There are loads of make-up container suppliers in China. Example:

http://www.cosmeticpackagingcn.com/Lipstick_Case.htm

Eire

oh yeah sorry I did mean plain boxes for bars, not custom designed ones.  All I wanted was a plain white box but I could not find one in the shape/size I needed. 

I think for packaging, there is a need for more variety and some higher quality ranges.  We were all oohing & aahing over a french site recently as it had some really nice, classy, posh bottles and jars.  Most of the uk suppliers all sell the same thing, there's not much choice.

Golly gosh. This is a fast growing thread. Welcome Scribe, thats some enthusiasm you have there!

Thanks Alphya,  it is exhilarating isn't it.   (thanks goodness for spell check on this thing!)

Vanilla - so by your comment, can I presume it is not always a cost issue - cheap plain and simple is not always the call.  There is equally a demand out there for the more expensive - within reason - but different, posh, upmarket and smooth?


Eire - ta will take a peek at the site.  Have to admit, never gave the cosmetics packaging a thought at all.  was just thinking soap!  thanks all for that tip!
 :buttrf:

Welcome to Fresholi and lots of luck with your business idea, it really has legs.

IMO, I think you should look at getting things from the China sure, but you should also contact USA large soaper supply companies and obtain stock from them, give them a cut etc until you have a year or so under your belt. The USA have access to cutters etc,you could do a deal with the tank people and supply europe etc.

Hi Sidewalk
Yes, i have found a few US suppliers that seem reasonable, most are jolly dear!  Tank people?  tell me more...

I found crinkle cutters for UDS 2.78  for instance...  would have to add in shipping and a wee profit of course...

Wow Eire - those are really nice products!  have saved the link to the site, thanks

Sorry, I didnt explain, For crafts sake (fcs) make imo one of the best cutters out there, the commercial machine is called the tank, the costs to ship it to the UK are a bit pricey, but not totally crazy, I think if you would to speak to them or someone like that company and do a massive order or something,lots of soapers in europe would purchase them from you. There are lots of other things you could import and make a profit on from the states, there are new things in the USA that us UK soapers do not have access to.

Question people.  what size batch is the most popular?  ie what size loaf mould is the best to get, something that will take a 1KG batch.
I am seeing different sizes of moulds out there, so what is the standard or most preferred size?

Oh - and nobody has commented on the names ideas   please give input...

Yes personally I would like to have more choice, I don't necessarily just want to sell my products in the cheapest, most basic packaging available.  I think atm even if you are prepared to pay a bit more, most of the suppliers get their packaging from the same wholesalers, it is all the same.  Often many of us end up using the same packaging for our products, as there's so few options!  (Although obviously everyone's labelling & style makes things look different.)

I agree about considering getting stuff from the US too- they have loads of great things over there!

Sidewalk, got you now.  will try find tank online unless U have a link to the machine you are talking about specifically so i know got the right one!
That is what i am hoping to achieve - getting in the stuff here that soapers want but can only find in the states and like places.
then, with everyone posting in there "i want want on these .."  we can build it up and get all the stuff here we could possibly want!

I would be relying on input from soapers of course - i am too new at the process to know what is needed or wanted fully here... just my research showed that the cool stuff was not locally.

Hi Scribe,
Welcome  

I'm another one always looking at packaging & drooling over things like tank cutters, & I've recently been spending far too much on silicone moulds from the far east!

Can't wait to see what goodies you come up with.

Sally x

Sorry, here is the link http://www.forcraftssake.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_8&products_id=20

Its the commercial quick cutter, you can check out all the other bits and bobs they have on there also.

Hmmm...  my google of tank cutter was not successful, unless it is a thingie with a screw on one end!
you looking for something like this widget?  US$300 unshipped?