Top 9 Questions to Ask Private Label Hair Care Product Manufacturers

Ready to private label your hair care line? Choosing to partner with a private label manufacturer is the perfect solution to managing the responsibility overload of launching your own brand.

Private label manufacturing companies handle the production aspects of your business so that you can focus on other areas of interest like marketing, content creation and customer satisfaction. With formulation, manufacturing and packaging under control, you can concentrate on growing your reputation in the self-care market. 

You might be aware of the series of advantages of outsourcing manufacturing. However, deciding which private label firm to partner with is another job. With so many companies offering different services, how do you choose?

It’s important to recognise that what works for one business might not work for you. The right private label company is the one that suits your business model and passion for hair care products down to the ground.

We’ve got you covered as we identify the top 9 questions to ask private label manufacturers before making any commitment. 

1.  What is the method of working together?

Starting a private line is a big commitment. If you’re going to join forces with another company, you’re passing over a lot of responsibility. To make sure the company is right for your brand, have a conversation about the process of working together. 

There are many private label companies on the market, and they don’t all operate in the same way. Different firms cater to the needs of different brands. It’s essential to reach an agreement that works on both sides.

You might want to ask questions regarding your input and control over certain aspects. Establishing what the manufacturer expects from you is another way to determine your compatibility. After all, you’re going to be a team. And that’s regardless of how much industry knowledge you have or success in the field.

2.  What are your formulation options?

Always check the formulation options if crafting a bespoke hair care range is a prime factor in your plan.

As a cosmetic brand or hair salon, you want to ensure your hair care products are created with practical and innovative formulations that meet your client’s expectations. 

Some manufacturing services offer different formulation and development options. For instance, you can purchase a generic product with limited or no alterations available with a white label company. In contrast, a private label manufacturer usually allows you to input the formulation, crafting a custom product for you to test and approve.

3.  What ingredients do you use?

You must test a cosmetic solution to be used by customers to meet industry standards. The ingredients must be safe for people to use on their hair regularly. It’s a good idea to research the ingredients used to create the private label beauty products and ask the origin of the ingredients used.

If you want to build a reputation focusing on ethical values such as cruelty-free hair care products, knowing what’s going into your formulas is vital. You can meet the expectations of your target clients by being open and honest about the ingredients you use.  

4.  Do you share the same values?

As mentioned above, values are paramount for a business. You can assess whether a private label manufacturer shares the same values as you by discussing the topic. 

Ask about sustainability, what solutions they offer, their packaging options, and the production methods used to develop the products. From there, you will have a clear picture of their position in the industry.

If sustainability is an essential factor for you, you don’t want to join a private label company with a big carbon footprint. It can be damaging to your business as you may lose your target customers. Look for eco-friendly manufacturing where possible. 

5.  Do you specialise in hair care?

Hair care products manufactured by a company focused solely on skin care may not be the best choice for your brand. 

Finding a private label that specialises in your niche can offer you a greater chance of success. With a background in hair care and industry knowledge that can apply directly to your range, you can rest assured that your product development is in good hands.

It’s also helpful to have support and guidance from a manufacturing company with expertise. They can assist you in creating custom formulas and offer advice if you’re new to the industry. 

6.  What are your minimum orders?

Minimum order quantity is the lowest stock level a company is willing to sell to you. Low minimum order quantities are highly advantageous, especially if you’re a start-up and can’t afford to buy in bulk. As an established brand, it’s beneficial to order smaller quantities to adapt to different seasonal demands. You may also want to adjust your order size at times.

Knowing this information before making any commitment will avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.  

7.  What are your pricing options?

Clarifying the cost of private label hair care products early on is critical. You want to find a manufacturing business that will create the product line you want at a low cost to match your budget. 

Don’t be shy to negotiate a contract that works best for you. Ask about any hidden or additional costs involved in the production process. For instance, samples and testing of a custom recipe may incur extra fees. It’s best to straighten out any pricing doubts before your product goes to market. 

8.  Do you offer labelling services?

Building a brand from scratch requires more than mastering the manufacturing process. Ask your potential manufacturing company if they offer graphics services. The label on the hair care products is what will promote your brand and set it apart from others. You need to have some knowledge of graphics to design a logo and labels yourself.

A manufacturing company that fulfils orders and orchestrates custom design services will save you a lot of time and hassle. Many companies offer a range of creative and packaging services to complete the entire manufacturing process for you. It saves having to outsource other brands to finalise your product.

9.  What other services do you offer?

Although manufacturing is the primary procedure you’re looking for, several other services will make the entire manufacturing process more straightforward. Consider things like: when the beauty products are ready, how will they be stored? 

Arranging storage facilities costs money and time. If your chosen manufacturing company can hold onto products for you before shipping, it’s the perfect answer to storage concerns.

You should also discuss shipping arrangements to ensure suitability for your company.  

Conclusion 

Outsourcing the manufacturing of your hair care line gives you the freedom to master other areas of business that require your attention. But finding the right fit for your brand is critical to succeeding in the competitive cosmetics market.

There are many conversations to be had with private label hair care businesses to understand their operations and what they can offer you fully. Knowledge is key, so don’t be afraid to do your research and fire questions at potential partners before signing a contract. 

Once you gather all the details, you can make an informed decision as to who you share your brand with. Remember, you’re trusting a company to manufacture the actual products you will be selling to clients. Make sure you can count on them to deliver.