Custom Formulation

High Quality Custom Formulation

Custom Formulations

What is a Custom Formulation?

Custom Formulation begins with an idea. There are thousands of different types of the same supplement, or what seems like the same supplement. So many formulas are available that you may be considering creating your own “custom version” to break through with the next ‘best thing’. That process is called “Custom Formulating”. Once the idea has been formed, you may wonder ‘now what?’. How to move forward is the hard part. To find some direction, you will need to consider the following questions:

  • Is your idea, just an idea and are you aware of the implications regarding FDA compliance, quality controls, and laboratory testing requirements? These factors should be considered to determine if your idea is even viable.
  • How will you differentiate your new product from that of the competition?
  • What is the value proposition (your secret recipe) of why is this worth the investment?
  • What form will this new supplement be consumed in? (i.e.: tablet, softgel, powder, tablet, etc.)?
  • What will a serving size look like?
  • What does the market currently look like in the same space as far as pricing is concerned?
  • How long will it take to become profitable with this new formulation?
  • How long will it take to get produced?
  • Does your current manufacturer have the ability/capability to produce it?
  • What testing will you need to confirm the claims outlined on the label or packaging of your new formulation?

Then What????

Once you know the answers it is time to get started, but how? The best solution is to contact your manufacturer of choice and ensure that they can take on your project. Ask about their quality systems, lead times, ability to produce new formulas, number of years in business, and whether or not they are FDA registered and periodically inspected.

Once you have chosen the right partner, your new supplement has begun to take form. By then you will have ensured that the right ingredients are being sourced and that testing is being done. You will also have decided on the form or type of the supplement to offer, and will have discussed turn-around times from your manufacturer. The next step, which may not seem so important at first, is elaborating the labeling and packaging. The packaging must be attractive and stand out next to the competition; if not, you risk getting lost in a wide sea of other average-looking supplements.  

High Quality Custom Formulation

Toll Manufacturing vs Contract Manufacturing

Contract manufacturing agreements

Toll Manufacturing vs
Contract Manufacturing

Though they are very similar, in practice are very different. In this article the differences will be brought to light and made to be understood. We will also talk about the similarities.

First things first though: choosing the right manufacturer to do the work is key. When choosing a manufacturer check out our post here for questions you should be asking.

Now that you know the questions you should ask when choosing a manufacturer let’s get started. Let’s begin with the literal definitions of Toll Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing.

Toll Manufacturing – When a company provides its raw materials or semi-finished goods to a third-party service provider (The manufacturer). That provider, has a specialized infrastructure to complete the job and provides the service of manufacturing processes for the company using the materials/components for a fee.

Contract manufacturing agreements

Contract Manufacturing – When a third-party company hired to produce the goods provides the manufacturing process/service as well sources all the raw materials and packaging components. Contract manufacturing creates a supply-chain vendor for a branded, private label or custom-made product. The contract manufacturer is responsible for making the product to the client’s exact specifications and meeting the delivery time requirements.

In conclusion, the two processes are very similar, but their differences are substantial. Substantial because raw material sourcing is an integral part of the process affecting timely manufacturing, delivery of finished product and cost.

Which service is right for you? It all depends on how you decide to source your materials. If you want an easier “one-stop-shop” type of process, then Contract Manufacturing is the way to go. If you prefer to  source your own raw materials and/or packaging materials, then Toll Manufacturing is the answer.