Business Guides

You Asked, We Answered...Question: How do I register my business name?Answer: If you are selling your soaps and cosmetics under a name other than your given legal name, then you need to register it as a business name. You don't want to register a business name already in use. Therefore, before registering a business name you should do a free online search in your state. You can also perform a federal search for trademarked business names by using http://tmsearch.uspto.gov  Registering your business name can be done with your county's clerk's office or with your state government depending on your location. 

Question: I love the lotion made by Victoria Secret named “Love Spell”? Can I make my own and sell it under that name?Answer: The rule is that you are not allowed to sell products by a name that causes confusion in the market. However, you are allowed to compare your own product to another in the market. Apply this rule by naming your lotion something different than “Love Spell” and then using the statement “Compare to Victoria Secret Love Spell.” This is a common technique used by brands such as Equate, sold at Walmart. When in doubt, you can reference how a big retailer compares their products to others and protects themselves with disclaimer statements. If you have further questions we recommend contacting a patent and trademark attorney in your area.

What Is a Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR)? A batch manufacturing record (BMR)—also referred to simply as a batch record—is a detailed document that tracks every step of the manufacturing process for a specific batch of product. It includes information such as the bill of materials, step-by-step instructions, quality control checks, and signatures from responsible parties. If you’ve ever wondered what a batch manufacturing record is or why it matters, think of it as a real-time log that proves a product was made safely, consistently, and in alignment with your quality standards. Step-by-Step Overview of the Batch Record Process Each batch record begins before production even starts. The process includes listing out ingredients and quantities (including lot numbers), preparing materials, documenting each phase of production in real time, and recording data during the manufacturing process. You’ll also capture any deviations or corrective actions taken along the way. This step-by-step approach builds a clear audit trail that protects both the maker and the end customer. How Batch Records Support Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance Maintaining proper batch manufacturing record traceability isn’t just about staying organized—it’s also about meeting regulatory compliance requirements. A complete BMR provides documentation processes that demonstrate how you maintain product quality from start to finish. If something ever goes wrong with a finished product, your batch records can help identify what happened and whether a recall or other corrective action is needed. This transparency supports your brand’s quality assurance and readiness for audits. Review, Approval, and Batch Release: Ensuring Product Quality Before any batch is released, it must go through review and approval. This stage verifies that each step in the manufacturing record was completed correctly and that the final product meets all quality control checks. Once approved, the product is ready for batch release. This last checkpoint is key to ensuring the high quality of your goods—and it gives you peace of mind that your final product is backed by a complete and compliant paper trail. Batch records are a critical part of maintaining Good Manufacturing Practices. This excel spreadsheet is an easy way for you to keep track of your own records at home. Simply print the formula record and as you make the product fill in the data. Keep the record in a safe place such as a file cabinet. In the event of an audit or customer complaint it will then be readily available for review. Download the formatted Excel Sheet FAQs About Batch Records and Manufacturing Documentation What is a batch formula record?A batch formula record outlines the specific materials and quantities used to make a batch of product. It includes the bill of materials and acts as the foundation for the full batch manufacturing record (BMR). What 5 things must be recorded on the batch production record?At a minimum: Product name and batch number List of raw materials and quantities used Manufacturing steps and times Names/signatures of individuals performing each step Results of any quality control tests How to write a batch record?Start with your formula, then lay out each manufacturing step clearly. Include sections for lot tracking, in-process checks, deviations, and approvals. A good batch record should allow someone else to reproduce the batch exactly and prove it met all quality requirements. Why are batch records important?Batch records provide traceability and protect your business. They prove that your product was made according to procedure and help you stay compliant with regulatory standards. They're also essential for investigating any quality assurance issues. Are digital batch records acceptable?Yes, as long as they meet industry requirements for audit trails, data integrity, and security. Digital systems can make it easier to update and access records in real time. Do I need batch records for handmade or small-batch production?Yes—especially if you plan to scale, sell wholesale, or meet specific quality control benchmarks. Even for small makers, maintaining consistent manufacturing documentation ensures the quality of the final product and helps build trust with buyers and partners.

Implementing Good Manufacturing Practices in your business is an important part of growing a sustainable company.  As part of a quality program you will want to develop a system for recording adverse event reports.  If you have nothing to report it is recommended that you close the year with a single line item that states "No adverse event reports received in the year of xxx."  For received adverse events we recommend this tracking form. 

"7 Business Tools That Are Perfect for Solopreneurs" is an article we found on Inc.com that has some great tips for the solo entrepreneur. Number 6 and 7 are particularly interesting, especially if you are thinking about or already sell your handmade products wholesale.To read this article, Click Here. 

Bringing an idea fully to life is nearly impossible if new entrepreneurs dont do their research. Here are some of the most common mistakes that rookie entreneurs make when starting their business.

Many people view the month of January as an opportunity for a fresh start. I see it as a fork in the road: we can choose to stay on our existing path, or we may choose to pave a path to change. Either way, there’s something psychologically powerful about the first month of a new year—it sets the pace for the next eleven months of our lives.

Many business owners experience decisions that deal with sunk costs. For some, it may seem like too much of a risk to lose money, so it may be bettter to cut losses before a situation escalates. It's best to make the appropriate decision for your business.

What small business owner doesn't want to run a more profitable business with fewer expenses, and less stress? Here are three ways that you can begin to apply the power of project management to your business, starting today, to improve your bottom line.

Keeping up with the many legalities that come with selling handmade products can be a full-time role in its own right —even when your operations are based out of your home. Here are some of the important regulations all handmade business owners should be aware of to ensure that product labels are compliant with the latest regulations, and to protect your business from potential legal action.  

Are you trying to determine how to increase soap sales and improve the profitability of your soapmaking business? Try to upsell soap — to everyone, on every sale. Here are five simple ways to increase revenue when selling soap.

To those without a business background, it’s fairly easy to confuse cash flow with profit.  They’re not unrelated, but it’s important to understand how both concepts impact the operation of your business.  An explanation of this interrelationship requires an understanding of basic accounting principles.