Thinking about launching your own private label brand? While you’re likely familiar with the many advantages that come from doing so, the actual process involved may not be quite as clear. While private labeling provides a simple and streamlined way to manufacture products and get them to market, there are still a number of steps involved that you need to be aware of.
So, before you set off on the path of private label success, keep reading as FLPL talks through what you need to know before getting started.
You’ll Need a Solid Concept
Every successful business, whether private label manufacturing is utilized or not, begins with a good idea. Ideally, before you even begin to look for a private label manufacturer, you should have a fleshed-out concept in place. This means doing all of the necessary market research to pinpoint an underserved niche that you can then cater to.
By the time you’re ready to approach private label manufacturers, you should have a good idea as to who your target audience is and what they’re seeking. Your concept should hopefully solve a problem that they’re currently dealing with in a way that other businesses haven’t yet managed to do.
Once you have your initial concept in place, a good private label manufacturer will help you to build on this. Sure, it’s important to make a start on the market research yourself. However, the knowledge and expertise that a credible private label manufacturer will have should be used to your advantage too. They’ll help you to shape your ideas in a way that will ensure success.
Private Label Manufacturers Specialize in Different Niches/Products
Before you start searching for a private label manufacturer to work with, it’s important to understand that each one will have its own specialty. Some focus on food items, others on clothing, and some, like FLPL, are all about the beauty and wellness industries.
It goes without saying that the private label manufacturer you end up working with should specialize in your chosen niche. After all, the niche that they’re in will determine the types of products that they’re able to create. Say, for example, you’re hoping to launch a line of beauty accessories. A private label manufacturer that doesn’t specialize in this area may only be able to create a couple of generic products for you. On the other hand, team up with a company like FLPL and you’ll be able to choose from a full range of product types. This makes it much easier to create winning products as you’ll be able to really tailor your product line to the needs of your target audience.
Manufacturing Locations Can Vary
Where your products are manufactured can be very influential. Many make the mistake of assuming that just because a private label manufacturer is located in a certain place, this means that their products will be manufactured in that location too. However, this isn’t usually the case. Instead, the factories that are used by private label manufacturers could be located anywhere in the world. This is a question that you’ll need to ask at the start.
Why does it matter so much? Because many consumers place more value on products that have been manufactured locally rather than overseas. Yes, USA manufacturing options tend to cost a little more, but it’s also worth keeping in mind that some consumers would be happy to pay that extra cost in order to support American manufacturers. This is where it becomes important to really know your target audience. If price is their priority, then you’ll need to go with the cheapest option.
At FLPL, our clients have the option of choosing between factories in the USA or Asia. There are pros and cons to each option, which we will discuss with you to ensure that you make the very best decision for your business.
There Will Always Be a Minimum Order Quantity
One area where many new businesses stumble is when it comes to minimum order quantities. This is often one of the big reasons why small brands take the private labeling route. Work directly with a factory on your ideas and you’ll likely find that you’ll need to place an order in the tens of thousands before that factory will work with you.
With private labeling, on the other hand, minimum order quantities tend to be significantly lower. At FLPL, we ask for a minimum order of 5000 pieces. This is notably lower than the requirements that other private label manufacturers have, yet is high enough for us to offer competitive prices on the products that you choose to create.
Good Branding is Crucial
While private labeling takes care of the manufacturing aspect of your business, there is still plenty else that you’ll need to consider, like branding. It’s extremely important that you get this right since your branding will allow you to establish a solid identity for your business while boosting the value of the products you plan on selling.
Ideally, you should have some idea of what you want your branding to look like right from the start when you initially choose a niche. You can then build on this as you make your way through the private label process. Everything, from the types of products that you create to your pricing, should be cohesive with your branding.
For many small businesses, branding can be daunting. You’ll be competing against established companies that have big branding teams behind them, while also trying to manage every other area of your business! If you’re concerned, find yourself a private label manufacturer that can help you with this side of your business. At FLPL, our branding experts can work alongside you in everything from creating your brand image to logo design, taking a whole lot of stress off your back.
Packaging Isn’t Always Customized
It goes without saying that you’ll want your product packaging to properly reflect your branding while also being fully functional. While many private label manufacturers will work with you on packaging, it’s worth knowing that this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, private label manufacturers will try to cut corners by offering generic, sub-standard packaging. Sure, they may splash your logo across the front but that’s about it. It definitely won’t scream quality and is unlikely to entice consumers to choose your goods over the competition.
Team up with FLPL and you won’t need to worry about this. We offer a range of packaging options for our clients to choose from. Whether you want to go low-key and sustainable with card and bamboo or you’d prefer a sleek, high-end vibe with glass and acrylic, we’ll create the perfect packaging for your product. It will be fully customized to your needs and you won’t need to worry about shoddy quality!
Legalities Matter
You’re probably already aware of how important it is to veer on the right side of the law in business. Every industry will have a number of rules and regulations that need to be followed. Make a mistake, even a small one, and the results could be catastrophic…not to mention expensive!
The good news is that going down the private label manufacturing route doesn’t bring up any additional legalities. Instead, a good private label manufacturer will help to guide you through this twisted path to make sure that your products are fully compliant in every way.
With that said, this is where experience comes in. Make sure that the private label manufacturer you’re working with has plenty of experience producing products in your niche. This way, you’ll be able to rely on their knowledge when it comes to legalities, without having to worry about damaging repercussions.
Logistics Can Be Complicated
With so much to think about when it comes to the private label process, logistics can sometimes be put on the back burner. However, when the time comes for your products to be shipped out, scrambling to find somewhere for them to go at the last minute can be both stressful and costly.
Usually, once your products have been manufactured, your private label manufacturer will liaise with the factory to arrange shipping. However, you’ll need to provide a shipping location at that time.
At FLPL, we try to make things a little easier. If you have somewhere for your products to go, we’ll arrange for them to be shipped to that location. If you don’t, we’ll have them sent to our Los Angeles warehouse. We’ll then store them there until you’re ready for them, making life much more convenient!
Better yet, if your products have been manufactured in our Asian factories, we’ll take care of importing fees too. You won’t need to worry about any extra costs mounting up and crippling your new business.
Marketing Assistance May Be Available
Marketing is something else that you’ll need to spend a lot of time thinking about. Again, like branding, it’s not directly related to the private label manufacturing process. However, if this is an area where you would benefit from some extra assistance, some private label manufacturers will be able to help.
At FLPL, we have a dedicated marketing team that works with our clients on their marketing efforts. We can create a show-stopping marketing strategy for you before putting those ideas into action. We’ll even help you to set up your social media platforms and website. Need help running those once your business has taken off? Again, FLPL offers this service too. We provide the full package so that you can really bolster your business with our expertise.
Private Label Manufacturing With FLPL
Although there’s a lot to know before you get started with the private label process, a good private label manufacturer will take you through each step with guidance. Pick one like FLPL, where you’ll have help with other aspects of your business too, and launching a new brand suddenly becomes so much easier.
