Private Label Cosmetics FAQ: Minimums, Pricing, Lead Times & More

We get a lot of the same questions every day, so here they are in one place: what we do, where we are, what it costs, minimums, lead times, and how to get started.

What does Lady Burd do?

We're a cosmetics manufacturer, which basically means we're a makeup and skincare factory. We do private label and contract manufacturing (custom formulation).

Where are you located?

Farmingdale, New York, on Long Island, about an hour from New York City. And yes, we manufacture here. Our lab, regulatory, compounding, filling, and manufacturing are all done in-house at our facility.

What products do you make?

Pretty much every cosmetic you can think of, plus a wide range of skin care, hair care, men's care, body care, and more. You can browse everything available for private label on our website.

Do you make SPF?

No. SPF is regulated as an OTC (over-the-counter) drug product in the US, so it has to be made at an OTC-registered facility. We also don't make aerosols or baked products.

How much does private label cost?

Like everything in life, it depends. Most private label products land between $3 and $15 per unit. We use tiered pricing, so the more you order, the lower the price per unit.

Your final price is determined by your BOM, or bill of materials: the full pack-out of your finished product. Are we labeling? Putting it in a box? Adding barcodes or base labels? How many units? We need all of that before we can give you a final quote. (Here's what a BOM is.)

What are your minimums (MOQs)?

• Stock products, no customization: $150 order minimum. That's it.
• Custom labels (wraparound, UV, vinyl, or logo labels): 50 pieces per SKU
• Custom deco (hot stamping, pad printing, silkscreen): 500 pieces per SKU
• Custom formulation: varies by project. Ask your sales rep.

How long does it take?

• First private label order: about 3 to 6 weeks, which allows time to choose products, approve samples, and finalize artwork
• Reorders of stock private label products: about 15 days, not including shipping
• Custom formulation: give yourself 12 to 18 months for the whole process, including development, testing, sourcing packaging and raw materials, production, filling, and shipping

What's a good budget for custom formulation?

Plan for $35,000 or more for your first production run. That covers a decent first batch of bulk and labor. If you're adding full custom packaging, custom boxes, and other add-ons, you'll need more.

What do I need to get started?

We're B2B only, meaning we only sell to other businesses. You'll need a Tax ID or EIN, and you'll fill out a short application with your business information so we can confirm you're a registered business. You'll also sign a resale certificate before your wholesale account is approved.

How do I get started?

Book a free consultation, apply for a wholesale account, or email us at hello@ladyburd.com.