executive summary of a business plan for a soap

Soap Making Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Soap Making Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Soap Making business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Soap Making companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Soap Making business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Rose City Soap Company is a soap production company in Portland, Oregon that makes high-quality, all-natural, organic soaps. The company distributes its products across the metro area to major retailers and select department stores. The company’s products are also available directly to consumers via its website. We offer numerous fragrances to choose from, including rose, jasmine, and lavender. Our customers can depend on us to provide them with the perfect soap product that fits their preferences and needs.

Rose City Soap Company is run by Sandy Belrose. Sandy has worked for cosmetics stores for 10 years and has an in-depth knowledge of the industry and clientele. Throughout her career, she worked as a Store Manager, which has given her experience in the operations and management sides of running a business. Her experience, skills, and connections will be invaluable to the business.

Product Offering

Rose City Soap Company offers a variety of different soap products for consumers to choose from. The products come in four categories:

• Baby soap (bar and liquid)
• Liquid hand soap
• Foaming hand soap

Furthermore, the company will provide numerous scents for customers to enjoy. Some of our initial fragrances will include the following:

Customer Focus

Rose City Soap Company will primarily offer its products wholesale to local retailers, such as health and wellness shops, grocery stores, department stores, and cosmetics stores. However, the company will also have a website for individuals to purchase directly from the company rather than through a third party. We expect most of our retail and individual customers to be located in the Portland, Oregon metro area.

Management Team

Rose City Soap Company is run by Sandy Belrose, who has been a soap maker for 5 years. Over the years, she has experimented with various fragrances and ingredients to ensure all her products are high-quality and organic. She has already sold some of her products through online marketplaces but is making the transition to setting up her own website and selling her products in stores.

Though Sandy has never run a company of her own, she has been a manager of a cosmetics store for 10 years. This has given her an in-depth knowledge of the operations and management sides of running a business as well as of the clientele that typically purchases organic soaps.

Success Factors

Rose City Soap Company will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• High-quality ingredients: Rose City Soap Company uses all-natural, organic ingredients and continuously strives to improve its product offerings. The company’s products do not contain any harmful chemicals. Instead, the company uses advanced organic and natural ingredients that don’t harm the skin.
• Management: The company’s management team has years of business and marketing experience that allows them to market and serve customers in an improved and more sophisticated manner than the competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 20 years, Sandy Belrose knows all local leaders, newspapers, and other influencers in the area. It will be relatively easy for the company to build branding and awareness of the store and establish several product lines.
• Sustainability: Rose City Soap Company will be a zero-waste company with biodegradable packaging. It will maintain its eco-friendly status while scaling up to meet demand.

Financial Highlights

Rose City Soap Company is seeking $350,000 in funding to launch its soap-making business. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, staffing, marketing expenses, and working capital.

The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

• Store design/renovation: $100,000
• Equipment, ingredients, and supplies: $50,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $100,000
• Marketing and advertising: $50,000
• Working capital: $50,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Rose City Soap Company.

Company Overview

Who is rose city soap company, rose city soap company history.

Sandy Belrose is an entrepreneur who is passionate about providing soaps that are free of chemicals, preservatives, and other harmful ingredients. Rose City Soap Company will become a known soap manufacturer in Portland, offering a completely organic and natural experience.

Upon surveying the local customer base and finding the potential retail location, Sandy Belrose incorporated Rose City Soap Company as an S-Corporation on 11/11/202X.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a location and signed a Letter of Intent to lease it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined equipment and inventory requirements
• Began recruiting key employees with experience in the cosmetics or soap manufacturing industries

Rose City Soap Company Services

Industry analysis.

The demand for organic and locally made cosmetics has increased substantially over the past decade. Consumers are eager to support local brands and want products that are free from chemicals. These factors have helped local soap industries thrive in recent years, and that trend doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.

For example, according to Grand View Research, the organic bar soap market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2% from now until 2030. It is expected that the industry will be valued at USD 3.64 billion by the end of the decade.

A similar situation is occurring in the organic liquid soap industry. According to Allied Market Research, the industry will see a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% until 2027 and is expected to be valued at around USD 38 million by the end of the decade. These data show that as long as consumers continue to demand organic soaps and locally-made products, the soap industry will thrive.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Rose City Soap Company will serve residents and businesses located in the Portland, Oregon metro area. There are hundreds of businesses and other establishments that would be interested in selling locally-made soap products.

The precise demographics for Portland, Oregon are:

Customer Segmentation

The company will primarily target the following customer segments:

• Individual buyers
• Grocery stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Department stores

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Rose City Soap Company will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

All Naturals

All Naturals is one of the most popular soap-making businesses in the Portland metro area. They have been in business for 20 years, selling a wide variety of soap products, including customized soaps. In addition to selling soaps, All Naturals also offers other skincare products such as lotions, body wash, and face wash.

Soap Experts

Soap Experts provides its customers with thousands of soap options in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fragrances. Customers can browse through their vast database via their website. Soap Experts also provides samples of their products for potential customers to try different scents and product types before purchasing.

Natural Bars

Natural Bars was established in 2010. Natural Bars’ current location is in Lake Oswego, where it can cater to a high-end clientele looking to be treated by experts and professionals in a more serene setting than that of the normal bustling soap shop. Its products are all 100% organic and free of chemicals. It also makes custom bars based on clients’ specific needs and preferences.

Competitive Advantage

Rose City Soap Company enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 20 years, Sandy Belrose knows all local leaders, newspapers, and other influencers. It will be relatively easy for the company to build branding and awareness of the store and establish several product lines.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Rose City Soap Company seeks to position itself as a respectable, upper-middle-market competitor in the local soap-making industry.

The Rose City Soap Company brand will focus on the company’s unique value proposition:

• Offering a wide collection of soaps in liquid or bar form
• Offering a wide variety of fragrances
• Customer-focused mission
• Moderate price point
• Environmentally friendly, all-natural offering

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Rose City Soap Company is as follows:

Advertisement

Advertisements in local newspapers and magazines are an excellent way to connect with local consumers and retailers. Rose City Soap Company will advertise its products in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. Rose City Soap Company will use social media to develop engaging content in terms of soap-making and the company’s product offerings. Engaging with prospective consumers and businesses on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn will also help understand changing customer needs.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Rose City Soap Company will encourage word-of-mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients. The company will use recommendations and word-of-mouth marketing to grow its customer base through the network of its existing customers. The company will be incentivizing its existing customer base to encourage friends to come and try its service for the first time.

Special Offers

Rose City Soap Company will introduce special offers to attract new consumers and encourage repeat purchases, which will be quite advantageous in the long run.

Rose City Soap Company’s pricing will be moderate, so customers feel they receive great value when availing of the products they are paying for. Customers can expect to receive high-quality soaps for a more affordable price than what they pay for ultra-premium brands.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Rose City Soap Company.

Operation Functions:

• Sandy Belrose will operate as the President of the Rose City Soap Company. In addition to running the operations of the company, she will manufacture all the soap until demand requires her to hire additional help. She will also help out with marketing efforts and connect with local retailers who may be interested in selling the company’s products.
• Sandy will hire an Administrative Assistant to help with the administrative and operations sides of the business. They will also help with some of the marketing efforts, such as posting to social media.
• Once the business has several wholesale customers, Sandy will hire additional staff to help make and package the soap as well as provide customer service.

Milestones:

Rose City Soap Company expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

• 4/202X Finalize lease agreement
• 5/202X Design and build out Rose City Soap Company
• 6/202X Hire and train initial staff
• 7/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign
• 8/202X Launch Rose City Soap Company
• 9/202X Reach break-even

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Rose City Soap Company’s revenues will come from its e-commerce sales as well as its wholesale accounts. The major costs for the company will be product costs and salaries. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spending will be high as it establishes itself in the market.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Rose City Soap Company is seeking $350,000 in funding to launch its soap making business. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, staffing, marketing expenses, and working capital.

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

• Year 5: 100
• Average order price: $25
• Annual Lease: $25,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, soap making business plan faqs, what is a soap making business plan.

A soap making business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your soap making business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Soap Making business plan using our Soap Making Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Soap Making Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of soap making businesses , some examples include: Glycerin Soap, Liquid Soap, Novelty Soap, and Herbal Soap business.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Soap Making Business Plan?

Soap Making businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Soap Making Business?

Starting a soap making business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of how to start a soap business  will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Soap Making Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed soap making business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your soap making business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your soap making business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Soap Making Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your soap making business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your soap making business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Soap Making Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your soap making business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your soap making business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a soap making business: 

• How to Start a Soap Business

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Soap Making Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Soap Making Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners create business plans to start and grow their soap-making businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a soap-making business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Soap Making Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your soap business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes the research you conducted to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Soap Business

If you’re looking to start a business making soap or grow your existing soap-making business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your soap-making business in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Soap Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a soap-making business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Using your own savings and applying for bank loans are the most common funding paths for soap manufacturing businesses.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to Write a Business Plan for a Soap Business

If you want to start a soap-making business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below you will find more details about how to write each section of your soap-making business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of soap-making business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a business selling soaps that you would like to grow, or are you operating multiple soap manufacturing facilities?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the soap production industry. Discuss the type of business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of soap business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of soap production companies:

• Glycerin Soap : this type of solid or liquid soap is derived from plant-based oils, and is all natural.
• Liquid Soap: this type of soap is made with potassium hydroxide, and typically has more moisturizing properties than bar soap.
• Novelty Soap: this type of solid soap can come in unusual colors and shapes.
• Herbal Soap: this type of solid or liquid soap is made using natural herbs, essential oils, and ingredients that are said to be more beneficial for the skin.

In addition to explaining the type of business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, number of positive reviews, number of supply contracts, etc.
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the soap-making industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the soap production industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, conducting market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for this research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section:

• How big is the soap production industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your soap business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments : consumers, hotels, and healthcare providers.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of soap business you operate. Clearly, individual consumers would respond to different marketing promotions than hospitals, for example.

Try to break out your target market in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most small soap businesses primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other soap production businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes wholesalers that make white-label soap or consumers who make their own handmade soaps at home. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other soap businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be other craft soap makers with an online store.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What types of soap do they make?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide a broader range of soap formulations?
• Will you provide specialty soaps that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a soap making business plan, your plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of soap-making company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific product line you will be offering. For example, in addition to soap making, will you make lotions and salves?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections, you are presenting the products and services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the locations through which you will sell your soap. For example, will you sell your soaps directly to consumers via a storefront? Will you sell via an e-commerce site? And/or will you sell your soaps at flea markets, festivals, and/or farmers’ markets? Or will you sell your soap to other retailers who will then sell to consumers? In this section, document each method by which you will sell your products.

Promotions : The final part is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Social media platforms
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your soap-making business, including sourcing ingredients, formulating soap recipes, mixing and pouring soaps, packaging the finished product, marketing, e-commerce site maintenance, and meeting with potential buyers.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sell your 1,000 th bar of soap, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your soap-making business to a new product line.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your soap-making business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing small manufacturing businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing soap manufacturing facilities or successfully running small businesses.

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Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you supply one or more hotels, or sell 100 bars per week online? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your soap-making business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a soap making business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment, start-up inventory and supplies including soap molds, shipping materials, and raw materials
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your production location lease or a brochure outlining your product offerings.  

Putting together a business plan for your soap business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the soap-making industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing strategy and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful soap making business.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Soap Making business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   See how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

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Soap Making Business Plan

Have you decided to launch your own soap production business? Explore this step-by-step guide and download the mentioned template to create an investor-friendly business plan for your soap making company in just 8 easy steps.

Soap has been a household essential for centuries and every day, people look for the perfect bar—whether it's for skincare, fragrance, or just a little luxury in their routine.

Moreover, with the growing demand for quality soaps and handmade, natural bars, the soap manufacturing industry is booming and worth over $46 billion in the US.

So, there’s no better time to jump into this creative business venture.

However, it requires a solid business plan to bring your unique ideas to life, build a strong foundation, and stand out in the competitive market.

Need help writing one? Not to worry!

Explore this soap making business plan template that walks you through all the key steps to develop a comprehensive yet effective business plan. But before that...

Why Do You Need a Soap Making Business Plan?

Whether you're an experienced soap maker looking to expand an existing business or a newbie aiming to establish a new soap production company, a well-crafted business plan is essential.

A soap making business plan is not just a professional document; it's a roadmap for planning, managing, and growing a soap making company.

Here are a few key reasons why you need a soap making business plan:

• Defines your business goals, target market, ownership structure, marketing plans, and strategies to achieve long-term success.
• Attracts potential investors or lenders and secures funding by presenting how your business will generate revenue and profits.
• Helps you set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, & time-bound) goals, track your progress, as well as revise your strategies as needed.
• Allows you to articulate your unique value proposition and highlight what sets your products apart from competitors.
• Provides a framework for making strategic decisions while expanding your product line, entering a new market, or adjusting a pricing strategy.

All in all, a soap making business plan serves as a detailed blueprint that guides you through every aspect of your soap making journey and its sustainable growth.

How to Write a Soap Making Business Plan?

Writing a professional soap making business plan involves several key steps to encapsulate your business concept.

Here's a guide on how to draft each business plan section in detail:

1) Executive summary

An executive summary is a quick, concise overview of the entire soap making business plan that offers a high-level introduction to your business.

In fact, it’s the first section that every potential investor or stakeholder will read to get a better idea of your soap making company.

If they don't find it interesting or compelling enough, they won't read it further and might reject your business proposal. So, ensure that you keep your executive summary simple, brief, and persuasive.

Ideally, you must include the following details in this section:

• Business concept and its purpose
• Mission and vision statements
• Soap production industry & target market
• Unique value propositions
• Marketing and branding approach
• Financial projections

In short, the primary goal of this section is to capture the readers' interest and encourage them to learn more about your business.

2) Business overview

The business overview section is a detailed description of your soap making business and what it’s all about.

It includes everything about your business, from its foundational facts to futuristic goals and growth plans that every potential financial backer needs to know.

To plan this section, consider answering these questions:

• What's the legal structure and registered name of your business?
• Where's your soap production company located? And why have you selected that place?
• What type of soap making business do you own? (handcrafted, organic, wholesale, private label, or specialty soaps)
• Who are the company owners or partners?
• When and why did you start this business? What milestones have you achieved till now?
• What are the short-term goals and long-term objectives?

Answering such questions will help you present your business concept in detail and provide a clear snapshot of your soap making company. So, keep it concise and impressive.

3) Market analysis

The market analysis section provides an in-depth understanding of the soap making industry, including the market trends and target audience.

This will help investors or stakeholders get valuable insights into the specific market niche, the demand for soaps, potential customers you expect to serve, and top competitors.

So, you'll need to conduct thorough market research and incorporate the following essential components in this section:

• Industry overview
• Market size and growth potential
• Target market segment
• Key competitors (other artisanal soap makers & larger natural brands)
• SWOT analysis
• Regulatory environment

Moreover, try to develop a buyer persona to better understand the ideal customer needs and preferences. Here's an example:

4) Sales and marketing plan

Your sales and marketing plan outlines the strategies you'll use to promote your soap making business, generate sales, and grow your customer base.

As a soap maker, you need to develop strategies that cater to your target market and the unique selling points of your product offerings. These strategies also help you attract and retain your customers.

The following are the marketing tactics and sales techniques you may use for your soap making business:

• Promote on social media platforms
• Participate in local craft fairs
• Engage in direct sales at markets or wholesale to retailers
• Develop an SEO-friendly e-commerce website
• Collaborate or partner with influencers and boutique stores
• Advertise in local newspapers & magazines

In addition to that, consider describing any special offers, loyalty programs, or seasonal promotions that encourage repeat purchases and draw new buyers.

5) Products and service offerings

This section highlights what your soap making company intends to offer and how it will meet the target market's needs.

So, start this section with a precise description of your main products, along with their benefits, unique features, and the value they bring to customers.

List out the different types of soaps or other cleansing products you intend to offer. For instance:

• Moisturizing bars
• Exfoliating soaps
• Specialty soaps
• Seasonal collections
• Limited-edition products

After that, showcase your additional products (gift sets, soap dishes, bath accessories, or lotions) or services (customization or subscription options).

If possible, try to include your product images or design mockups to make your business plan visually appealing and more engaging.

6) Operations plan

The operations plan offers practical insights into the day-to-day activities and processes required for the smooth functioning of your soap business.

So, try to cover all your operational intricacies and clarify how they directly impact the quality of your products.

Consider including the below elements in your operations plan:

• Staffing needs and training
• Soap production process (along with techniques & equipment used)
• Supply chain management
• Quality control measures
• Packaging and storage
• Order shipping and delivery

Adding these details to your plan will help you lay out a strong foundation for your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7) Management team

A well-organized and experienced management team is important for the overall success of soap making business.

Why? Because it highlights how your company will be led, how responsibilities will be managed, and how your team will work together to achieve business goals.

While framing this section, introduce your key team members, such as the founder, production manager, operations executive, and quality control supervisor. Also, describe their experience and duties within the company.

Next, present your organizational structure that defines how roles and responsibilities are allocated within your company.

You may create a hierarchical structure for your  soap production business as shown below:

By clearly showing authority, you show investors or stakeholders that your team is responsible for driving the company’s vision and managing business operations.

If applicable, mention your advisory board members or consultants who add credibility to your business and support your plan.

8) Financial plan

The financial plan is an essential section of your soap making business plan as it's a comprehensive overview of your financial health and viability.

Typically, it includes several financial statements and projections broken out both monthly or quarterly. As well as it shows how your soap business will achieve its financial goals within the next few years of operation.

So, you need to cover all these reports in your soap making financial plan:

• Business startup costs
• Sales & revenue forecasts
• Operating expenses

Profit and loss statement

• Cash flow projections
• Balance sheets
• Break-even analysis

Further, summarize sensitivity analyses for the different types of scenarios and clearly outline how much funding you need as well as how you plan to use it.

And don't forget to mention your repayment plan for the borrowed amount, including interest and timeline.

Here’s an example of a few financial projections that you may refer to formulate yours:

Cash flow statement

Balance sheet

By developing a comprehensive and realistic financial plan, you demonstrate your business's growth potential and profitability in the long run, allowing potential backers to make informed decisions.

Download the Soap Making Business Plan Template

So, are you ready to start drafting your own soap making business plan? But need help with that? Well, look no further; here's our soap making business plan template PDF to get started.

This advanced template has been prepared especially for entrepreneurs who need extra support in soap production business planning. Import the data into the editor and revise it as per your specific needs.

Now, that's a wrap! We've discussed all the key elements of a soap making business plan, such as an effective executive summary, thorough market analysis, compelling marketing strategy, and realistic financial projections.

So, it should be easier for you to write a comprehensive business plan for your soap making company.

But if you still need some extra guidance on presenting your plan, consider using a modern AI business plan generator such as Bizplanr .

It helps you prepare an actionable plan efficiently and quickly. All you need to do is answer a few easy questions and its robust AI assistant will generate your plan in minutes!

Get Your Business Plan Ready In Minutes

Answer a few questions, and AI will generate a detailed business plan.

Generate your Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key milestones to include in my business plan?

Include these key milestones in your business plan:

• Timeline for new product launch
• Major marketing campaigns for customer acquisition
• Growth plans for entering into new markets
• Specific business valuation goals

How do I create a financial plan for a soap making business?

Consider following these steps to create a financial plan for your soap making business:

• Estimate the initial expenses and startup costs
• Project sales revenue (how many units of soap you expect to sell)
• Calculate the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
• Determine fixed and variable costs
• Evaluate all the cash flows
• Develop profit & loss statement
• Conduct break-even analysis

If you want to develop effective and realistic financial projections for your soap making business, use advanced financial forecasting software.

What should I include in the executive summary of my business plan?

You should include the following components in your business plan executive summary:

• Business concept and vision
• Industry overview & target market
• Marketing strategies

How to get funding for your soap making business?

While getting funding for your soap making business, consider:

• Creating a professional business plan (including financial projections, market analysis, and a detailed strategy for growth and profitability)
• Finding potential funding resources (such as bank loans, private investors, government grants , and crowdfunding)
• Developing a compelling pitch (highlighting market opportunities and your business's unique aspects)
• Gathering necessary documents (like credit reports or legal papers)
• Building strong relationships with potential investors or lenders
• Applying for loans or investments

Can I start my soap making business without a formal plan?

Of course! You can start a soap making business without having a formal plan, but it may lead to a few challenges, like lack of guidance, financial risks, and missed opportunities.

In contrast to that, having a professional plan helps you guide your growth and increase your chances of success.

As the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, Vinay Kevadiya has over 12 years of experience in business planning. He provides valuable insights to help entrepreneurs build and manage successful business plans.

Follow Vinay Kevadiya

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Soap Making Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Beauty Care Industry » Cosmetics Line » Soap Making

Are you about starting a soap making business? If YES, here is a complete sample soap making business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a soap making business . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample soap making marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for soap making businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

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Despite the fact that loads of entrepreneurs are delving into soap making business, the market for liquid soap is still pretty large and will still continue to grow because it is a necessity for most homes, offices, canteens, laundry shops, amongst others.

That means if you truly want to make it big in this business, you must be willing to work hard to be able to gain your own fair share of the available market.

As such, if you are tinkering with starting a business that requires low start – up capital and little training and technical skills, then you may want to tinker with starting your own soap production company.

One good thing about this kind of business is that you can start it on a small scale level from your home and then grow to a bigger facility when your market grows. Below is a sample soap production company business plant template that you can use to write yours;

A Sample Soap Making Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Soap is a universal product that can be found in all homes, canteen, laundries, hotels and toilets et al. Soaps are used for washing and bathing hence the demand for soap is hardly affected by economic meltdown due to the important role the product plays in our daily lives.

Soap production companies are involved in making bar soaps, liquid soaps, and detergent et al with different scent and packaging. Major players in the soap production industry do not just serve the market within the State or country they operate from, but also international markets.

The equipment needed for soap making include; the soap making machine, heat resistance plastic or stainless steel pitcher with lid, big stainless steel or plastic spoon,

Stainless steel measuring spoons, measuring cups, small beakers, stick blender (for saponification process), a soap mold, soap pot, rubber spatulas, large stainless steel or plastic ladle, protective goggles, protective rubber hand gloves, Quick reading and accurate thermometer. You will also need supply of lye solution, oils, additives (colorants), and fragrances, amongst others.

The Soap Production industry is indeed a growing and thriving sector of the economy of most countries of the world and they generates several millions of US dollars annually from several registered and licensed small – scale, medium scale and big soap production companies scattered all around Nigeria .

The industry is responsible for the employment loads of people directly and indirectly all around the world. With this kind of business, if you want to start on a small scale, you can choose to start servicing your local community.

All you would need is contacts, packaging, networking and good marketing and customer service skills. However, if you intend starting it on a large scale, then you should consider spreading beyond your local community to state level and even national level.

Over and above, the soap production industry is a profitable industry and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business; you can chose to start on a small scale servicing a community or you can chose to start on a large scale with a robust distribution network all across major cities in America and even in within the West African Coast.

2. Executive Summary

Cites® Soap Production Company is a licensed and standard soap production company that will be located in Illinois. We have been able to secure a long term lease for a facility in a strategic location with an option of a long term renewal on an agreed terms and conditions that is favorable to us.

The facility has government approval for the kind of business we want to run and it is easily accessible and we are deliberate about that to facilitate easy movement of raw materials and finished products (well packaged soaps and detergent).

We are in the soap making line of business to produce block soaps, liquid soaps and detergents in commercial quantities.

We are also in business to make profits at the same to give our customers value for their money; we want to give people and businesses who patronize our soaps and detergents the opportunity to be part of the success story of Cites® Soap Production Company.

We are aware that there are several big scale and small scale soap production companies scattered all around America whose products can be found in every nooks and crannies of the country, which is why we spent time and resources to conduct our feasibility studies and market survey so as to enable us locate the business in an area that will support the growth of the business and also for us to be able offer much more than our competitors will be offering.

We ensured that our facility is easy to locate and we have mapped out plans to develop a wide distribution network for wholesalers all around Illinois and the united states of America as a whole.

Much more than producing quality soaps and detergent in commercial quantities, our customer care is going to be second to none. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to get them satisfied when they visit or purchase our product and also to become our loyal customers and ambassadors.

Cites® Soap Production Company will ensure that all our customers (wholesale distributors) are given first class treatment whenever they visit our Depot / Plant. We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers (wholesale distributors) no matter how large the numbers of our customer base may grow to.

We will ensure that we get our customers involved when making some business decisions that will directly or indirectly affect them.

Cites® Soap Production Company is family business that will be owned by Mrs. Celina Bassek and her immediate family members. Mrs. Celina Bassek who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company is Graduate of Industrial Chemistry (B.Sc.) and she holds a Master’s Degree in Business Management (MBA).

She has well over 10 years of experience working in the soap production industry as a senior manager prior to starting Cites® Soap Production Company. She will be working with a team of professionals to build the business and grow it to become one of the market leaders in the industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Cites® Soap Production Company is going to operate a standard and licensed soap production company whose product will not only be sold in Illinois.

We are in the soap production line of business to make profits and also to give our customers value for their money and we are going to do all that is permitted by the law of the United States of America to achieve our corporate goals. Our products and services offering are listed below;

• Toilet Soap / Bathing Soap (Bar Soap) with different fragrance
• Baby Soap (Bar and liquid) with different fragrance
• Body Wash (Liquid Soap) with different fragrance
• Hand Wash (Liquid Soap) with different fragrance
• Dish Washer ( Liquid Soap)
• Clothe Washing Soap
• Car Wash (Liquid Soap)

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard Soap Production Company whose product will not only be sold in Illinois, but also throughout all the states in America and in other parts of World.
• Our mission is to establish a standard and world class Soap Production Company that in our own capacity will favorably compete with leaders in the industry.
• We want to build a soap production business that will be listed amongst the top 10 soap and detergent brands
• We want to build a household brand name .

Our Business Structure

Cites® Soap Production Company is a business that is established with the aim of competing favorably with other leading soap and detergent brands in America. This is why we will ensure that we put the right structure in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)

Plant Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Accountants / Cashiers
• Soap Making Machine and Packaging Operators
• Customer Services Executives

Distribution Truck Drivers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (Owner):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the soap production plant
• Part of the team that determines the quantity and variance of soaps and detergents that are to be produced
• Maps out strategy that will lead to efficiency amongst workers in the plant
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of soap plant workers
• Ensures that the steady flow of both raw materials to the plant and easy flow of finished products through wholesale distributors to the market
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Ensures that the plant meets the expected safety and health standard at all times.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office and plant activities.
• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represent the company in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the company

Accountant / Cashier

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Soap Making and Packaging Machine Operators

• Handles processes and procedures as it relates to the production and packaging of toilet soap (Bar Soap), Body Wash (Liquid Soap) with different fragrance, Hand Wash (Liquid Soap) with different fragrance, Dish Washer ( Liquid Soap), Clothes Washing Soap, Car Wash (Liquid Soap) and Detergent et al
• Assists in loading of soaps and detergents into distribution trucks
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the Plant Manager

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with customer (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the store manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on Cites® Soap Production Company products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the human resources and admin manager
• Assists in loading and unloading soaps and detergents meant for distribution.
• Maintain a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
• Keeps a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the truck is equipped with safety equipment
• Assists the transport and logistics manager in planning their route according to a delivery schedule.
• Local-delivery drivers may be required to sell products or services to stores and businesses on their route, obtain signatures from recipients and collect cash.
• Transports finished goods and raw materials over land to and from manufacturing plants or retail and distribution centers
• Inspects vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
• Complies with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking, break periods etc.) as well as with company policies and procedures
• Collects and verifies delivery instructions
• Reports defects, accidents or violations

6. SWOT Analysis

We are quite aware that there are several soap production companies both large and small in America, whose products can be found in every nooks and crannies of the country, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business so as to compete favorable with them.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be welled equipped to confront our threats.

Cites® Soap Production Company employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in start – up business to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives. This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Cites® Soap Production Company;

Aside from quality and variety of soaps and detergents that we make, part of what is going to count as positives for Cites® Soap Production Company is the vast experience of our management team, we have people on board who are highly experienced and understands how to grow business from the scratch to becoming a national phenomenon.

So also our large national distribution network and of course our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for the business.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new soap production company and we don’t have the financial capacity to engage in the kind of publicity that we intend giving the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities for soap production companies are enormous. This is due to the fact that soap is a universal product that can be found in all homes, canteen, laundries, hotels and toilets et al.

As a result of that, we were able to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies so as to position our business to take advantage of the existing market for soaps and detergents and also to create our own new market. We know that it is going to requires hard work, and we are ready to give all it will take to achieve it.

We are quite aware that just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn and unfavorable government policies. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new soap production company in same location where ours is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the soap and detergent production industry is such that, any product that has been proven to be reliable and healthy tends to sell more and determine the direction of the market for such industry. You would quite agree that there are loads of soap and detergent brands out there in the market that you may have   to compete with.

One of the things that you need to do to get your own fair market share is to come out with a creative packaging for your soap and detergent and also come up with different fragrance and sizes. You might just have to consult a brand expert if you truly want to make it big with your soap making company.

Lastly, another trend in the soap production industry is that leading soap and detergent production companies ensure that they get well – known celebrity to become their brand ambassador. With that, it is easier for them to be able to sell their products and have an active presence in the industry.

8. Our Target Market

When it comes to selling soaps and detergents, there is indeed a wide range of available customers. In essence, our target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people or organization, but all those who resides in our target market locations.

In view of that, we have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. We are in business to engage in the production and wholesale distribution of soaps and detergents to the following groups of organizations;

• Restaurants and Canteens
• Event Planners, Parties and Corporate Functions
• Corporate Executives
• Government Officials
• Business People
• Celebrities
• Pregnant women / Expectant mothers (for their babies)
• Military Men and Women
• Sports Men and Women
• Laundry Owners

Our Competitive Advantage

A close study of the soap and detergent production industry reveals that the market is becoming much more competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer centric and proactive if you must survive in this industry.

We are aware of the stiffer competition and we are well prepared to compete favorably with other soap and detergent production companies in Illinois and America.

Cites® Soap Production Company is launching a standard soap and detergent production brand that will indeed become the preferred choice for businesses and households in Lagos State and other states in Nigeria where we intend marketing our soap and detergents.

Part of what is going to count as competitive advantage for Cites® Soap Production Company is the vast experience of our management team, we have people on board who are highly experienced and understands how to grow business from the scratch to becoming a national phenomenon.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be amongst the best within our category (startups soap and detergent production companies) in the industry, meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Cites® Soap Production Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the soap and detergent production industry in both Illinois and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to sell our products to a wide range of customers all across America.

Cites® Soap Production Company will generate income by selling the following products;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to soap and detergent production business, if your soap and detergent are well – packaged and branded and if your production plant is centrally positioned and easily accessible, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in every city where our soap and detergent will be sold all across America and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the soap and detergent production industry and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Illinois.

Below are the sales projections for Cites® Soap Production Company, it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to small scale and medium scale soap and detergent production company start – ups in America;

• First Fiscal Year-: $45,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $100,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $400,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same product and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location to launch Cites® Soap Production Company we conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to be able to be able to penetrate the available market in our target market locations.

We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the numbers of customers we want to attract per time and also for our soap and detergent to favorable compete with other leading brands in Illinois and throughout America.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the soap and detergent production industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Illinois and other cities in throughout.

In order to continue to be in business and grow, we must continue to sell our soaps and detergents to the available market which is why we will go all out to empower or sales and marketing team to deliver our corporate sales goals. In summary, Cites® Soap Production Company will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to sell our soaps and detergents;

• Introduce our soap and detergent brand by sending introductory letters to households, retailers, supermarkets, hotels, laundries, merchants and other stakeholders.
• Open our soap and detergent production company with a party so as to capture the attention of residence who are our first targets
• Engage in road show in targeted communities from time to time to sell our products
• Advertise our products in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List our business and products on yellow pages ads  (local directories)
• Leverage on the internet to promote our soap and detergent brands
• Engage in direct marketing and sales
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Irrespective of the fact that our soap and detergent production plant is a standard one with a wide range of soap and detergent fragrance that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for all our products and brand.

We are going to explore all available means to promote Cites® Soap Production Company. Cites® Soap Production Company has a long term plan of distributing our soaps and detergents in various locations all around America,  which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Illinois before venturing out.

As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for selling our products but to also effectively communicate our brand. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Cites® Soap Production Company;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Lagos State and major cities in Nigeria
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted communities
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where we intend getting customers to start patronizing our products.
• Ensure that our soaps and detergents are well branded and that all our staff members wear our customized clothes, and all our official cars and distribution vans are customized and well branded

12. Our Pricing Strategy

When it comes to pricing for products such as soaps and detergents, there are two sides to the coin. We are aware of the pricing trend in the soap and detergent production industry which is why we have decided to produce various sizes of soaps and detergents.

In view of that, our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the soap and detergent production industry but will ensure that within the first 6 to 12 months our products are sold a little bit below the average prices of various soaps and detergents production brands in America.

We have put in place business strategies that will help us run on low profits for a period of 6 months; it is a way of encouraging people to buy into our soap and detergent brands.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Cites® Soap Production Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Cites® Soap Production Company will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for the purchase of soaps and detergents.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting a standard soap and detergent production company is indeed a capital intensive business. This is so because the amount required in setting – up a standard soap and detergent production plant is not a piecemeal. The bulk of the start – up capital will be sent on leasing or acquiring a facility and also in purchasing soap making equipment and accessories.

Aside from that, you are not expected to spend much except for purchase and servicing of distribution vans, paying of your employees and utility bills et al. We know that no matter where we intend starting our soap and detergent production business, we would be required to fulfill most of the items listed below;

• The Fee for registering the business (venture) in Nigeria – $750
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,500
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Cites® Soap Production Company – $150,000
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $120,000
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,000
• Cost for payment of rent for 12 month and renovation inclusive – $3,500
• Other start-up expenses including stationery and phone and utility deposits – $5,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $500
• The cost for start-up inventory (chemicals and packaging materials, lye solution , oils, additives (colorants), and fragrances et al) – $70,000
• Cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $50,000
• Cost of purchase of soap making machine, heat resistance plastic / stainless steel pitcher with lid, big stainless steel / plastic spoon, Stainless steel measuring spoons, measuring cups, small beakers, stick blender (for saponification process), a soap mold, soap pot, rubber spatulas, large stainless steel or plastic ladle, protective goggles, protective rubber hand gloves, Quick reading and accurate thermometer – $5,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and equipment (Computers, Printers, Telephone, Fax Machines, tables and chairs et al) – $800
• The cost of launching a website – $750
• The cost for our opening party – $500
• Miscellaneous – $1,000

We would need an estimate of $450, 000 to successfully set up a medium scale but standard soap and detergent production business. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all the staff for the first 3 month of operation.

Generating Fund / Startup Capital for Cites® Soap Production Company

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. Finance is a very important factor when it comes to starting a business such as soap and detergent production company.

No doubt raising startup capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through. Cites® Soap Production Company is a family business that is owned and financed by Mrs. Celine Bassek and her immediate family members.

They do not intend to welcome any external business partner which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sell of stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 (Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Cites® Soap Production Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our various fragrances of soaps and detergents a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Cites® Soap Production Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of facility and construction of standard soap and detergent production plant: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members and friends: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of soap making machine, heat resistance plastic / stainless steel pitcher with lid, big stainless steel / plastic spoon, Stainless steel measuring spoons, measuring cups, small beakers, stick blender (for saponification process), a soap mold, soap pot, rubber spatulas, large stainless steel or plastic ladle, protective goggles, protective rubber hand gloves, Quick reading and accurate thermometer – Completed
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – wholesale suppliers / merchants: In Progress

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Soap Manufacturer Business Plan Sample

Published Mar.18, 2020

Updated Sep.14, 2024

By: Brandi Marcene

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Table of Content

Business Plan for starting your own soap making business

Business is all about concepts that, when meeting with accurate and proper planning and execution, can entirely change your life. The soap manufacturing business is one of the most popular companies in the market, and several people try to enter this business with the hope of enormous success. Still, expectations and reality are two different aspects of life. As improper hand washing and hygiene contributes to hundreds and thousands of deaths each year, due to the transfer of several communicable diseases through various activities in day to day life.

Studies and researches show that maintaing proper hygiene and washing your hands through soaps, etc can cut down the spread of such diseases at upto 75-80%. There is thousands of successful running soap business in the market already and to start from the beginning in such a highly competitive field requires a comprehensive plan, which must be executed in the correct direction.

Soap and detergent manufacturing business plan

Need to be prepared well, and such businesses need some capital investment in the beginning. One should be ready for a hard time, both mentally and financially. The industry mainly involves in the production of high-quality soap and detergents and should have more advantages over the pre-exhibiting soaps and detergents in the market. Since you need better quality at the best affordable range, it is a science that is going to help you out; hence, one needs to put some investments in the research sector.

Further in the article, we will be dealing with these elements which helps in understanding the business for starting a soap company:-

Executive summary

The business

The Soap manufacturing company deals with producing and manufacture high-quality soaps for hand washing and other household works. In addition, we manufacture high-quality detergents that remove stains within minutes. According to a survey by WHO, thousands of people die each year due to a chronic infection caused due to improper hand washing, since most of these infections and diseases are highly contagious and are spread easily by the infected people at our workplaces or public places.

And also the treatment of those chronic diseases caused due to improper hand washing costs billions of money each year. Hence our soap manufacturing business plan has a target to deal with such problems and provide a more efficient and quick way to wash off-hand, therefore, cause the prevention of some of the most fatal and dangerous disease in the society. We our in a business to gain money and profit but at the same time provide our customers value for their money.

This company produce liquid soaps, detergents, block soaps in commercial quantities to meet the needs of this soap manufacturing industry and market. We understand the need of a quality product and therefore ensure that our customers are given first class treatment when they visit our plant/depot. The existing products out here in the market provide no such solution anywhere, and there is no monitoring of such a significant cause of deaths each year. The number of fatalities even crosses the total number of people who died with a disease such as AIDS.

The big question is how to manufacture soap for business ? Since we have an idea of what we are focussing on, we have the liberty to begin manufacturing soaps with the objective of prevention of diseases, which are caused by negligent washing. The owner should, by the time, have a healthy manufacturing plant for the starting the soap company and should know how to make this plan work on the ground.

The founder should decide the cost of the company, and we suggest to start with fewer investments at the beginning. On the other hand, the business owner hold is prepared for any extra cost input, which might occur during the business. It should have a backup financially to support the business in hard times and boost it by these additional inputs. You can remember the above-mentioned points while starting your own soap making business.

Management of the soap company

The management of the company is also on the shoulders of the owner initially and also the manufacturing team, which assists the business for smooth functioning. The owner makes every action and the final decision. Our aim includes establishing a standard world class soap production and manufacturing company with the help of our team, which will complete with the leaders in the same industry. We aspire to build a household brand name, which is only possible with a proper managed company.

Customer of the soap company

The primary customer of our business can be kids from schools and colleges who always are in a hurry to catch up things and forget critical hygienic activities like hand washing, medical organizations and hospitals where diseases are most likely to spread and even co-operate offices, where a group of people interacts and chances of such conditions, are high. Every person who is concerned about his hygiene should be our customers

Business targets

Business targets and expectations should be limited when it is the starting of the business. One can expect the minimal sales and profit in the first year, a fluctuating deal in the second and should target for a good and high profitable sales till the third year.

Company summary

Company owner.

The owner of the company is well educated and experienced in the sector of business and marketing. He has experience in health care and medicines and has been a part of big brands and companies, which manufacture and research on soaps and detergents. Being such an experienced person, he always promotes and motivates research for improvements. Now he has started his own company with a motive to serve people and establish a successful business. The owner believes that it is the hard work of him and his company staff members, which will lead the company to success. He boasts his strong founding team and has an experienced board of advisors.

The key elements to start a soap business should have a plan, which includes:

• Development of a proper prototype, upon which everything else can be worked, this is a way to plan your business.
• Suitable funding of the working capital, which is required for the company.
• Development of promotional materials for the primary objective that is sales.
• Promotional ideas and marketing for the principal operating activities.
• Getting a patent approval
• And finally gaining a strong brand name and image in the initial stage so as to gain a position in the market
• Continue to develop and introduce new products in the market to satisfy the need of ever frowning set of markets.
• The final few months of the start up period shall include the tests as per the government regulations which ensures high quality in the market.

Why is the soap manufacturing business being staeted?

The main motive of the soap manufacturing company is to provide the best and different quality of soaps and detergent in the market for people in the affordable range. The soaps will mainly be focused on handwashing and thus leading to a stoppage of the spread of fatal infectious diseases. So indeed yes, a soap manufacturing is a good business as it can provide you profit and marginal gain as well.

How the soap manufacturing business/company will be stated?

It will be stated with co-operation of the workers, staff, and the owner itself working towards a similar goal, it has a bar soap manufacturing business plan and that would help the successful establishment and running of the company. The owner himself will provide the initial cost for the company. It will develop a strong and high branding campaign to build more awareness, for a positive perception and sales of the company’s products within the targeted markets.

Establishment of a web presence

Since it is a modern world, and businesses are more dependent on the internet. A web presence should be made under the guidance of the owner with the help of technical staff to spread the company further. Such presence will create chances of more sales and can boost up the business at unexpected rates.

Products of a soap manufacturing company

Anti-bacterial soaps

We aim to manufacture these soaps with the chemical constituents, which are used as antiseptics and kill the germs and other harmful microbes. We have a primary focus on this project so that much destructive infectious disease can be prevented. We have a target to provide these soaps in the form of liquid soaps and solid bars to every possible customer. We target to deliver these soaps at affordable prices and elegant fragrance so that everyone who cares for his hygiene benefits from this.

Liquid soaps

They are another of the products, which we will be looking forward to getting with the anti-bacterial action. They are comparatively more in demand than the bars as they are more comfortable to use and are quicker than standard soap bars. The liquid soaps can be placed with a pump-out machine or with sensors that automatically releases the sop when a hand is near it. These liquids are more effective than soaps as the soaps are touched frequently by everyone, while each time when you eject some liquid detergent, it is untouched, fresh, and completely new. We from the sales appreciate the fact that these liquid soaps are more in demand, and we are providing them at affordable prices and trying to make them more useful.

Detergents are the next product that we manufacture. Detergents for cleaning, especially for clothes, are one of our made products. We provide soaps that are compatible with machine wash and manual washing; our product does not render your clothes; neither discolors them and helps you to clean the hardest stains on your clothes. We assure you that we have kept our detergents to be chemically compatible with human skin, so it will not cause any allergy and skin reactions that other products in the market might do.

Soap for cleaning utensils and clothes- we have these sops, which help you to clean the utensils and hard stains on your clothes. They have more efficiency than regular soap bars in the market. They too contain some of the most pleasing fragrance and are made of chemicals, which are not sensitive to your skin

Marketing analysis of soap manufacturing company

Market trends.

Marketing trends in the business of soap making are not that fluctuating once your business is stable. Soap is an item people need throughout the year every day; hence the market is somewhat stable.

The liquid soap is considered more efficient and has a higher trend in the market. The detergent is also such a product that people use in their everyday life and stays up in demand in the market while the other soap bars are comparatively less in demand.

Marketing segmentation

• Different organizations – many organizations and NGOs who are intending to provide better health care to children can be one of our target focus. Many of them even are government sponsors for improving children health care and give a bulk amount of order of soaps and detergents
• Hospitals – who else than a hospital will need more personal cleaning and maintenance of hygiene. They are not only a market for handwashing soap and liquid soaps but are also an important market for detergents. They need all these things in a mass amount which increases your sales
• Restaurants – surprisingly, but our analysis shows they also are one of the important markets for our purchases. They continuously need all of our products, either it is the handwashing soaps which is required by the staff to maintain hygiene and also by the customers; they need detergents to clean the place and need soap bars for utensil cleaning.

Business target

It provides the best possible product in the market at affordable rates. The target is all about increasing and trying to spread the business every day and make more and more profit as much as possible. The goal is to make investments in the first year, work hard on the quality, expand the market, and expect the benefits by the third year and ultimately stabilize as a successful business.

Product pricing

  When it comes to product pricing, it should be well within the range and should be done in such a way that you can easily attract more and more customers. If you have the right quality product and it is well beyond the affordable range, you expect your market to grow. One of the concerns should be how you can get your customers coming back to you? And the answer is as simple, give them the best quality and price and rest will happen itself. Even you can provide some special discounts for regular customers.

Marketing analysis

There is tremendous potential of such soap markets to grow on a large scale. Once you get a successful market penetration, we can begin getting into and implementing this into the other sectors such as restaurants and hospital markets too.

  Competitive analysis

Great service

Great service. Good turnaround time and quality work. Thanks!

Competition is the key to business and should be appreciated a lot. People out their many times just don’t get the concept and importance of race and always try to eliminate the competitor. Still, a competitor is only the person who can tell you where you are lagging without giving you a loss in business since if a customer does the same, it degrades your name. Through the products that is manufactured, one can give a high value alternative to other competing companies or hand washing compliance products. We can further use the ‘peer pressure’ technique to fuelling up the use of our products.

Sales strategy

It is mainly focused to gain more and more profit. As per a proper sales strategy for business , it is beneficial to come up with new ideas and develop brochures to advertise your brand in the market. Also creating a literature which emphasizes the benefits and safety attributes of a soap can contribute a lot in your sales strategy. It is clear enough that one needs to try increasing the sales and gaining and stabilizing the benefits by the third year.

Sales monthly

It is the sales count during the entire month of a financial year. In the first year of business, it seems to be low but is moreover constant throughout the months.

Sales yearly

It is the sales of the company analyzed in the whole year. When it comes to our business, it is not much appreciated in the first year, the second year is fluctuating and the third year gains a little and more stable profit.

Sales forecast

It is the display of the sales on the scale of year or months, which often is drawn on a graph or chart. This forecast gives you an accurate estimate of sales.

Personal plan

  Company staff

Company staff needed to support our business of soap manufacturing should have good knowledge in this field. They should appreciate the research and should always be ready to be there to help the company. The staffs needed are a supervisor or manager who manages the manufacturing process and experienced workers in every unit. The company also needs a technical support team and a business management team.

Salary of the staffs

It is an essential aspect of any business that everyone working their gets appreciated. This appreciation should also be in the form of wages. Each team should get what they deserve.

Financial plans

Important assumptions.

We have assumed the economy to be stable, different taxes are kept conservative, and we assume that the company doesn’t change the delivery of soap manufacturing business.

Break-even analysis

It is to compare fixed costs and the total variable, and it is the sales required for covering the price, and we assume it will happen slowly within years.

Projected profit and loss

It is the projected loss and gain represented in graphs. Profit and loss in this business are fluctuating in starting and becomes stable after years.

Profit monthly

It is the analysis of benefit in our business monthly. The monthly benefit in the first year is moreover the same and not much appreciating.

Profit yearly

It is the analysis of profit in our business yearly. The first year has low advantages; the second year is going to fluctuate.

Gross margin monthly

It is the gross profit the company will make in a month and is not estimated to be high in our business in the initial months.

Gross margin yearly

It is the sales from the business minus the total cost for a financial year. In our company, the first year

is not g to give a significant gross margin.

Projected cash flow

A cash inflow is an essential requirement for starting a business. Sometimes during an emergency, we need some boosts in the industry to support the company. The opening periods are severe and require small capital investments.

Projected balance sheet

These balance sheets show how the business is growing and gets in profit and loss.

Business ratio

This ratio gives you an estimate of if you have the money to pay to your credit holders.

Download Soap Manufacturer Business Plan Sample in PDF

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2 thoughts on “ Soap Manufacturer Business Plan Sample ”

thank you so much for this womderful article be blessed

Thank you for your comment. If you need assistance in writing your business plan please contact us by email: [email protected] or call us at USA +1-619-727-5304, UK +44-203-318-1069, Canada +1-613-699-7822, Australia +61-385-956-735.

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