiday weekend.

    Today the my family is spending the day together at Lakeside. Headed to the playground soon. It is sunny and about 50 degrees. We will play lots of scrabble, checkers and put together puzzles.

    The girls and I decided that we would have a cupcake bake off today. Each of us chose a recipe and "Daddy" will be the judge. The winner will get to chose the family movie tonight. If you are not an expert cupcake maker, I highly recommend the book "The Cupcake Doctor". These recipes are so easy and delicious that even a part time cook (like me) looks like a rock star. The recipes we have chosen in our bake off are:

    Debbie - Malted Milk Ball Cupcakes (used vanilla pudding instead of chocolate pudding)
    Oldest Daughter - Smores Cupcakes
    Youngest Daughter - Cookie Dough Cupcakes

    I will post the winners sometime next week!

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

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  • Official Soap Rocks I have been making glycerin soap for 10 years.

    It wasn't until this last out of town trip that I got the pleasure of seeing "Soap Rocks" up close.

    I bought a few for myself. They are an outstanding work of art!

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

    more
  • Survey Winners..... A BIG thank you for all of those that responded to our company survey. Your participation and suggestions will help to guide WSP into another successful year!

    The 5 winners of the $100 WSP Gift Certificate drawing are:

    Sharon M. - PA
    Cathy V. - WI
    Stephany T. - IL
    Donna C. - VA
    Cynthia C. - NJ

    WSP Customer Service will contact all of you by phone or email. If you read this first, feel free to call us and place your order using your gift certificate!

    Working Hard for Your Success!
    Debbie May
    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.