In a previous post I wrote about How To Create Your Own Hair or Skin Care Line. I talk about getting very clear on what you want and asking yourself questions to help you to have focus and clarity.
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One of the questions is, Are you making the product or a private manufacturer? Over the years, I have heard several horror stories of clients that have gone with private manufacturers and didn't read the fine print of the contract. The relationship with the manufacturer went bad and my clients did not own their formula. My clients wanted to move their business to another manufacturer but they would have to start over as they did not own the formula for their product/s. It would cost them a lot of money. They said they wish they would have consulted with me first or taken one of my Pro Courses to have knowledge on formulating and developing products and before signing the contract. They would have saved money in the long run. I also have students that have come back and told me they learned so much from taking the pro course and they decided to go with a private manufacturer and knew exactly what to ask for developing the product and the contracted terms.
There are Private Label Manufacturers and Contract Manufacturers. Some do both functions and include custom formulating services.
Private Label Manufacturers
Private label manufacturers have stock formulas and you choose from their stock bases for the cosmetic product and scent and the container. The stock bases can usually be slightly modified. They fill the container, label it with your custom label and ship the product.
Pros: This is the fastest way for product development and to bring your product to market. There are no product development costs. There are low minimums on your product and you can see how your product does on the market without putting a lot of money into it.
Cons: You have no control over the ownership of your product. If the manufacturer decides to discontinue a stock base you are using, you have to use another base of theirs and change your label with the listing of ingredients, plus it will be a different formulation that you may not like as much. The manufacturer may go out of business or you may not like their business practices but you are unable to take your business elsewhere since they own the formula. They will not give you the formula. All of these problems have happened to clients of mine that came to me very frustrated.
Contract Manufacturer
Contract manufacturers manufacture from a formula you own, fill and ship your product. You own the formula. You can contract a cosmetic formulator to create the formula, create the formula yourself or go through the manufacturer if they offer the service. Some manufacturers have a cosmetic formulator on staff and they work with you to customize a formulation for you and then at this same facility it is manufactured, filled and shipped to you.
Pros: You own the formula. If you are not happy with the manufacturer you can go to another manufacturer with your formula.
Cons: It is more expensive to have a custom formula developed and it takes more time for product development and longer to market. High minimums are usually required.
If you are thinking about a private label or contract manufacturer here are some questions to assist you to have a clear collaborative relationship with the manufacturer and hopefully save you from heartache and loss of finances.
Questions To Ask Cosmetic Manufacturing Labs
You should know if they are a private label or contract manufacturer or both and then ask the questions below that relate to them.
1. How long have they been in business?
2. Are they a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility? FDA compliant?
Water used? Is it purified to USP standards?
3. Lab Testing-What types of lab testing do they perform?: Do they do CTFA Challenge Testing? Do they do stability testing? or Does the formula need to already passed testing at a lab before coming to them? What tests do they recommend? Do they do microbial testing of every completed batch?
4. Can they produce ___________ (your product ex: lotion)?
5. Do they work with the ingredients in your formula? Can they handle your formula procedures?
6. What other cosmetic products can they manufacture?
7. What are their minimums?
8. What are their maximums for production? (If the product does very well, can they meet the demand?)
9. Pilot Run and Scaling: How do they do this?
10. How much for samples?
11. How many times will they allow you to try the product from the pilot run and tweak it before they charge more?
12. What is the turn around time from when you place your order?
13. What are the R&D (research & development) costs?
14. Raw ingredients: Ingredient Sourcing- how does this work? can they help you with this, do they have some raw ingredients they buy in bulk you can use?
15. What are their mixing capabilities?
16. What Equipment Do they have/use? Stainless Steel? Propeller agitation?
17. Filling: Equipment Used in Filling?: What type of filling system do they have? Does it work with the containers you will be using? Can they do heat fill tubes? How many containers can be filled in 24 hours?
18. Packaging: Do they do Induction Sealing? Shrink Wrap? Labeling?
19. Batching and Filling
Who will be making the product? Is the person going to be on site when the product is being made? Do they do any documentation and inspection of the product while being made?
Can you visit the facility? (most will say no)
20. Timely Delivery of finished products: Cost?
21. Payment Terms?
22. What is their Refund Policy?
23. Policy for damaged goods on arrival?
24. Cost for additional Runs?
25. Do they have a referral from another customer? (contact this customer and ask their experience)
You want to stay in complete ownership of your formula: Owning your formula: If they make any adjustments to the formula or production procedure you want to make it clear that you still own the formula, not them. Make sure to read the contract and that it states this.
Get everything in writing!
Joan Morais is a natural cosmetic formulator, instructor, author and the owner of Joan Morais Naturals. Joan assists product makers on how to make high quality, stable and effective natural body, hair and skin care products for personal use and a product making business.
Packaging is an important decision to make that significantly affects how your products are stored, perceived, and used. For most industries, durability and sustainability remain the top considerations when choosing the best packaging solutions.
Read through the article to get valuable insights to help you make informed decisions when choosing wholesale packaging options for your products.
Sustainability continues to dominate consumer preferences and certain materials are more recyclable than others. Without losing quality, glass can be reused multiple times, which makes it a popular choice for eco-conscious customers. Also, their robust nature protects products from external contaminants and ensures their safety and freshness for an extended period of time.
Another major advantage is their aesthetic appeal. These containers convey a sense of luxury and trustworthiness, which resonates with customers. They can elevate a brand's image and make products more appealing on store shelves or online listings. Businesses seeking packaging that's both functional and visually impressive often turn to these as their go-to material.
Various industries rely on these versatile materials, each utilizing their unique qualities for specific purposes:
This versatility makes such packaging an ideal choice across multiple sectors.
There are a wide range of options available to choose from, depending on your product's requirements:
Each variation caters to specific business needs, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your products.
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Selecting the ideal container involves several considerations, such as:
Start by evaluating the product's sensitivity to light, moisture, and air. Items such as essential oils may require amber containers for UV protection, while clear ones work better for visually appealing liquids like syrups.
Understand your target audience's preferences to guide your choices. For example, minimalist designs might appeal to eco-conscious buyers, while bold colors could attract a younger demographic.
Weigh the pros and cons of sourcing locally versus internationally, as this affects cost, lead times, and shipping reliability. Thoroughly compare suppliers based on quality, pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and customization options.
Several factors influence pricing. These include material quality, container size, color, and order volume. Amber and specialty-colored options typically cost more due to their manufacturing process. Similarly, bulk orders often reduce per-unit costs, though higher MOQs may pose a challenge for small businesses.
Be mindful of hidden costs, such as shipping cost, storage requirements, and custom labeling. Understanding these expenses upfront will help you budget more effectively and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Environmental concerns drive many businesses to choose glass over plastic bottles. Unlike plastic, which degrades over time and contributes to pollution, glass can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Moreover, its ability to preserve product integrity far surpasses that of plastic bottles. Reusability also makes this material a favorite among consumers, giving businesses an edge in sustainability-focused markets.
Statistics reveal a growing preference for glass packaging, especially among environmentally aware buyers. Leveraging this trend can enhance your brand's appeal and position your products as premium offerings in competitive markets.
Finding reliable suppliers is essential for securing quality packaging. USA domestic suppliers, like The Bottle Depot, often provide quicker shipping and more consistent quality control. Online marketplaces such as Alibaba, ThomasNet, and Uline also offer a wide selection, though it's important to vet suppliers thoroughly.
Requesting product samples, checking certifications, and reading reviews can help ensure you're partnering with a reputable supplier. Look for those who offer customization options and flexible MOQs to meet your specific business needs.
Proper storage ensures containers remain in pristine condition. Avoid stacking them without adequate padding to prevent breakage. Use dividers and bubble wrap when storing or shipping large quantities.
Cleaning and sterilizing glass bottles before use is critical, especially for food, beverage, and personal care applications. A simple sterilization process involves boiling the containers in water for a few minutes or using a specialized cleaning solution to ensure product safety. Protective packaging during transit can also safeguard against damage and maintain quality.
What are the most common sizes for wholesale packaging? Popular sizes include 1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz, catering to various industries and uses.
How do I choose the right closures for my containers? Select closures based on your product's consistency. For liquids, droppers or mist sprayers work well, while screw caps suit thicker substances.
What is the MOQ for most suppliers? Minimum order quantities vary but typically range from 100 to 1,000 units, depending on the supplier.
Are glass containers more expensive than plastic ones? While initial costs are higher, their durability, reusability, and premium appeal often justify the investment.
Glass packaging offers a sustainable, durable, and visually appealing solution for businesses across industries. Whether you're in personal care, food and beverage, or healthcare, choosing the right packaging can enhance your brand and meet evolving customer expectations.
Ready to elevate your packaging? Explore high-quality glass bottles at The Bottle Depot today!
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