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Parkplace 3/27/2007 1:38 am	my little herb business A few years ago I developed a line of all natural, organic herbal products: salves, teas, tinctures, creams, etc. I have a logo, labels, jars, bottles and get a favorable response from everyone who tries my products. I would love to get them out in the world, but there are a couple of things I'm not sure how to do. 1. I make my creams and salves in small batches in my kitchen. I don't know how to increase production. 2. I make my products with all natural, food-quality ingredients like olive and coconut oils, and so they go bad with time. I don't want to include preservatives, but I don't want products to spoil. I don't know how to determine shelf life. (I had a foot cream get moldy a few years ago and it made me nervous to sell any more.) 3. Are there laws governing the sale of personal products? Do I need to get permits through the health department? 4. I know herbal products are not regulated but still I am nervous to sell the items that have medicinal properties (even though they are amazingly potent and have helped many friends). Should I be nervous or forge ahead? Thanks for your help.
Jen Groover 5/3/2007 12:33 pm	Re: my little herb business my little herb business A few years ago I developed a line of all natural, organic herbal products: salves, teas, tinctures, creams, etc. I have a logo, labels, jars, bottles and get a favorable response from everyone who tries my products. I would love to get them out in the world, but there are a couple of things I'm not sure how to do. 1. I make my creams and salves in small batches in my kitchen. I don't know how to increase production. After reading questions 1 and 2 I realized this is not as much of a direct answer if you were trying to increase handbag production. The first thought that comes to mind is that you could create a “sales team” for your company by expanding out geographically and you could “empower” them with your recipes or partial recipes (maybe you make part of it and leave out the few perishable ingredients for them to add) without increasing your work. And they can help sell them in territories; through stores or home parties. Of course, you would make them all sign a Confidentiality Agreement as well as a Non-Compete Agreement. This way products can be more “ready” made geographically and you will increase your production. I would definitely research the business model of other companies that make foods and products that are all natural; even if it’s an all natural peanut butter company some policies and standards that they follow can easily be executed by your company and since you are not seen as competition, if you “interview” them they may be more likely to give you more insight. 2. I make my products with all natural, food-quality ingredients like olive and coconut oils, and so they go bad with time. I don't want to include preservatives, but I don't want products to spoil. I don't know how to determine shelf life. (I had a foot cream get moldy a few years ago and it made me nervous to sell any more.) See the answer above 3. Are there laws governing the sale of personal products? Do I need to get permits through the health department? Since I have never done this kind of business I do not know the exact rules or laws governing this category of business, however having had been in the wellness business I do know when new products such as ”weight loss” products hit the market often they would.... Read More
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