Minimum Order Quantity for Clean Skincare Manufacturing in the US
Vaulabs is a custom formulation clean beauty manufacturer in Clearwater, Florida. Our minimum order is 5,000 units per SKU, and 10,000 units for OTC products. That is the honest number for a custom formula developed for your brand; it is not the same as the very small runs offered on pre-made stock formulas.
Why a custom formula has a minimum
- The formula is made for you. Development, laboratory samples, stability work and documentation are done once per product, and a production run has to be large enough to carry them. See custom clean beauty formulation.
- Each batch is set up and documented. Raw materials are sourced, filling lines are changed over, and every batch is released with a certificate of analysis. See COA and batch documentation.
- Packaging is bought to volume. Bottles, pumps and cartons are ordered against the run, and their own minimums sit underneath ours.
What the minimum is per product, not per order
The 5,000 units apply to each SKU. A brand launching three products plans three runs of at least 5,000 units. Runs then scale from 5,000 to 50,000 units and above as the brand grows; the path is described in scaling past your first manufacturer.
How to plan a first run around the minimum
- Start with the hero product. One product at 5,000 units tests demand before the rest of the line is committed. See a manufacturing partner for a multi-SKU line.
- Size the first run to your sales plan. Units for launch, retail or wholesale orders and early reorders all count toward the 5,000.
- Budget the development step separately. Research and development starts from $1,000 to $1,500 per formula. See research and development.
- Know the calendar. A first run takes 10 to 12 weeks from approved sample and deposit, a reorder 6 to 8. See lead times.
Custom formulation or a stock formula
If you only need a very small test batch of an existing formula with your label on it, that is a different service from ours. If you want a formula that is yours, the minimum above applies. The difference is explained in custom formulation vs private label.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order quantity at Vaulabs?
5,000 units per SKU, and 10,000 units for OTC products.
Is the minimum per product or per order?
Per product. Each SKU has its own run and its own minimum.
Can I order fewer units to test a product?
A laboratory sample is made first, in two to three weeks, so you can approve texture and performance before any production commitment. The first production run is at the minimum above.
Does the minimum include packaging?
Yes. The price per unit covers the product and its packaging together.
How large can a run be?
From 5,000 to 50,000 units and above, with capacity of more than 400,000 units per month.
Vaulabs, LLC. 2021 Sunnydale Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida 33765. Tell us your volume.