Are you frustrated with Manufacturer’s not calling you back?

Have you noticed that it’s a little tough to get in touch with a manufacturer? Especially if you are a small business. It seems that they all only have time to for the bigger accounts?

Let me share with you 3 tips on how to get not only a call back but also service when working with your manufacturer.

Tip #1 Ask the right questions

Manufacturers are busy, especially your rep. They manage multiple accounts (100) not uncommon with multiple sku’s, retail requirements  Think of how long you have agonized over what to name the product, finding the perfect bottle and creating a label…now multiply that by 100 and you start to understand their lack of responsiveness.

So how do you handle their busyness and get their attention? Ask these questions:

1. What are your min orders- Ask minimum per sku for both private label ( stock products) and custom products.

2. Can you do x? Is X organic, is X working with raw goat milk? is x finding gold packaging? Ask and be specific and clear.

3. Ask their preferred method of communication.  Maybe it’s email, phone or text and there will be time for all three but ask the best way to get in touch with them and when to expect a call back.

The benefits of Private labeling a product

This one is super easy for me to write as I am obviously a big advocate for private label, remember private labeling fits across all industries- skin care, hair care, make up, and nail care.

Benefit number 1# The guess work is taking out of creating a formula.

And that’s a HUGE benefit. Creating a formula by scratch takes a tremendous amount of time and money.
There are stability issues, raw material suppliers to be found and negotiated with, packaging to be tested and so much more that goes into creating a formula.
Not to mention the regulations side of creating a formula. Depending on the category, you have to be sure that your formula complies with all FDA regulations, cosmetic, soaps, otc.

A private label formula has already gone through all of those detailed but necessary details.

To Patent or not to patent?

Not a week goes by that I don’t have to sign an NDA, and then hear these words: “Do you think I should patent my formula?” And my answer is…that depends.

Patents are an amazing option for people that have created something truly, truly unique. However, there really are not that many products in the health and beauty that are unique on market.

Maybe the packaging is unique, maybe the delivery method is unique but the nuts & bolts of the product(lotions, soaps, hair, cosmetics) generally are not that unique.

Let’s run down some scenarios:

Many of you just starting up are not only running your business but also working while also taking care of a family and have busy lives. I know it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Between work, your business and family, community obligations and taking time for yourself it feels like you are constantly running.

I wanted to share some very successful tip on how to go from frazzled to in control with time to spare!

1. Get clear on your top 3 priorities: 

Where will you sell your products?

Happy Monday! This weekend we had a lively conversation over a Facebook post:

My best advice: don’t create a product without creating a marketing and distribution plan first!!
What good is an awesome product without a way or plan to sell it?

And that post got so many people talking, I thought we better have a conversation about this.

See, I have worked with some absolutely amazing people. People who have put their blood sweat and tears
into developing a product.

Everyone from scientist to mom’s making something for their kids and I’ve learned over the years, the difference between an awesome product and a successful products is a marketing plan!

Who wants a bunch of product in their garage? or hawking stuff on ebay? So for today, get your pens out
and answer these questions ( BEFORE YOU produce the product) and if you have already made the product
then, look at your marketing strategy again

5 amazing tips on how to start your project out right (and beat your deadline)

Starting any new project can be a larger project that what we think once we get into the nuts and bolts of the project. For example, I started this website over 1 year ago with a hope of having all of the products launched and ready to go. It took a lot longer( to say the least) than expected. Here is a image of the fist rendition of the site.

And it’s the same with starting a new product line, give it a min of 3-6 months additional time than anticipated.