Laundry soap making is one type of business that guarantees a steady flow of income for shrewd entrepreneurs, according to manufacturers in this line of work.The submission is based on the fact that the commodity is an important household item, which is used daily. In view of this reality, the product commands regular demand in the market place. Operators in this business say that with patience and hard work, an entrepreneur in this line can grow his venture from a small scale business to a large enterprise because of the ready market essence.According to them, laundry soaps can be classified in the group of such vital commodities, like food items, water, clothes, and even shelter, which every individual cannot do without. They explain that this is reason soap making business may not easily suffer any set back, in spite of the global economic melt-down.The Manager, Ndubest Holdings Limited, Ojo, Lagos, Mr. Ndubuisi Matthew, says with N300,000 the business can be started on a small scale basis. He adds that laundry soap offers reliable and constant revenue for business men and women involved in their production and marketing, whether as wholesalers or retailers.He says should anyone doubt the lucrative nature of the business, such a person should inquire from dealers on how often they visit their suppliers in order to replenish their stock."As a soap manufacturer, if you are creative and have the ability to satisfy your customers, then you are definitely in for good money," he says.He notes, however, that before any would-be entrepreneur gets involved in the business, such a prospective soap manufacturer needs to study the market and master the vital requirements necessary for both production and the marketing of the commodity.According to him, the reason simply lies in the fact that customers must enjoy the service they get from each laundry soap purchased. From the beginning, Matthew advises, such an entrepreneur must consider what end his production stands or intends to achieve.For instance, he says the soap producer needs to decide whether to produce high, medium or basic quality soap. Besides, he notes that such a producer needs to determine how much to produce and at what cost and rate; whether on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.He says, "For cost efficiency, the starter must figure out if he is to start the business, using his residence or whether he should purchase a production plant. You should also consider the unique quality that your soap must possess in order to compete favourably in the market. This may not be an easy task for a starter, but the gain in the long run is worth the hassle. So, it is important that an extensive research is carried out to guarantee satisfactory returns on investments."Aside the laundry soap, Matthew outlines other soaps that could be produced by interested entrepreneurs to include bathing soap, antiseptic soap and detergents. He, however, observes that the modes of producing them and the materials used differ slightly.He notes that the amount of income generated often depends on the size of the business; the quality of soap produced; the marketing ability of the producer; and slightly, on the location of the venture.On the materials necessary for the production of laundry soap, he says a beginner should not spend much of his capital on machinery. Rather, he advises that all that such a person needs to buy is a mixer (whether manual or automatic), moulds, a cutting machine and a manual stamp.According to him, other essential items such an entrepreneur needs include nylon sheets, hand gloves, nose mask, a measuring scale, hydrometer and containers. On the side of needed critical inputs, he lists chemicals for preparation as palm kernel oil, caustic soda, soda ash, sodium sulphate, perfume, water and colouring.Another dealer at Okokomaiko, Lagos, Mr. Thompson Clement, says the entrepreneur stands the chance of making good income if his product gives lather (foam) well, when used or it has attractive scent or perfume. He notes that quality soap must be solid, strong and durable. Besides, he says such a soap must not hitch the hands or body, when used; and must not develop whitish flakes after a few days of production.He says, "The quality of soap you produce will always determine the kind of patronage you get from customers. So, it is important that the entrepreneur takes time to research and plan well before going into production because this business, like most others, is competitive."On the challenges facing the business, Clement adds that lack of adequate power supply often reduces capacity, especially in most established firms. He called for improvement in the countrys power sector, adding that this will lead to higher profitability, not just for soap producers, but for most businesses in Nigeria.Importantly, he admonishes new entrants into the business not to be discouraged, as the venture provides adequate revenue for dealers. He says small scale starters, for instance, can make up to N50,000 as income monthly, while dealers operating on a medium scale level can make as much as N200,000."Every business has its challenges, but the good thing with this one is that the product is an essential one, making demand for it to be high all the time," he says. "When you get the production processes correctly, then you can be sure of making steady income. And once your product is widely known and accepted, you are automatically on the path to wealth."
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