Want to teach your child business skills while having fun? Starting a slime business is an easy and affordable way to do it. With just a few supplies, kids can learn about money management, creativity, and customer service - all while making and selling slime.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to get started:
- Set Goals: Start small, like selling 20 slimes in the first month.
- Gather Supplies: Basic materials include glue, borax, food coloring, and plastic containers.
- Create a Workspace: Use a table or garage to stay organized and minimize mess.
- Develop Products: Experiment with recipes and add-ins like glitter or beads.
- Market & Sell: Try local events, school sales, or social media to reach customers.
With a simple plan and support, your child can turn a hobby into a rewarding learning experience.
Business Setup Steps
Setting Business Goals
Help your child establish clear goals, like selling 20 slimes in the first month using the My Lil Startup Starter Kit.
Create a simple four-week timeline to stay on track:
- Week 1: Practice and perfect 2–3 slime recipes.
- Week 2: Make sample products and decide on pricing.
- Week 3: Work on packaging and label designs.
- Week 4: Start selling to friends and family.
Getting Materials
Set up a workspace - like a garage or a dedicated table - to keep things organized and minimize mess.
Here’s a budget-friendly shopping list for essential supplies:
- Bulk Elmer’s white school glue
- Borax (about $4 per box, enough for several batches)
- Dollar Tree shaving cream
- Food coloring or acrylic paint
- Plastic containers for packaging
For packaging, clear lidded drinking cups from Sam's Club are a low-cost option that looks professional. You can also order custom stickers for branding - 144 stickers can cost under $20, giving each container a polished finish. Once the materials are ready, start exploring what customers might prefer.
Market Research Basics
Introduce your child to simple market research by setting up a tester display. This allows potential buyers to touch and play with slime samples while keeping the actual inventory separate.
Help them identify their target audience by asking questions like:
- What slime types do their friends enjoy most?
- Are there popular colors or add-ins, like glitter or beads?
- What price feels fair, considering the cost of materials and effort?
Encourage experimenting with pricing. Instead of locking into one price, they can test different price points based on feedback and production costs to find a balance that works for both them and their customers.
Entrepreneur lessons for my daughter: We sold slime at a craft ...
Product Development
Once the business framework is in place, it’s time to focus on creating a product that stands out.
Slime Recipe Guide
Begin with a simple and dependable slime recipe. Here’s a formula that’s both easy to make and budget-friendly:
Basic Slime Recipe:
- 1 cup of white school glue
- 1/2 teaspoon of borax
- 1 cup of warm water
- Food coloring or acrylic paint (optional)
- Add-ins like glitter, beads, or foam balls
To make it, dissolve the borax in warm water. In a separate bowl, mix the glue with your chosen colorant. Slowly add the borax solution, stirring until the mixture turns into smooth, stretchy slime.
Business Identity
Help your child create a brand that’s uniquely theirs. The My Lil Startup Slime Business Kit is a great tool for this, offering essential marketing materials to get started. When choosing a business name, keep these tips in mind:
- Pick a name that reflects their personality.
- Make it simple and easy to spell.
- Ensure it connects to the slime theme.
- Test the name with potential customers to see how it resonates.
Product Packaging
How a product is packaged can greatly influence how customers view it. Use clear containers to highlight the slime’s colors and textures, and add custom labels for a polished look. Little details, like a tamper-evident seal or a thank-you note, can build trust and make the product feel more special.
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Sales and Marketing
Where to Sell
You can sell slime at school events, craft fairs, or neighborhood gatherings. Use the tablecloth from your starter kit to set up an eye-catching display that looks professional and inviting.
For online sales, consider helping your child create content for popular social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok (with your supervision). These platforms have been game-changers for slime businesses. For example, Jungmin Kang turned a $200 investment into an eight-figure business, Snoopslimes, by leveraging strategic social media marketing. Once you've chosen your sales channels, focus on creative and engaging ways to promote the products.
Promotion Methods
Once you've decided where to sell, it's time to attract customers. Highlight your child's slime with engaging videos and colorful photos.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Video Content: Share short clips showing slime being stretched, mixed, or played with.
- Product Photos: Use bright, clear images to showcase the textures and colors.
- Special Deals: Offer promotions like "buy one, get one free" at school events.
- Samples: Hand out small samples to spark interest and encourage purchases.
Customer Service
Good customer service can make a big difference in building loyalty and creating a professional impression. Whether selling locally or online, a positive experience keeps customers coming back.
Here’s how to ensure great service:
- Clear Communication: Assist your child in writing simple, easy-to-understand product descriptions and price lists.
- Professional Packaging: Use the materials from the My Lil Startup kit to create neat and appealing packages.
- Follow-Up: Include thank-you notes with orders to show appreciation.
- Feedback: Ask customers what they enjoyed and how you can improve.
"It's important to have the face of the brand out there so that customers can engage with me".
| Sales Channel | Benefits | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Local Events | Direct interaction, instant feedback, no shipping costs | Bring sample displays, accept cash/digital payments, offer bulk discounts. |
| Social Media | Broad audience reach, showcases product in action, builds brand loyalty | Post regularly, respond to comments, and share behind-the-scenes content. |
| School Sales | Ready-made customer base, word-of-mouth promotion | Follow school rules, keep prices fair, and stay organized with inventory. |
Business Operations
Money Management
Keep track of your material costs:
- Record the cost of basic supplies and any extra add-ins.
- Don’t forget to account for packaging costs (e.g., custom photo stickers: $20 for 144 pieces).
To set prices, add up all costs and include a profit margin. For instance, if it costs $2 to make one slime, pricing it at $5–$6 ensures a profit. Once your finances are in order, you can focus on planning for growth.
Growth Steps
Consider upgrading your business tools and resources to scale operations:
| Bundle Type | Investment | What’s Included | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit | $39.95 | Basic supplies, marketing materials | Kickstarts initial production |
| Growth Bundle | $59.95 | Professional presentation tools | Improves customer appeal |
| Mogul Bundle | $99.95 | Double production capacity | Boosts revenue opportunities |
These upgrades not only increase production but also teach essential business skills. As you expand, be ready to handle new challenges effectively.
Problem Solving
Tackle common business hurdles with these strategies:
Inventory Management
- Use clear containers to organize supplies.
- Keep updated lists of all materials.
- Buy in bulk to reduce costs.
- Monitor which slime varieties are most popular.
Order Processing
- Track orders digitally or in a notebook, noting key details like dates, customer names, slime types, payments, and delivery info.
Quality Control
- Test every batch to ensure consistency.
- Use proper cushioning when packaging.
- Include care instructions and business cards to encourage repeat customers.
Conclusion
Starting a slime business is a fun way for kids to learn entrepreneurial skills while embracing creativity and responsibility.
The My Lil Startup Slime Business Kit includes essential supplies and marketing tools, helping kids take their first steps in business. With its step-by-step setup and resources for creative growth, the kit makes it easier for young entrepreneurs to make steady progress.
Success in this venture isn’t just about sales - it’s about the skills and confidence gained along the way. Many parents find that supporting their kids in these projects not only fosters entrepreneurial thinking but also strengthens family connections. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Start small and expand gradually
- Balance creativity with business basics
- Track progress and adjust plans as needed
With the right tools and guidance, your child’s slime business could grow into a rewarding experience that builds both confidence and entrepreneurial know-how.
