Private Label Vs White Label

Photo: Kiss the Krown

    As you begin the journey of creating, developing and launching your makeup brand, there are many things to consider; let's start with the product.  For many of us, we have had to be a chemist to find the colors that compliment our skin, texture, undertones, etc. Then, by blessings, we have been able to come across products that somehow work with our skin. In the world of makeup there are several ways to develop products.  Let us revisit times when we have been chemists. One can develop your own product from scratch.  We have seen the success of many Black women in the beauty industry that started in the kitchen, Melissa Butler, founder of Lip Bar.  However this approach can take extended time, financial investment, a formula ( can actually be found online), supplies, manipulating formulas, etc. Please do not be discouraged, there are other ways to get products for your brand.

    An alternative of being in the lab to create the most amazing blush is that you can purchase products through private label or white label manufacturers.  These manufactures sell products that allow brands to purchase and re-brand the product as their own.   However, there are some slight differences between the two.


Private Label

• Have products with pre-made formula or can be created based on the need of the consumer (your brand). Work with chemists to assist in tweaking formula to your specification
  
• You would own the formula
  
• Order large quantity batch (costly)
  
• TAT (Turn around time) extensive
  

White Label

• Generic products made and will be sold as is ( cannot change the formula)
  
  • White label manufacturer can sell the same generic products to multiple consumers (potentially, multiple brands looking to sell makeup)
    
• Brands can label this as their own
  
• Order small quantity batch (more cost effective)
  
• TAT (Turn around time) relatively short
  

      

Photo: Kiss the Krown

If you are interested in learning a little more about those options, Group55, a branding and marketing firm in the UK, has a great breakdown of whether white label vs. private label would be best for you and your brand. There are several manufactures for white and private label products. A simple google search can get you started.

 Best Practices: Research the companies, ask questions, some manufacturers have hard copy catalogs (request them).  Another opportunity is to attend trade shows (even virtual as we are still in a pandemic), again it is an opportunity to learn, understand and gain insight about this arena of product development.  You want the best for your brand because you want the best for you.

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