PRIVATE LABEL MANUFACTURING
Find an own-label manufacturer with the right range and scale
Own-label production can mean branding an existing product, adapting a base formulation, or developing something bespoke. The distinction affects lead time, minimum order, testing and control over the finished product.
Know what you are asking the producer to change
A manufacturer’s catalogue may be a useful starting point, but the fit depends on what can be changed: ingredients or materials, format, packaging, claims, labelling and artwork. I ask about the target market, expected volume and whether you need stock product, a modification or a new development.
- Product category and the aspects that must be unique
- Initial order and realistic repeat volume
- Packaging format, branding and intended sales territory
Separate capability from marketing
I research producers that appear to work in the category and check the stated manufacturing location, minimum orders, lead times and evidence of relevant systems. A brand-facing sales company and the production site may be different businesses; that relationship should be clear before moving ahead.
Food, cosmetics, electrical products and other regulated categories have different obligations. The buyer and manufacturer must establish the applicable rules, claims, testing and labelling for the actual product and market. Acorn does not certify or approve them.
Price the complete route
Unit cost is only one part. Ask about samples, formulation work, tooling, packaging minimums, storage, shelf life where relevant, reorders and who owns the artwork or formula. A comparison is useful only when the assumptions are similar.
SEND AN INITIAL BRIEF
Give me the facts you have.
An imperfect brief is fine. I’ll review it, ask about gaps by email if useful, and discuss the scope before any paid research. Sending the form creates no engagement.
What are you struggling to source?
You don’t need to know exactly what type of manufacturer you need. Tell me the problem as you understand it. Fields marked * are needed.