Beauty skincare business - any tips for someone right at the beginning! :)

[newskincarebiz]

I have (I think) found a suitable manufacturer that will manufacture our products. It's essentially private labelling but you can tailor the product by adding a range of specific ingredients. They give all the EU certifications that we will need. I need to register as the UK responsible person.

I can then brand their products with my own packaging and labelling.

Their MOQ is 200 per item at this stage, which (to me) seems high. I've looked around and other than a handful of companies which either have unusually low MOQs or give very limited flexibility (or seem a bit budget in terms of their offering), a MOQ of 200 to 250 seems about right - please let me know if you disagree based on your experience.

Otherwise I'm just reaching out to see if anyone else has experience of doing this. Any helpful tips , things to look out for, suppliers or labelling/packaging companies you'd recommend. Did you launch with just one product or did you bite the bullet and launch a range. How did you find the process, profile raising etc (I am speaking to a PR company to assist with profile raising).

Any guidance gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[Mr D]

200 seems low. Have seen some beauty stuff where MOQ is 1000 and its not the highest.

As a private label you get the fun of marketing the product to people who have never heard of the brand. Marketing costs can be higher than your product cost.

Oh and don't forget your product liability insurance.

 

[newskincarebiz]

@Mr D - Thanks! I have product liability insurance coming out at £70 or so, which sounds about right? Very aware that the branding and marketing is often more important than what is in the bottle itself... pffft!

 

[japancool]

They give all the EU certifications that we will need.

But will they also give any UK certifications you require?

 

[Mr D]

@Mr D - Thanks! I have product liability insurance coming out at £70 or so, which sounds about right? Very aware that the branding and marketing is often more important than what is in the bottle itself... pffft!

Yes. Presentation can be worth a lot in its own right.
For example a great looking box, 50p cost to you - add £5 to the price.

I rather like aftershave (and have a big beard) - cheap and cheerful bottles, stuff we used to buy for a couple of quid. It sold. But isn't what I'd spend £30 on.
Now a decent looking bottle, scent probably slightly more expensive than the old cheap stuff, and a nice box.... for probably slightly more to produce than the cheap stuff.
Much bigger profit margins possible with the right presentation. For any item.

 

[Deleted member 335660]

I have (I think) found a suitable manufacturer that will manufacture our products. It's essentially private labelling but you can tailor the product by adding a range of specific ingredients. They give all the EU certifications that we will need. I need to register as the UK responsible person.

I can then brand their products with my own packaging and labelling.

Their MOQ is 200 per item at this stage, which (to me) seems high. I've looked around and other than a handful of companies which either have unusually low MOQs or give very limited flexibility (or seem a bit budget in terms of their offering), a MOQ of 200 to 250 seems about right - please let me know if you disagree based on your experience.

Otherwise I'm just reaching out to see if anyone else has experience of doing this. Any helpful tips , things to look out for, suppliers or labelling/packaging companies you'd recommend. Did you launch with just one product or did you bite the bullet and launch a range. How did you find the process, profile raising etc (I am speaking to a PR company to assist with profile raising).

Any guidance gratefully received.

Thanks

We have a gift shop in Spain and we have been looking at organic body care products. My wife found a wholesaler called Creoate and they seem to work on behalf of many small companies like the one you want to start. Some of these companies have just a few lines others have a whole range.

I should not worry about MOQ, get the right supplier, one you feel comfortable with.

Also, be sure you are clear in your mind who your customer is; and don’t say women or men.

We know our customers will not pay €100 for a face cream even though the brand is good. So we are looking more in the €30-50 range.

Hope this helps.