The cosmetic industry
The cosmetic industry encompasses everything related to beauty and the manufacturing and distribution of cosmetic products. These products include but are not limited to color cosmetics such as makeup, skincare products such as moisturizers and cleansers, fragrances and perfumes, personal care, haircare such as shampoos, conditioners, and oils, and toiletries, such as bath essentials or soap.
The cosmetic industry is one of the most powerful and essential industries on the planet, moving 534 billion dollars in 2022, with expected annual growth of 5.86%, being one of the fastest growing consumer markets, driven by the generational shift in the market and the appearance of social media and self-care culture.
The cosmetic industry is part of everyone’s lives, even if you don’t realize it. From our shampoos and conditioners to the soap we use to wash our hands to the makeup in our lives, all of these are the fruit of the cosmetic industry.
What are the manufacturing alternatives?
There is a range of production types you can choose from when starting your product line. Private labels, white labels, and contract manufacturing are common types of production that vary regarding customizations. The different productions have different allowances regarding the personalization process, customizable features, price negotiation, sample availability, etc.
It can be hard to choose the perfect one, and that’s why Wonnda is here to help! But first, let’s understand the difference between the different kinds of production.
Private label
A private label production corresponds to a manufacturer who creates customized products for third parties to sell under their brand. In other words, the manufacturer gives you the freedom to choose the formula, customization, or design of the product they manufacture for your brand. This personalized product will be sold exclusively by the retailer/re-seller who ordered the product. You get ease in production while being able to do small customizations in your packaging and formula.
White label
On the other hand, white label does not allow customizations and personalization in the process, meaning you can’t change the formula, size, packaging, or color of your product and will need to choose from the samples the manufacturer already has available. This kind of manufacturing is often cheaper and faster than private label and contract manufacturing, as the machinery is already set up in the factory, and the only decision to be made is the quantity that will be produced and when they will be delivered.
Even though the white label offers the least personalization of the three kinds of production (private label and contract manufacturing), it is still more personalized than other options, such as drop shipping. Here you can choose the manufacturer (or even better, let us match you to the perfect one), receive samples, and negotiate prices.
Contract manufacturing
Contract manufacturing has the highest cost of them all, as well as a longer production-phase time since all the production line is completely individualized for that one product. The production time depends on the kind of product and can take up to a year. This is the most expensive option, and most of the time, the product that you want to launch doesn’t need that much customization and can be made cheaper through another kind of production.
Contract manufacturers can be challenging to find and negotiate with, especially if the contract manufacturers come from another country that might not speak the same language as yours or have the same culture. On the other hand, if you are an experienced business person and are already used to the hassle of dealing with manufacturers, contract manufacturing might be the perfect option to start a personalized product line, as you can control and customize every aspect of the production to your liking.
Finding contract manufacturers for your cosmetic brand
1. Search for B2B directories on google
Google search is an amazing and endless tool that will give you all the information you need about manufacturers, whether they are private labels, white labels, or contract manufacturing. Websites like Europages will give you an endless list of manufacturers that can produce your product. The downside of this is that you need to do all the contact and negotiation yourself, which can be exhausting and time-consuming. You might face difficulties negotiating with multiple manufacturers until you find the perfect one.
2. European fairs
Private label fairs are an amazing chance to connect with other companies in your industry and expand your network. In them, manufacturers will present products to industry professionals from all the relevant sales channels, such as natural food specialist stores and also retailers such as specialized online stores, chemists, drugstores, and perfumeries.
To find the best manufacturer in these fairs and expos, you need to go to the location where they are happening and do extensive networking until you find the best option.
3. Use your contacts
Another way to find a manufacturer is by spreading the word that you’re looking to start a product line and that you’re looking for a contract manufacturer, and perhaps someone will be able to point you in the right direction and give you the contact of someone they have worked with.
4. Wonnda
By creating signing up with wonnda, you get to send us your product idea, and we will guide you in the right direction, making sure to match you with the perfect manufacturer and do all the hard work. Tell us more about your product idea, and let us find the best way to start your production.
Create your private label product line with Wonnda – the European platform for white label, private label, and contract manufacturing
Are you interested in producing your private label products in Europe but don’t know how to get your production up and running? Whether you’re an aspiring startup entrepreneur with an innovative product idea or an existing retailer looking to diversify your assortment with your products, launching your brand through a private label or contract manufacturing could be just the step you need to take your business to the next level.
Here at wonnda, we work with top European producers for private labeling and contract manufacturing. The first step in getting your product to market is probably the most crucial – finding the right production partner for your project. The great advantage of wonnda.com is that you can let us do the heavy lifting. Just tell us quickly about your project or product idea. We will then approach the most suitable producers for your project and connect you with them. Sounds interesting? Then fill out the form!
