By StyleCareer.com Editors
We’ve all walked into a Bath & Body Works shop to be greeted with the sweet aroma of… well, pretty much everything. Fragrances are an art form that have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Everything from perfume, to soap, to bath products have become a necessity in almost every woman’s home (and man, too). So how can you cash in and start your own fragrance business?
Smelling good has become just as important in the beauty department as looking good. And an entire industry has made itself successful working with the idea of scents. There are a variety of products associated with the sense of smell, but a few main ones have made their way into the style department. Perfumes have literally become a form of fashion, an accessory that you can’t see, an accessory that says more about your true essence.
Many advertisement spreads in magazines are dedicated to selling their scent. Perfume commercials on television have become a staple on most channels. And malls are stocked with spritzers and samples.
And we can’t stop loving them.
Many scientific findings have been dedicated for the perfume industry. Pheromones and chemical combinations have been added to enhance the products. Celebrities, who are famous for ‘creating’ their own scent, oftentimes have an entire team of professionals working with them in the attempt of making something enticing and selling like hot cakes.
Why are celebrities so into creating their own perfume line? Because with mass production, they can make 1,000% profit or even more. Of course, it only applies when you mass produce. But as a new lesser-known perfumer who make 100% to 200% markup for a small quantity, isn’t it still an investment well paid?
But perfumes are not the only product that has made their way into the fashion industry. Bath products such as salts, soaps, body oils, and lotions have also made a big imprint on modern American society. These items tend to be less expensive than perfumes as well as less recognized by celebrities and designers. Nevertheless they are popular around the USA and the world.
These kinds of products are the main features in most fragrance businesses. In the attempt to start your own fragrance business the first thing you would want to consider is what you are going to sell. These can include, but are not limited to: soaps, shampoos, conditioners, bath salts, body oils, lotions, bath scrubs, perfumes, body sprays, and cologne.
Choosing what you want to create is the easy part. Creating it takes a bit more effort and meticulous planning. Your goal, when starting a fragrance business, should be to create scents that will compete on a professional level with the hundreds that are already available.
Depending on what your product will be you will need the basic ingredients. These ingredients are the make-up of your product that are unscented. Depending on how much time and effort you are looking to put into starting you fragrance business, you can either make these from scratch or buy them pre-done. Either way, as a fragrance business, your main objective is to create scents and to sell them well.
Scents can be created in a variety of ways. Investing in unique scents is one of the best ways to increase interest in your fragrance business. Items such as beaver castor and wild fireweed oils are expensive investments that can pay off in your end result.
To begin with, experiment a bit. Collect scents that you personally enjoy. And then mix different oils and products together to create something that is both appealing to you and others. Investing in a ‘test group’ to sample your product is the number one way you can ensure your product is up to standard with other’s on the market. Once you have created a unique scent, you are ready to market your product.
But of course, since you’re probably not a trained “nose,” it would be better to hire those who are not only well trained and skillful, but professionally respected and reputable. You can hire a laboratory specializing in fragrance development and a private label or outsource manufacturing to manufacture your fragrance and have it packaged for consumer.
Prior to marketing your products, you will first have to decide where and how you want to begin your business. Depending on the amount of time and investment you are willing to put forth, you can decide where you would like to begin selling your items. Obviously, the more time and work you invest- the more your business will grow.
In general, assuming you go the “artisan” route, there are three locations to market your fragrance.
First, in malls. Within each and every mall in America there is a stand or shop with someone selling a fragrance product. This is the most costly and timely way to start a fragrance business, but with a lot of effort it can be done. Stands are the most cost effective way to sell in a mall, but purchasing a shop can pay off in the long run- as it gives you more space to sell and a more professional appearance.
Things to think about: Do you have enough products to fill an entire store or stand? Can you continue to produce the supply needed? Will you hire employees? Do you have the ability to accept credit card payment (as it is a popular form of payment in malls)?
In craft fairs. Craft fairs are a small investment that can help build relationships and create buzz about your fragrance. It gives you face to face contact which can give you the chance to explain your product. It also gives people the chance to sample and experience your scents personally. Craft fairs can range in price and time investment.
A farmers market is a great place to start, as they are usually affordable and supply the table. They also usually only occur on weekends, giving you the opportunity to renew your supply and have other employment if needed.
Things to think about: How will you arrange your products? Will you need to supply your own table or stand? Will you offer samples? What forms of payment will you accept?
Third, online. This is the most convenient and easy way to start a fragrance business. There are hundreds of sites dedicated to selling handmade crafts or just products in general. Most are affordable, some are even free. You can reach a wider range of audience as well as manage your time and supply as needed.
Online also gives you the opportunity to accept credit card through card processors, like PayPal, and enabling you to take orders you typically wouldn’t have. Things to think about: How will you market your product? Can you compete with the other prices and products similar to yours online? Where will you sell? How will you advertise your fragrance?
Just as with any other business, when starting your fragrance business there are three main things you should focus on; building relationships with customers, marketing your product, and creating a professional business. Fragrances are a fun and exciting way to experiment with a combination of science and art.
There’s really no right or wrong way to start a fragrance business, and with a little bit of hard work you can achieve success in the world of perfume and body oils. With some time management and a good product almost anyone can make gazillion cents from selling scents.[]
Reference: Breaking Into and Succeeding as a Fragrance Maker by StyleCareer.com Editors. This ebook covers how-to strategies and trade information necessary to start a fragrance business with private label and outsource manufacturing. Source: http://stylecareer.com/fragrance-maker/
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