How To Evaluate Supplement Suppliers in the US

Sometimes, the search for The One takes a bit longer than you'd hope. Getting the right partner, the right job, or the right house doesn't happen overnight, and unfortunately, neither does finding the right private-label supplement supplier. 

But all hope isn't lost. As long as you're diligent in evaluating wholesale supply companies, weighing factors like ingredient sourcing and quality, minimum orders, turnaround time, and label design services, you'll surely end up with your manufacturing match.

criteria for evaluating supplement suppliers

Take your time researching potential supplement suppliers, carefully assessing factors like:

• The company's reputation
• The manufacturer's track record
• The supplier's industry experience
• Where the manufacturer sources its ingredients from

Giving a company a role in your business is no small thing, and picking the right one isn't a decision to take lightly. A product manufacturer can make or break your company's reputation, so do your due diligence and study any potential partner's quality of ingredients (whether or not they're pure and effective), testing protocols, and manufacturing processes.

what is the reordering process for supplements?

As you consider whether a private-label supplement supplier is a good fit for your business, evaluate the reordering process.

Is there a contact liaison you can easily reach for information about your order? Is there order tracking available? What's the company's customer support like? You'll need to consider these questions as you learn about ordering and reordering from a potential manufacturer. 

supplement suppliers that offer label design services

You want to get your products in your customers' hands quickly. After all, you're passionate about it — the sooner they get it, the sooner they'll feel the same way. That's where it helps to have a manufacturer that doesn't just produce your supplements but also takes care of other processes, like product design, shipping, and inventory management.

These are called turnkey manufacturers, and conducting business with one has its perks. First, turnkey manufacturers are time-savers. Having multiple companies work on the same project can result in long lead times. However, having every aspect of production under one roof creates a faster workflow. As a result, you'll be able to deliver products to customers faster. 

The second notable perk of working with a turnkey manufacturer is cost savings. When more people or companies are involved, costs increase. Cutting out the middleman cuts your bill down. 

truth in labeling & customer service

No relationship can survive, let alone thrive, without transparency, and the one between the private labeler and supplement supplier is no exception. If you plan to be in business with a manufacturer, you need to know exactly what goes into the products they're providing you with. 

Before drawing up any partnership contracts, ask your potential manufacturer to disclose important information, including what ingredients they use and where they come from. Don't forget to ask about the manufacturing process, too; you'll want to be sure any company you partner with complies with all required standards each step of the way. 

The conversation doesn't stop after the partnership has been established. Ensure there are clear and open communication channels in case either party has concerns to address, issues to resolve, or needs to inform one another about any product updates. 

what do other private labelers say about their experience with the supplement supplier?

When evaluating and eventually selecting wholesale supplement suppliers, it's wise to consider reviews and testimonials from customers—in this instance, other supplement companies. Customer feedback provides valuable insight into areas like supplier reliability, product quality, and the supplier's customer service. 

There are several effective means of gathering feedback about a supplement supplier, including:

• Focus groups: Companies use focus groups to provide a platform for customers to discuss their experiences with and impressions of the product they've tried. Focus groups boast several pros, including being cost-effective and allowing you to observe customers' body language as they share their opinions. 
• Email surveys: As they allow the respondent to reply at their leisure and can be less complicated than setting up a focus group, email surveys are among the most convenient methods of gathering feedback. They're also low-cost, boast increased response rates, and can be accessed from multiple devices. 
• Social media: It's not uncommon for people to voice their opinions on the brands they use on social networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Searching for a supplement supplier on a social media site can quickly yield information on the manufacturer and its products. 
  
  

regulatory compliance considerations for private label supplement in the U.S.

The last factor to consider in your hunt for a private label manufacturer is the company's compliance with U.S. supplement regulations. 

The Food and Drug Association (FDA) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) system has strict quality standards for supplements, and a manufacturer's non-compliance could have dire consequences. Customers may get sick, products must be recalled, and companies will likely be in trouble for violating federal law. Not to mention, your brand's reputation will take a hit. 

related content: private label supplements: how to make money

finding the right fit

The search for a supplement supplier can indeed be a lengthy process. However, it's worth it in the end when you find a company you're proud to work with. 

Take a company's ingredient quality and sourcing, order minimums, turnaround times, turnkey services, and regulatory compliance into account before forging ahead with a business partnership. Don't settle for a less-than-ideal fit. After all, quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction are of the utmost importance, and those will suffer without a reputable, trustworthy product manufacturer in your corner.