As the private label industry enjoys its renaissance, many are contemplating on partnering with a private label (PL) company or an OEM manufacturer. Truth be told, it’s not easy looking for a business partner, much less for a private label company whom you can truly rely on. Below are some tips on how to look for the ideal private label partner for your consideration.
1. Order quantities
Does the private label partner offer various order quantities? The ideal number for negotiation is usually between 500 to 1,000 units. Some though may offer 100 or 300. It all depends on your needs.
2. Price
PL companies abroad usually quote prices on FOB term. “Free On Board” means they will shoulder all costs and risks until the goods are loaded on board the vessel. Export clearance should have been taken care of by them also. But, you will be paying for the cost of freight/shipping, cost of bill of lading charges, insurance, unloading, transportation cost from the arrival port to your chosen destination.
3. Product spec list
Provide the PL companies a general spec list of what you want as the final product. Doesn’t have to be detailed. Just your preferred design or features, materials you want to make your product from (in this case, ingredients for your pet food), and your desired product weight (kg) and size (cm). You can also ask the PL company about the weight and size if they indeed manufacture your intended private label product.
4. Intellectual property
Do your due diligence before coming up with your own private label product and before engaging a PL company to manufacture it. Many PL companies are only responsible for the production and not the intellectual property rights that may come with the ingredients and formula you want for your private label product. Remember, you will be the one responsible if there will be complaints about the product because it is under your private label, not the PL company.
5. Label and packaging requirements
Ask the PL company if they do customized labeling and packaging. If they do, prepare the necessary specs and digital file needed so you can turn these to the PL company. If they don’t, you can ask them if they have options for your label and packaging requirements.
6. Product compliance
Since you will be coming up with your own private label pet food, your product needs to be certified by the FDA if they indeed conform to the regulatory standards. Ask the PL companies you have shortlisted if they have product testing reports for your perusal. It would definitely a plus if these PL companies export their own products to the country where you intend to sell them. Do your due diligence to see if your private label product is compliant.
7. Product sample
Always have 2 to 3 product samples before deciding on which PL companies you will settle for as your partner. Ask how much it would cost to have three samples shipped to you. You’d be surprised that some PL companies will gladly send the samples for free, but not the delivery fee. Also, ask them how long will it take them to send the samples to you.
Other important questions
Ask the PL companies you have shortlisted about the lead time they will need for your private label mass production. Ask them if their facilities are certified by the proper governing bodies. Find out if their products are of quality. Again, due diligence is needed from you if you are to make a decision on which PL company you will settle for.
Painstaking but essential
Finding the right private label manufacturer is really demanding. But Addiction Foods is here to help. We may just prove to be the right partner for your private label
These are just guideposts for your consideration when embarking on sourcing for your own private label products. We encourage you to start your journey with Addiction Foods and see for yourself what we can do for you.
