Cosmetics for Distributors and Retail Chains
A distributor or chain buys a range, not a single product. You need the same product every time, packs that scan and stack, and a supplier who can repeat the order. This page covers how we make a house brand for shelves.
Wholesaler, distributor or chain: three different needs
| Buyer | What they want from a house brand | What to settle with us |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesaler | A few fast-moving lines they can supply to many small shops | Pack sizes that retailers already stock, and one price list |
| Distributor | A brand they control in a territory, with steady supply | Batch consistency, order cycle, and who prints the label |
| Retail chain or supermarket | An own-label range that sits beside national brands | Full range, barcode, shelf pack, and a refill schedule across stores |
If you want a single brand for online sale, our manufacturer checklist and where to sell guide fit better. This page is for buyers who put products on shelves in volume.
Build a range with a job on the shelf
A chain’s category manager thinks in lines. A house-brand range works best when each product has a clear role against the national brand it sits next to.
| Role | Example product | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic driver: sells often | Shampoo, body lotion, hand wash | Herbal shampoo, body lotion |
| Basket builder: added to the trolley | Face wash, lip balm | Face wash, lip balm |
| Seasonal: summer and winter | Sunscreen, moisturiser | Sunscreen, moisturiser |
| Gifting: festive periods | Sets of three or four | Gift hampers |
Browse every product by category. We make 15 categories, so a house range can come from one supplier.
What a pack needs to be accepted
Pack minimums for special cartons are confirmed in the quote.
Why batch to batch matters more here
One poor batch across a hundred stores is a bigger problem than one poor batch online. Batch records are part of GMP, and every pack carries a batch number so a problem can be traced to a run and, if needed, withdrawn. We follow GMP and ISO 22716. See quality and ISO 22716 explained.
Repeat supply without stock-outs
Our starting orders are 1,000 units for private label, 2,000 for third-party and 5,000 for bulk. A chain usually moves to bulk once a line is selling, and the order calendar becomes the real work.
Start with a trial range
A few lines in a few stores or one distributor territory.
Read the sell-through
Use the first reorder to see which lines move.
Set a reorder cycle
Plan production ahead of the cycle. Lead times are 4 to 6 weeks for private label and 6 to 8 weeks for third-party.
Hold safety stock
Packaging often takes longest, so order it early.
Review the range
Drop slow lines and add new ones with the next cycle.
Working backwards from the shelf price
Distributors and chains plan margin from the maximum retail price (MRP) down. Start with the MRP, subtract the retailer and distributor shares you have agreed and GST, and the remainder is what you can pay for the product, pack and freight. Our pricing guide shows how to work through it: cosmetic product pricing and unit economics.
Distributor and retail chain questions
Can you make a house brand for my retail chain?
Yes. We make private label and third-party products under your brand, and build a range across our 15 categories.
What is the minimum order for a distributor?
Private label starts at 1,000 units, third-party at 2,000 and bulk at 5,000.
Do you put barcodes and batch numbers on packs?
The label and carton carry the batch details. You obtain the GS1 barcode for each product and it goes on your artwork.
How do you keep batches consistent?
Batch records are kept under GMP. Ask us for the records, and compare each batch with your approved sample.
Can I sell the same product through several stores?
Yes, it is your brand. Check licence and labelling obligations first.
Do you sell finished goods under your own brand to wholesalers?
We focus on manufacturing for your brand. Tell us your plan and we advise on the best route.
Ready to start your product?
Free samples, you pay shipping only. Private label starts at 1,000 units.