Private label products, especially private label skincare goods are high in demand nowadays. Businesses and individuals can easily build their own brands without worrying about in-house production. Whether you want to start your line of cosmetics or skin care products, it is crucial to select the right private label manufacturer.
A seasoned and trustworthy manufacturer provides you with excellent product quality, smooth production and regulatory compliance. But how can you find a reliable private label manufacturer? In this article, we’ll share with you an easy 9-step process to find the right manufacturer for high-quality private label products.
Step #1: Determine Your Business Goals and Needs
Before you go looking for private label manufacturers, develop your business vision and mission. You also need to define your business goals, needs and audience.
Start asking yourself some important questions such as:
- What will be my target market?
- What do I want to achieve in the long run?
- If I want to start a skincare brand, what type of products do I want to sell?
- What type of private label products am I looking for?
- Where do I see my business in 10 or 20 years from now?
- What will be my manufacturing, packaging and marketing budget?
- Will standard formulations work fine for me?
- Will I need customizable private label products?
Work through all these questions, and you’ll get better clarity on the kind of business you wish to run. It will also help you determine the kind of private label manufacturer you want, and easily narrow down a few who meet your criteria.
Step #2: Research Different Private Label Manufacturers
Now that you are aware of the kind of private label manufacturer you want, start your search. The following methods are good places to begin with.
- Industry trade shows: Attend different trade shows and fairs such as Cosmoprof particularly for private label skincare and beauty products to physically meet different manufacturers.
- Manufacturer websites: Carry out a detailed online research on private label manufacturers. Ask your favorite AI assistant to give you some good names. Check their websites in detail making sure to review their past clientele, certifications as well as core strengths.
- Online directories: Use platforms such as Global Sources, ThomasNet and Alibaba to find verified and expert manufacturers.
- Social and professional network: Spread the word around in your social and professional circle about your current need. Once you get referrals, reach out to those private label manufacturers.
Carefully assess all the private label manufacturers you find. Filter the manufacturers using the factors mentioned in the following step.
Step #3: Analyze the Shortlisted Private Label Manufacturers
This is a very critical step as it determines the fate of the brand you’re trying to build. Take your time at this stage to carefully analyze all the shortlisted manufacturers.
Evaluate the manufacturers based on the following criteria:
- Check their years of experience in this field to ascertain they have the required expertise and reliability you need.
- Analyze if they have enough production capacity to accommodate your requirements when your business expands.
- Assess the kind of equipment and technology they use to ensure quality control and good productivity.
- Find out if they offer customization in their private label products allowing you to build a distinct brand.
- See if they have any of the following certifications to assess their regulatory compliance.
- ISO certifications
- Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
- Cruelty free and organic certifications
- EU or FDA regulations compliance
Request the manufacturers you are in talks with for documentation and client reviews to verify their expertise, certifications and compliance prior to moving forward.
Step #4: Ask for Samples to Test Product Quality
Before committing to any manufacturer, request samples of their private label products to check their products and quality. Typically, private label manufacturers do comply with this request easily.
Evaluate the scent, composition, texture and appearance of the product. Also, use it if possible and check if it is according to the standards you want to set. If you can, carry out safety and stability tests. Lastly, make sure to compare it to the competitor products available in the market.
These measures help you select a good manufacturer offering solid product quality.
Step #5: Evaluate their MOQ, Pricing and Customer Support
Next, you need to evaluate three more important factors to find a manufacturer that aligns with your goals and needs.
- Understand the MOQ (minimum order quantity) of the different manufacturers
- Check their pricing and compare different models by analyzing production, packaging and other costs involved
- Analyze if they have a good customer support system by checking their response time, support services and transparency
Your goal should be to find a manufacturer that offers a good balance of quality and affordable products so you can get a good profit margin.
Step #6: Get into Talks with Shortlisted Manufacturers
Once you have evaluated the various factors discussed above, shortlist a few (preferably 3 to 5) private label manufacturers you like best from the lot.
If convenient, visit their facility to get a first hand account of their work, operations and production. In case that’s not feasible, have an online meeting with them, and run a background check to make sure they are as good as they claim.
Step #7: Finalize the Terms and Sign the Contract
After you have had a good discussion with the 3 to 5 private label manufacturers, make a decision.
Review their pricing structure, facility, product quality, regulatory compliance and other factors once more. Also discuss the contract terms and regulations with them. Opt for the manufacturer you reach a reasonable understanding with.
To prepare the contract, ensure to engage a certified legal expert. Ask the expert to review the contract to protect your business interests.
Once you start working with a manufacturer, maintain a seamless communication with them. Provide your input on the product quality, appreciate their strengths, and try to negotiate more profitable terms as your business grows.
Conclusion
We understand how difficult it can seem to find a good private label manufacturer to start your own brand using private label products. That said, the step-by-step process we have shared today will make this search easy for you. Wishing you all the luck on this journey.
