5 Tips to Choose the Right Supplement Contract Manufacturer
Launching a line of dietary supplements is a complex task. Finding the right supplement contract manufacturer can mean the difference between success and failure.
Finding a supplement manufacturing company that provides all the necessary services in one place. This can save you time and money. Look for a manufacturer that can provide design, labeling, and bottling.
Experience
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Selecting the right contract manufacturer can be one of the most important decisions a supplement brand will make. Your dietary supplement contract manufacturer will shape your product, experiences, and understanding of the industry – for better or worse.
In addition to assisting with formulating products (bringing your formula to the table or designing new ones), a reputable CM will provide raw material research and procurement, stability testing, and other vital services for the industry. They will also understand the importance of meeting deadlines and communicating any delays with you.
A good supplement contract manufacturer will offer warehousing and inventory management services and be familiar with Fulfillment by Amazon packaging rules and requirements. They should also be able to handle custom labeling.
Flexibility
A quality contract manufacturer is like a trusted partner that you work closely with throughout the supplement manufacturing process. They can help you with everything from developing your formula (and bringing an existing one to life) to sourcing innovative raw materials, packaging and labeling, and much more.
You also need a company that has flexible lead times so that you can get your product into the market as quickly as possible. However, it would help if you were wary of manufacturers that promise extremely short lead times, as this may indicate that they need to be cutting corners to meet these deadlines.
You should also check if they can create various supplements (e.g., tablets, soft gels, powders). This flexibility can be vital to your business’s success.
Certifications
While this may seem like a basic question, it is important to ask your potential supplement contract manufacturer. Ask how the company ensures its products meet the highest quality and safety standards. They should be able to answer your questions about their manufacturing, lab testing, quality control, and compliance certifications.
Also, ask about their ability to add flavor and color to your products. Using the right colors and flavors can help create a unified brand image and increase product adoption rates. They should also be able to assist with the marketing and distributing of your supplements. They can advise you on how to sell your products best and make them available to consumers nationwide. A knowledgeable partner in these areas can be a huge asset to any brand.
Expertise
You have a solid plan for how your supplement brand will grow in the coming months and years, so make sure your contract manufacturer can scale up production with you. You also want to be sure that your CM can provide you with the necessary advice for formulation (bringing a formula to market is a must) and can offer advice regarding new ingredients and industry trends.
In addition, a good contract manufacturer can offer you a selection of packaging options, including bottle sizes, shapes, and stick packs. This will ensure that you can easily expand your product line if your product performs well. You’ll also want to ask your CM about their lead times and focus on transparency and communication.
Customer Service
The right custom contract manufacturer will offer more than just the production of your supplements. They should be able to provide you with additional services such as marketing advice, dietary supplement labeling, and formulation guidance.
It’s a good idea to ask about the manufacturer’s production lead time. A supplement company with low lead times can keep your inventory fresh and limit the stress of managing expiration dates.
You should also find out if the manufacturer has any conflict of interest. It’s best to work with a supplement company that is not a competitor so that they can give you objective marketing and sales advice. The right supplement manufacturer should be like your business partner – working with you to develop and grow your brand for years to come.