Today I had a question on the FB page asking me how to go about getting private label insurance for their line. I am not an expert nor do I pretend to be. However, I do work with someone that provides insurance to her members and other start up businesses. That I will share with you in a moment. First, I strongly recommend that you have a minimum $2 million policy to protect yourself, your customers and it's generally required to sell in retail spaces. Some distributors require $5 or $10 ... Read More
3 Elements of a Successful Skin Care Launch
Building a successful skin care line that will be here for a long time has several elements to them. The first is not the product. That's right, it's not the product. Yes, a high quality product is awesome and necessary but the first element of a successful skin care line as everything to do with the solution you offer to your customer. Element #1 - People buy because of need People buy lotion because they have dry skin. Gentle hair care shampoos because they just colored their ... Read More
Pricing Your Products: The Secret Formula Revealed
If you are contemplating a new line in ANY category - health & beauty, cosmetics, lotions, hair care this applies to you! Also, I want to address some mindset issues of "I can't charge that much". Yes, you can and I will show you how and why. As you price your products take three things into consideration: Secret #1 - What is the price of my competitors? Secret #2 - How can I offer value to my customers? Secret #3 - What do I need to earn on the product? Secret #1 - There is no ... Read More
Is Innovation Necessary in Skin Care, Make Up and Hair Care Brands?
Is innovation necessary in skin care, make up and hair care brands? The obvious answers is yes! Why is it obvious? Because if innovation and something "new" wasn't necessary than big brands such as L'Oreal, Revlon, and Clinique wouldn't consistently be bringing out new lines each season. They wouldn't spend the money on new packaging, new actives and new spokes people if consumer's didn't demand innovation. But this begs the question, do we demand innovation? Or do we just need something ... Read More
The Difference Between Contract Manufacturing and Private Label Skin Care
Lately, I have had lots of people asking me the difference between contract manufacturing and private label. So I thought I would write a quick post about the difference. If it's your intention to start your own skincare line then this is some crucial information to help you on your path: Private Label Explained: Private label is the process of taking a manufacturer's already tested formula's and adding your name and logo to it. Generally the manufacturer does not allow any ... Read More
Refining Your Brand: The Secrets To More Sales
How are sales going? Are they sluggish? Slow? Does one product seem to soar while the other lag behind? Have you ever stopped long enough to wonder why? I'll tell you why. Your brand's growth ALWAYS depends on a few things: 1. Clarity Close your eyes and imagine that this is the first time that you are seeing your brand. Whether it's a beautiful lotion, or skin care line or an amazing mineral make up line. Imagine that you are walking past the product and you are seeing it for the ... Read More
4 Surprising Things I Learned Pitching To a Big Time Buyer
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet with a buyer at QVC. I have been working with them for over 7 years and had a chance to meet with them to discuss a new project that I have been working on with a client for the past 6 months. This has been a collaboration between three parties and it required a tremendous amount of effort and negotiation. When all was said and done and the appointment secured we were thrilled. That’s the easy part. Lesson 1: Prepare for ALL things to go wrong, ... Read More
When It Comes To Cosmetic Packaging Keep It Simple
When it comes to cosmetic packaging for a skin care, body care, or lotion or cream the old saying, Keep It Simple Silly or K.I.S.S, rings true today more than ever. What most people don't know is that the way to differentiate a brand has as much to do with the packaging as it does with the design and the story of the brand and the marketing efforts of the brand. Packaging is an important part for sure. Packaging is often the deciding factor on why people buy a skin care line in the first ... Read More
5 Steps To an Awesome Private Label Skin Care Line
Putting together a private label skin care brand is a little bit more complicated than calling a cosmetic manufacturer and slapping a label on a product. Although many people will have you believe that it is an easy process. In theory it is, but that doesn't mean you will be successful. Harsh I know, but stay with me:) To create a successful private label skin care brand it must start with a vision or 'why', a promise, plan, action and execution. Step 1: Starting point - the vision or ... Read More
Things to Consider When Choosing Packaging For Your Skin Care Brand
When considering how to package your skin care products there are certain elements that must be considered when selecting packaging for cosmetics or skin care. 1. Over all look and feel of the brand. Does the packaging reflect the over all feel of the brand? Does a standard white bottle express luxury? If not, switch it up. Don't be too cheap in your container packaging. It's imperative to make sure the price point and the packaging match. 2. Decoration options. labels vs silkscreen, plus ... Read More