What You Need to Test Before Selling as a New Maker

How to make sure your creations are safe, stable and ready to sell

Before you dive into markets or online sales, you need to be sure your products are safe, consistent and ready for customers.

But testing doesn’t need to feel overwhelming; just think of it as your own seal of approval.

Here’s what to check before putting anything on the shelf:

Safety first 🧪

Make sure your products meet cosmetic regulations. That means getting the right Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), following ingredient usage limits and labelling correctly.

It’s not just a tick box, it’s what protects your customers and your business.

Stability and shelf life ⏳

You’ll want your creations to last without changing colour, scent or texture.

So, test them over time, in different storage conditions, and note any changes. This helps you confidently set a “best before” date and avoid unhappy customers down the line.

Performance check ✔️

Does your bath bomb float and fizz? Does your whipped soap lather properly?

Testing how products behave in real-life use ensures they deliver the experience customers expect.

Packaging proof 📦

Your packaging isn’t just for looks; it needs to protect the product.

Test how it holds up to being stored, posted, or carried to a market. A cracked bath bomb or a squashed wax melt can put people off coming back.

Customer experience 👩‍👩‍👦

Finally, try your products yourself and, if safe to do so, let friends or family give honest feedback.

Is the fragrance too strong? Does the label make sense? Real-world testing can highlight small tweaks that make a big difference.

---

Before you start selling, take the time to run through these checks. It’s an investment in your brand’s reputation and in the trust your customers place in you.

Want more practical tips? Pop over to the Soak YouTube channel for tutorials and advice to help you grow your maker journey.