Ecommerce skincare business

[Phoenix487]

Hello,

I'm new. I want to start up an ecommerce business. I have some experience in ecommerce so I am familiar with most things relating to this business model and managing it, but i don't have much knowledge of setting one up. I am looking to start up a skincare business. I am aware that items of skincare/cosmetics have strict regulations in regards to labelling, testing etc, but what I am struggling to find information on is about licenses. Are these needed if I am not manufacturing my own products? I will am planning on using UK drop shipping suppliers alongside importing wholesale items from abroad.

Anyone with any advice or insight in this type of business would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WebshopMechanic]

Hi @Phoenix487

Firstly, big congrats on taking the jump into ecommerce!

I've worked with quite a few brands and they have actually gone through the process of creating their own products and getting them accredited by the relevant EU governing bodies.

But, as far as I am aware, you do not need any licenses to become a retailer of existing products. The licenses and accreditations are related to the products themselves, not the reseller.

Of course, if you were to practice the application then you may well need to be qualified in some way.

Hope that helps.

Matt

 

[Phoenix487]

Hi @WebshopMechanic

Thanks for the feedback. That's good to know, it maybe something I look into further down the line but at the moment I would prefer not to complicate matters more than trying to set an ecommerce business up. I have never been self employed before so trying to do all the research rather than just diving in. Have helped others with ecommerce businesses though so have some understanding but its mainly with the daily tasks and management.

'The licenses and accreditations are related to the products themselves, not the reseller.' Do you know if this relates to testing as well. For example if i am drop shipping from UK suppliers would i still need to have tests done on them or should the supplier be able to provide this with documentation (obviously at a cost).

Are there any good websites other than this one you would advise me looking at? The labelling side of things is confusing me a little bit as some of the items I wish to sell are from outside of the UK so want a clear indication of what's involved in this respect.

I've been trying to research for the past few weeks and finding it a bit of a minefield.

 

[Mr D]

The dropshipper - and indeed supplier when buying in bulk - will be able to provide documentation regarding testing they have done.
You'll need insurance.

The labelling should already be on there if sold to you to sell in this market. Obviously needs to be in English if sold in UK....

 

[WebshopMechanic]

If you are drop-shipping from UK suppliers then they should provide paperwork and accreditations to prove that their products have been tested and have approval to be sold. It's probably worth having a chat with a lawyer about it to be sure but I do not think you need to go that far.

If you are shipping items from outside of the UK into the UK then you would need to ensure the products have met the appropriate standards. This could be the tricky areas.

In terms of the rules and regulations, there are a few articles here that may help:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-safety-advice-for-businesses

https://www.sgs.co.uk/en-gb/consumer-goods-retail/cosmetics-personal-care-and-
household/cosmetics-and-personal-care/regulations/eu-cosmetics-regulation

https://theredtree.co.uk/articles/6-key-regulatory-rules-for-entry-into-the-cosmetics-market/

https://www.reagent.co.uk/regulations-in-the-uk-cosmetics-industry/

https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/product-safety/cosmetic-products

https://sellercentral.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/external/LPU6ELQ52D5DP3J



Matt

 

[lesliedocherty]

Out of all our caegories online, skincare is one we really struggle with, we find it hard to get it generating any business and our offline to online split is 95/5 where most other categories are at worst 50/50.
There are plenty of standalone sites so there must be enough business to do it.

 

[WebshopMechanic]

The key to becoming successful with any ecommerce business is to create a destination where people can be educated and entertained. If you are 'just a shop' then you are a one-trick pony and price will always be the deciding factor.

Add value to the people who visit your site and make it an experience so they will want to come back. This makes the selling actually becomes a little bit easier (not easy).

Cosmetics is actually one of the industries where there is a ton of content that can be created for your audience.

Finally, you need to focus on a specific audience. Just focusing on women will be an uphill struggle. Your best bet would be to focus on people with specific skin types or a type of cosmetic. This will make it easier to gain traction.

Sorry, I digressed a little from the original question.

Matt