Sometimes we get so enamored with our new projects that we start calling manufacturers, sampling products and pushing to get the product to market that we realize AFTER the fact that we missed some super critical steps. Yikes! We discover that our products just don’t do as well in the marketplace as we had visioned. Or maybe our cost per unit almost makes it prohibitive to make a decent market profit in the marketplace so, we start giving our inventory to friends and family and close up our ... Read More
Ask Melody: How Do I Outsource My Own Formula To A Manufacturer?
Q. I make my own formula at home but my sales are growing too fast for me to keep up with demand. How do I outsource it to a manufacturer? And who owns the formula? A few manufactures told me that they own my formula and that's not right. - Deanna That’s such a great question and one that I get regularly. See my answer below: A. As a hand maker or indie maker there comes a point where you have to move your manufacturing to a contract manufacturer and it can be scary and exciting all at ... Read More
Ready To Make a Move?
Recently a client reached out to tell me great news. Her business is growing and she can no longer keep up with the demand of making products at home! I am so proud of her! She took her passion and a formula that she made at home and went from zero sales to a massive growing business in less than one year! But here is the dilemma - she is ready to make the move from making products at home to using a manufacturer. But outsourcing to a manufacturer requires higher minimums than she is use ... Read More
Ask Melody: Finding The Best Manufacturer To Work With
In today's post, I am answering a question on how to find a manufacturer to work with and why there isn't just a one stop shop. If you are in the beginning phases of launching, almost done or looking to do a line extension pay attention to today's answer because it will help you make a smart decision in deciding which lab to work with. Q. Audrey asked "Is it common to have several manufacturers for your brand? Is it possible to have just one for all products?" A. Yes, it's very common ... Read More
Ask Melody: Do Private Labeling or Manufacturing Companies Go Out of Business?
Ask Melody: Have you ever come across any private labeling or manufacturing companies going out of business on their clients? This is my biggest fear. Say I was doing private labeling with a company for over 5 years and now they are going out of business, now I can't fill my orders? - Lavon Answer: Dear Lavon, Thank you for the question. I do occasionally see situations where either a manufacturer has gone out of business, changed ownership or discontinued the product that you are ... Read More
Small Indie Manufacturers To Work With To Grow Your Business
I am super excited to share this list of small indie manufacturers with you today. If you are looking for a company that offers small volumes and unique products, these companies can help! Company #1 Name: My Heavenly Creations / Shalene Mclaughlin Website: MyHeavenlyCreations.net Specialty: Our specialty is handcrafted soaps, soy candles, pillar candles, creams, salts and scrub Private Label Available? Yes, we offer private label. Minimum? We can do a minimum of 25 if it's the ... 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
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
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
Avoiding The Two Major Pitfalls When Working With a Contract Manufacturer
Daily, I talk to people who have called multiple contract manufacturers, get months down the road, come to the end, wait for pricing and then never hear from a manufacturer again. Sound familiar? Maybe you have called contract manufacturers, signed NDA's than wham! An obstacle. Maybe the pricing was too high, perhaps the minimum batches sizes were too big, or maybe they couldn't fill your order because of equipment limitations. In today's post I am going to show you how to avoid the two ... Read More