This weekend, I asked the FB community what they most needed help with and is what they responded: "How about succeeding on a 'shoestring budget'". And I thought, that was a great idea, let me answer that question. Let me list 5 crucial things you must do to succeed on a shoestring budget. They have absolutely nothing to do with product development by the way:) 1. Know your market - Get absolutely 100% crystal clear on who your ideal customer is. Talk to them daily on social media, ... Read More
Is Private Label Right For My Business? And Other Questions I Know You Want To Ask…
Many of you are looking at whether or not private labeling is the right way to either start or expand your existing business. So today, I wanted to answer some common questions that I get regarding private labeling. Questions #1: What the heck is private label? Private labeling a product means to take a manufacturer's product and adding your brand name and logo to the product. Question #2: Who is private label for? 1. Business owner - existing lines or new business 2. Esthetician 2. ... Read More
Are You Frustrated with Manufacturers Not Calling You Back?
Have you noticed that it’s a little tough to get in touch with a manufacturer? Especially, if you are a small business does it seems that they all only have time to for the bigger accounts? Let me share with you 3 tips on how to get not only a call back but also service when working with your manufacturer. Tip #1: Ask the right questions. Manufacturers are busy, especially your rep. They manage multiple accounts (100) not uncommon with multiple sku’s, retail requirements Think of how long ... Read More
The Benefits of Private Labeling a Product
This one is super easy for me to write as I am obviously a big advocate for private label, remember private labeling fits across all industries - skin care, hair care, make up, and nail care. Benefit #1: The guess work is taking out of creating a formula And that's a HUGE benefit. Creating a formula by scratch takes a tremendous amount of time and money. There are stability issues, raw material suppliers to be found and negotiated with, packaging to be tested and so much more that goes into ... Read More
Super Easy Formula For Writing Your Brand’s Identity
Stuck? Not sure what to call your brand line? Or how to choose a logo that expresses what your product is and why should people should buy it? Lots of new business owners spend wasted time agonizing over their branding. Many times spending weeks and days working out names and logos of their brands. The reality is that it doesn't have to be that difficult. Distilling the foundation of your brand is a relatively simple process when you spend the time with the next 6 questions. Grab your ... Read More
5 Crucial Lessons on How to Make a Private Label Product Your Own
Many people have the dreams and desires of starting their own line of products, either skin care, cosmetics, hair care, soaps you name it they can't wait to create it. And then reality sets in, creating your "own" line is expensive. The cost of the chemist, the minimums required by the manufacturers, the packaging minimums and artwork cost can all add up and make the dream of starting your "own" formula just that...a dream. So what's the next option? Private label. And private label is ... Read More
3 Simple Ways to Create a Product
There are 3 ways to create a product: 1. Custom or from scratch or taking a handmade product to a manufacturer 2. Re-engineering and improving on a current product on the market 3. Private label - taking a manufacturer's stock product and putting your label on it. In theory, all three of them are simple. Many times, people are wondering if creating their own custom formulations may be out of reach (often times it's not). Or taking their handmade product to a manufacturer ... Read More
Life is Too Short Not to Follow Your Dreams
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with life threatening allergies to dairy. It was a devastating diagnosis. You would not believe how many items contain dairy, that's all milk, cheeses, ice cream, wines (casein), most restaurants, but the biggest loss was chocolate. The idea of never being able to eat a chocolate bar again was a horrible feeling. After about 6 months of whining (and still occasionally when I see cheese pizza), I decided to take action. First, I googled all the dairy free ... Read More
How to Protect Yourself When You Private Label
A reader asked me this question so I thought I'd answer it for everyone. He said, "I'm wanting to start a private label project but not sure how to protect myself. Will the manufacturer steal my ideas?" That's a common concern. Many business people in the game are worried that if they share their ideas with anyone else that person will steal and they will be left with nothing. Here are 3 solid tips on how to protect yourself when starting a private label program. Tip #1: Sign an ... Read More
Private Label Responsibilites
Today I had a question on the FB page asking me how to go about getting private label insurance for their line. I am not an expert nor do I pretend to be. However, I do work with someone that provides insurance to her members and other start up businesses. That I will share with you in a moment. First, I strongly recommend that you have a minimum $2 million policy to protect yourself, your customers and it's generally required to sell in retail spaces. Some distributors require $5 or $10 ... Read More