Are you in the process of looking for a cosmetic manufacturer? If you are, you already know how difficult it can be. We’re here to help you simplify it.
There are many questions to be asked and answered during this process. You want to make sure you check everything off your list before deciding which supplier is going to be a good fit for your cosmetics startup.
In this short guide, we go over seven necessary tips that will make it easy for you to narrow down your list of top contenders.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about choosing the best cosmetic manufacturer.
1. Domestic or Overseas?
One of the first things you’ll have to do when looking for a cosmetic manufacturer is to choose between a domestic or overseas company. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
If you choose a cosmetic manufacturing company in India or China, chances are your products will be cheaper both in terms of price and quality. Yet, producers in the U.S. or France are often more expensive and high quality.
Consider the perks of manufacturing domestically and overseas to determine the pool you’d prefer to look through.
2. Match Your Manufacturer to Your Portfolio
When you start your company of cosmetic creations, you’ll likely have a few products in your portfolio that are necessary for your brand. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure your manufacturer can supply them.
As a startup, you have to define yourself in the market. By matching your manufacturer to you, you can make sure that all the types of cosmetics you put out are exactly what you dreamed of.
3. Learn Their Experience
As you would when hiring anyone for a task, you’ll need to learn the experience of each cosmetic manufacturer. Just the number of years they’ve been in business will not suffice.
Find out about the businesses they’ve worked with, what types of products they’ve created, and how they have communicated in the past. Some suppliers already have this information available, such as on BPI’s website.
4. Prepare Yourself Before Making a Call
Before calling your potential manufacturers with specific questions, you should make some preparations. The best way to prepare is to ask yourself the following questions.
- How big is your budget
- How customized do you want your products to be
- What criteria must your manufacturer meet
Don’t make your first call without knowing exactly what you want from your supplier. While it may be difficult to find the perfect manufacturer, answering questions like these helps you to find the best one for you
5. Ask Great Questions
As you narrow down your search for a supplier, you can start reaching out to your prospective manufacturers in detail. Here are a few questions to get you started.
- What is their minimum order quantity (MOQ)
- What is their average turnaround time
- What are their payment terms
- What are their sustainability solutions
Likely, your manufacturer has the answers to these questions at the ready. Evaluate your needs and create more specific questions tailored to your concerns.
6. Request a Quote
Once your list of manufacturers has dwindled significantly, you should request a quote. You’ll want to know the prices for samples, production per unit, and more.
When you request a quote be sure to tell suppliers the products you need, how many, and your quality standards. Be patient waiting for a response.
7. Ask for Samples
After you’ve made your decision on a supplier, don’t make an order right away. Ask for samples first. Likely, they won’t be free. But, you’ll have peace of mind when those samples come back just as you wanted them.
Find a Cosmetic Manufacturer
Finding the best cosmetic manufacturer is not easy. You’ll need to take a lot of factors into consideration about their business and yours. Yet, by following these seven tips, you can make the task a little simpler.
If you found this article helpful, check out the rest of our page for more advice for your startup.
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