FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Traditional HQ's handcrafted men's grooming products, ingredients, shipping, and more.

Location & Shopping

Where is Traditional HQ located?

Traditional HQ is proudly based in Fergus, Ontario, Canada. Every product is handcrafted in small batches right here in our workshop. We're a local Canadian business committed to supporting our community while creating premium men's grooming products.

Can I visit your store or shop in person?

Traditional HQ is a home-based workshop—we handcraft everything in small batches right here in Fergus, but we don't have a public retail storefront. However, you can find our products in person at:

Retail Partner in Fergus:

  • One and Only Shop - Fergus, Ontario
    Your local source for Traditional HQ products! Stop by to see, smell, and shop our full line.

Farmers Markets & Events:

  • Cambridge Farmers Market
  • Guelph Farmers Market
  • Waterloo Regional Markets
  • Elora area pop-up events

Check our Events page for our current market schedule and upcoming appearances.

Can I stop by your shop and buy products if I'm passing through Fergus?

Yes! Visit our retail partner: One and Only Shop in Fergus, Ontario.

One and Only Shop carries our full product line, so you can see, smell, and shop Traditional HQ products in person—no appointment needed!

We're a home-based production workshop, so we don't have a public storefront at our location. However, if you'd like to arrange a direct pickup for a large order or special request, please contact us 24-48 hours in advance.

And remember: with FREE shipping across Canada and fast 1-2 day processing, ordering online is always convenient—even for last-minute gifts!

Where can I buy Traditional HQ products in stores?

In Fergus, Ontario:

Beyond Fergus:

We partner with select boutiques and gift shops across Ontario through our Territory Exclusive Wholesale Program. This means we work with only one retail partner per town/city to protect their sales.

To find a retailer near you, contact us with your location. If you're a retailer interested in carrying our products, learn more about our wholesale program below.

Products & Ingredients

What is the Tallow + Coconut formula, and why is it better?

Our signature formula combines Canadian grass-fed beef tallow (triple-rendered) with coconut oil. This isn't just mixing two ingredients—it's an engineered formula designed to deliver:

  • Superior lather: Rich, creamy bubbles that outlast pure tallow or commercial soaps
  • Deep cleaning: Effectively removes dirt and oils without stripping your skin
  • Moisturization: Leaves skin hydrated, not tight or dry
  • Longevity: Our customers tell us our bars last significantly longer than competitors

We've tested pure tallow formulas and commercial alternatives—our Tallow + Coconut blend outperforms both in real-world use. It's traditional craftsmanship meets modern performance.

Learn more on our Ingredients page.

Are your ingredients natural and safe?

Yes, absolutely. We use:

  • Natural bases: Grass-fed beef tallow, coconut oil, soy wax
  • IFRA-compliant fragrances: Guaranteed phthalate-free and paraben-free
  • Safe, tested ingredients: Every fragrance meets International Fragrance Association safety standards

Our cold-process soap method preserves the natural benefits of our ingredients, and we never use harsh chemicals, sulfates, or synthetic detergents.

Why does my soap last so long? (Customer feedback)

This is one of our favorite pieces of feedback! Unlike competitors whose customers complain that soap "doesn't last," Traditional HQ bars are formulated for exceptional longevity.

Our Tallow + Coconut formula creates a harder, denser bar that doesn't dissolve quickly. Combined with our cold-process method and proper curing time, you get a bar that lasts weeks longer than mass-produced alternatives.

Pro tip: Keep your bar dry between uses on a well-draining soap dish to maximize its lifespan even further.

Do you make products for women?

Great question! While Traditional HQ was founded to address the lack of quality men's grooming options, many of our products are unisex:

  • NO.0% Fragrance-Free line: Perfect for anyone with scent sensitivities or minimalist preferences
  • Candles: Home fragrance for everyone
  • Bar soaps: Gentle and effective for all skin types
  • Tallow balms: Nourishing skincare without a masculine scent

We've heard from many customers who purchase our fragrance-free and lightly scented products for themselves, partners, or as gifts. If you're looking for something specific, reach out—we love hearing what our customers want!

Why don't my beard balms leave oil stains on shirts like other brands?

Another customer favorite! Our beard balms are carefully formulated with the right ratio of oils, butters, and waxes to absorb fully into your beard and skin without leaving greasy residue.

Many commercial beard balms overload on cheap carrier oils, which sit on the surface and transfer to clothing. Our formula provides the conditioning and hold you need while absorbing properly—meaning no oil stains, no greasy feel, just a well-groomed, healthy beard.

Will you make beard balm in NO.338 fragrance?

Yes, we plan to! NO.338 is one of our most popular fragrances, and we already offer it in bar soap and cologne. Adding a beard balm to complete the line is on our product development roadmap.

Want to be notified when it launches? Contact us or sign up for our email list to get early access.

Numbered Fragrance System

What does your "Numbered Fragrance System" mean?

Our Numbered Fragrance System is a unique approach to men's grooming that no other brand offers.

Here's how it works: NO.12 soap = NO.12 beard balm = NO.12 cologne. The same fragrance profile across every product in that number.

Why does this matter?

  • No fragrance clashes: Your soap, balm, and cologne work together as a cohesive scent experience
  • Effortless matching: No guessing which products complement each other
  • Complete fragrance experience: Build your entire grooming routine around one signature scent

It's like having a curated fragrance wardrobe—simple, elegant, and uniquely yours. Learn more on our Numbered Fragrance System page.

Which fragrance number should I choose?

Our top sellers are:

  • NO.12: Our most popular scent—earthy, woody, masculine. Perfect for everyday wear.
  • NO.338: Complex and refined. Great for those who want something distinctive.
  • NO.0% (Fragrance-Free): Ideal for sensitive skin or minimalist preferences.

Each product page includes detailed scent notes to help you decide. If you're unsure, start with NO.12—it's a crowd favorite for a reason.

Pro tip: Order a bar soap first to test a fragrance before investing in the full line (balm, cologne, candle).

Shipping & Returns

What are your shipping costs?

FREE Shipping on all orders across Canada. No minimum purchase required.

That's right—whether you order one bar of soap or a complete grooming set, shipping is always free. This is a huge advantage over competitors who require $69+ minimums or charge $30+ shipping from the US.

  • Processing time: 1-2 business days
  • Delivery time: 5-7 business days (Canada-wide)
  • Tracking: Provided for every order

Do you ship to the United States or internationally?

Currently, we focus on serving Canadian customers with free, fast shipping across Canada. International shipping may be available on request—please contact us with your location and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

What is your return policy?

We stand behind the quality of our handcrafted products. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, please review our full Shipping & Returns policy or contact us directly. We're committed to making things right.

Wholesale & Partnerships

What is "Territory Exclusivity" for wholesale partners?

Our Territory Exclusive Wholesale Program means we partner with only one retailer per town or city.

Why this matters for you as a retailer:

  • Guaranteed profit protection: No competing Traditional HQ products down the street
  • Unique product offering: Stand out from big-box stores and chains
  • Customer loyalty: Shoppers know your store is the only local source

This partner-first approach ensures our wholesale retailers succeed—and when you succeed, we succeed.

Interested in carrying Traditional HQ? Contact us for wholesale inquiries.

How do I become a wholesale partner?

We'd love to work with you! Our wholesale program is designed for boutiques, gift shops, barbershops, and specialty retailers who value quality, local products.

To get started:

  1. Contact us with your store name, location, and a bit about your business
  2. We'll check territory availability in your area
  3. Receive wholesale pricing, minimum order info, and product catalog
  4. Place your first order and start offering Traditional HQ to your customers

Benefits of partnering with us:

  • Territory exclusivity (no local competition)
  • Competitive wholesale margins
  • Premium laser-engraved packaging (gift-ready, no extra work)
  • Support from a local, Canadian small business

Our Mission & Values

Why do you have a charity program?

Our "Bubbles & Biscuits Charity Soap" program supports two causes close to our hearts:

  • Center Wellington Foodbank – helping neighbors in need
  • Guelph Humane Society – caring for animals in our community

Traditional HQ was born out of hardship when I lost my job during restructuring. I know firsthand what it's like to need support. Giving back to our community—and supporting both people and animals—is core to who we are.

Our bigger vision: One day, we hope to provide meaningful job opportunities to local youth, creating economic opportunity right here in our community.

Why should I choose Traditional HQ over bigger brands?

Great question. Here's what makes us different:

  • Better value: 42% cheaper per ounce than premium US brands on soaps, 50% cheaper on beard balms—with FREE shipping
  • Superior quality: Customers tell us our soaps last longer and our beard balms don't stain shirts (common complaints with competitors)
  • Unique innovation: Our Numbered Fragrance System doesn't exist anywhere else
  • Canadian made: No customs, no duties, no $30+ US shipping fees. Support local.
  • Sustainable: 100% compostable/recyclable packaging, laser-engraved (no toxic inks or stickers)
  • Community-focused: Your purchase supports a Canadian family business and local charities

We're not just selling soap—we're building something meaningful. When you choose Traditional HQ, you're choosing quality, value, and a brand that cares about more than profit.

What does "cold process" soap mean?

Cold process soap-making is traditional craftsmanship that takes time, skill, and patience—but the results are worth it.

Unlike commercial "melt and pour" or hot process methods, cold process:

  • Preserves natural ingredients: Gentle temperatures keep beneficial properties intact
  • Creates superior lather: The chemical reaction (saponification) produces a naturally moisturizing bar
  • Requires curing time: Our bars cure for 4-6 weeks, creating a harder, longer-lasting soap

It's old-world craftsmanship applied to modern grooming—and you can feel the difference.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out anytime—we love talking about our products and our mission.

Contact Us