Side-by-Side Comparison
Everything you need to decide which path is right for your brand, at a glance.
| Factor | Private Label | Custom Formulation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Ready-made formulas manufactured with your branding | Built-from-scratch formula developed to your exact specs |
| Timeline | 3 - 6 weeks | 12 - 18 months |
| Minimum Order | 50 units per SKU (custom labels); $150 order total for stock items as is | 10,000+ units typical |
| Investment to Start | $150 - $1,000 | $10,000 - $50,000 (development + first production order) |
| Customization Level | Packaging & branding only | Full control: ingredients, texture, scent, color |
| Fragrance | Fragrance swap available: a scent from our house library swapped into an existing formula, from $1,000 per SKU | Scent developed as part of your formula |
| Best For | Testing the market or launching fast | Brands with a specific vision or unique claims |
| IP Ownership | Lady Burd owns the formula | IP may be available for purchase |
| Formula Options | 300+ proven formulations ready to go | Unlimited, developed from scratch |
| Risk Level | Low: proven formulas, small batches | Higher: R&D investment before first sale |
| Pricing | Tiered: larger orders cost less per unit | Quoted per project |
Which path should you choose?
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Choose Private Label If...
You want to test a product idea quickly, launch with minimal investment, or you're building a brand where speed-to-market matters more than formula exclusivity. Most brands start here and graduate to custom later.
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Choose Custom If...
You have a specific ingredient story, need unique claims (like a patented complex), or you're entering a category where differentiation at the formula level is your competitive advantage.
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Start Private Label, Graduate to Custom
This is the path 80% of successful brands take. Launch with proven private label formulas, validate demand, build revenue, then invest in custom formulation for your hero products.
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Hybrid Approach
Many brands run both simultaneously: private label for standard categories (lip gloss, mascara) and custom formulation for their signature hero product that defines the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I own my custom formula?
It depends on the project. With custom formulation, the intellectual property may be available for purchase, depending on the formula. Ask your sales rep about IP options for your project. With private label, Lady Burd always retains ownership of the base formula, but your branding and packaging are exclusively yours.
How much does custom formulation development cost?
Development typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the project and its complexity. For example, a color match would be on the lower end, while a completely new product built from scratch would be on the higher end. In some cases, your development fee can be credited toward your first production order. Ask your sales rep whether your project qualifies.
Can I customize packaging on private label products?
Yes! Private label means the formula is pre-existing, but you have full control over packaging, labeling, colors, and branding. Your customers will never know it's private label because it looks and feels entirely like your brand. Filling into custom packaging does come with a higher minimum, which depends on the formula and fill type, so ask your sales rep for the MOQ on your project. If you're supplying your own packaging, we'll need to test it for compatibility with both our machinery and the formula before moving forward. Compatibility testing may incur additional fees.
Can I switch from private label to custom formulation later?
Absolutely. This is the most common path. Start with private label to validate your market and generate revenue, then invest in custom formulation for your bestselling products. We can even use your private label sales data to guide which custom formulations to develop.
Which option has lower MOQs?
Private label, by a wide margin. Private label products with custom labels have an MOQ of 50 pieces per SKU, because our stock formulas are produced in batches shared across multiple customers. Custom formulation typically requires 10,000+ units. Since the formula is made just for you, you take the entire batch, and the development investment and raw material minimums for new formulas are also higher.