Are you interested in creating your own supplement business? Then it’s crucial that you understand how supplement manufacturers work.
Can I Make and Sell My Own Supplements?
Absolutely! Though you must keep to FDA guidelines as you create and sell your supplement products and ensure they don’t cross into pharmaceutical territory.
When creating a supplement, you must consider many factors to keep the product safe for consumers and satisfy the FDA. If you would rather skip that work and focus on selling and marketing, you can find an FDA-compliant supplement manufacturer.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Supplement Brand?
No definitive amount of money is needed to start a supplement brand, but your most significant variable will be the manufacturer you choose to work with. You’ll also have to consider how many professionals you’ll need to pay, such as a graphic designer, website builder, etc.
To start a supplement business, you’ll probably need a budget of $5,000 to $10,000 initially.
What Is a Private Label Supplement Manufacturer?
A private label supplement manufacturer will manufacture supplements for your label, according to your specifications.
Supplement creation and sales incorporate many elements, including product research and development, confirming regulations are followed and met, marketing, and specific equipment to manufacture the product. Only some people who sell supplements have the resources or expertise to support the development and manufacturing parts of the process.
What Is the Difference Between OEM and Private Label?
The two are very similar. OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer, which refers to when a manufacturer makes another company’s product based on the company’s design. So for supplements, it means a manufacturer makes supplements based on your specific formula.
An OEM manufacturer will make your product for you, but you’ve researched and created the supplement formula. A private label supplement manufacturer will also make your product for you, but may be more involved in helping you develop your products, organize packaging,
market more effectively, and gather unusual ingredients.
Though with both types of manufacturers, you will still be responsible for the sales and marketing of the product.
Choosing a Private Label Supplement Manufacturer
Because a supplement manufacturer is crucial to your business, you’re probably wondering how to find a private label manufacturer. After all, you’ll be counting on them to deliver products that meet your standards and specifications, and you don’t want to worry about whether they’ll get the job done.
Use the criteria below to help you find the best private label manufacturer for your supplements.
FDA Compliant
Any supplement manufacturer you work with has to be compliant and registered with the FDA. They also need a CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) certification. This will assure you and your customers that the product comes from a reputable source.
If you want to find a private manufacturer registered with the FDA, you can make an account on the agency’s registration of food facilities and use its search function.
Quality Assurance
To comply with the FDA, it’s always good to ensure that the manufacturer does quality checks and tests the products for safety before being sent to consumers. You can ask if you’ll be able to get a certificate of analysis before they send the products.
Niche Certifications
You should look for additional certifications to raise your product’s value to your audience. This can include:
- Organic
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
Product Options
Does the manufacturer you want to work with offer multiple products? Choosing a manufacturer that has a catalog of products is an easy way to grow your business once you establish a customer base. This way, you don’t have to search for another manufacturer.
Minimum Order Requirements
When you’re starting, you don’t want to spend any more money than you need, so having a manufacturer that can sell you the right products to fit your budget can make or break your business.
Customizations
As you look to choose the best supplement manufacturer for your business needs, make sure to ask if they provide private label and white label supplements. This way, you can offer your customers many popular stock items and a few custom brand formulas.
Quality Ingredients
Ask them what ingredient options they offer, where they source them, and whether they’ve been tested for safety and potency.
Confidentiality
When you work with a private label manufacturer, knowing their policy for working with new products is essential. As you consider which manufacturing companies, it is important to ensure they offer turnkey manufacturing which is more cost effective, high quality, and scalable.
The Timeframe from Production to Distribution
No one likes to wait too long for their package to arrive, so you must consider how long your customer base is willing to wait for their supplements. Once you have a timeframe in mind, you have to ask any potential manufacturer what timeframe to expect for turnaround time and whether they handle delivery (some don’t).
Products Stocked In House
Sometimes, manufacturers pre-make products and store them until they’re ready to be sent out. If your manufacturer utilizes this practice, you won’t have to pay extra to have a fresh batch made every time you order, and it’s less likely you’ll run out of products to fill orders and ship to your customers.
If you want to create your own supplement business, you must have a trustworthy manufacturing partner.