Beauty brands have exploded in popularity in recent years. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the rise of social media, which has allowed consumers to share their beauty tips and tricks. However, manufacturing is one of the most important aspects of the beauty industry.
For a brand to be successful, it must partner with a manufacturer who understands its products and can help them create high-quality items that meet all safety standards. Beauty brand coach, CEO and Founder of Beauty Kitchen and Marianna Naturals, Heather Marianna has extensive experience in developing beauty brands and products and shares five things every beauty brand should know about manufacturing:
Product Certification
Before you partner with a manufacturer, it is important to ensure they can provide the necessary product certifications. This is especially true of beauty products, as many countries have strict regulations regarding the ingredients used and how they are produced.
“After working with private label manufacturers, many of my clients have had people testing their product experience allergic reactions. Not only that, but without the proper certification, you cannot stock your beauty products in retail stores,” warns Marianna.
A Certificate of Authenticity confirms all the ingredients included in the product, where they came from, and so on. Finally, a Certificate of Manufacturing confirms that your product has been manufactured to a high standard in accordance with relevant laws.
Ensure your manufacturer has the appropriate certifications and can provide you with copies to ensure that your products meet all safety standards.
Price Breaks and Lead Times
It is important to ask your manufacturer about their pricing and lead times for the production of your products. Many manufacturers offer price breaks for larger orders, which can help you save money in the long run. Additionally, it is important to know how long it will take from when you place an order until you receive the finished product.
“You need to be able to deliver or risk losing the client. It is important to discuss price breaks and lead times with your manufacturer, so you never find yourself in a position where you have too much or too little of a product, thereby slowing down delivery to your clients,” says Marianna.
Ingredient Inflation
Ingredient inflation is an important factor in manufacturing beauty products, as some ingredients may increase or decrease in price over time. Ensure your manufacturer is aware of any potential ingredient inflation and communicates them with you so that they can adjust their prices accordingly, and you can place bulk orders before any price increases. This will help ensure that your products remain affordable and profitable.
“For example, aloe vera may be set to increase by 40%. Suppose your manufacturer is aware of this and knows that your products contain a lot of aloe vera. In that case, they can let you know so you can buy in bulk, store it in a warehouse and avoid passing the considerable price inflation on to your clients or absorbing it, thereby decreasing your profit margins,” shares Marianna.
Packaging Lead Times, Pricing, and Sourcing
Packaging is an essential part of creating a successful beauty brand. It can help differentiate your products from competitors and attract customers to your line. Ensure you understand the packaging pricing, sourcing, and lead times before partnering with a manufacturer. You don’t want to be stuck storing packaging or being unable to sell products due to packaging delays.
How Invested are the Manufacturers in Brand Creation
It is essential to have a manufacturer that takes your brand seriously and invests in supporting you to create it. Ask potential manufacturers about their involvement in branding and how they can help you build a successful business. In addition, you want a manufacturer willing to enter into a long-term relationship with you and will take the time to provide samples to ensure that you get the exact look and feel of the brand you are looking for before delivering the entire order.
By considering these five factors, beauty brands can ensure that they are partnering with a reliable, experienced manufacturer. This will help them create high-quality products that meet safety standards and remain profitable in the long run. With the right partner, beauty brands can be successful and significantly impact their customers.
