10 Key Considerations When Purchasing Bulk Cosmetics

If you are not aware of trends and rapid change in technology, you will end up with marketing myopia. This is a slow poison for any business, and there are many examples of it. The cosmetics industry is the most consistent and active industry, which means you will have to be very sharp in the market. Every change in the market can cause the bullwhip effect if you are not prepared. This fast-paced industry requires a proactive approach, and a new business has to do everything to survive in it. So, if you are among the new entries, there will be lots of challenges waiting for you. If you want to deal with them, you will have to be proactive at least in the bulk cosmetics procurement process. These 10 key considerations will help you with it.

Perform Audience Segmentation and Demand Analysis

The first thing you need to do is know your audience. Until you select a target audience, there will be confusion in the bulk purchase of cosmetics. So, what you should do is know your target audience, demand size, and market trends. In this way, you can be precise in the cosmetic selection process with the least risk of wastage.

Select Standard, Trending, and Specific Niche

Make categories in the cosmetics you are about to procure. There are some standard ones, trending ones, and specific niche cosmetics you should consider. You need to work on what you will have to prioritize, and which ones will go in the standard cosmetics. Make categories to divide the budget in the procurement process. Then there will be no confusion and wastage in the bulk cosmetics’ procurement.  

Categorize the Audience and Choose Cosmetics Accordingly

Demographic segmentation will help you choose the cosmetics types and the quality. If you are about to target a general audience, it is better to go with standard quality. If it is about a specific niche like the elite or luxury one, go for the prime types and quality of cosmetics. Then it will be easier for you to go ahead without any confusion and waste of resources. You will have clarity in the order placement process when you know which categories to target. The budgeting will also be easier.   

Choose the Shades, Sizes, and Varieties That are in Demand

Some cosmetics are in high demand because of trends on social media mostly. Women like to try them at least once, and it causes an overwhelming burden on online stores. Such cosmetic stores need those trending cosmetics, especially lipstick shades, when it comes to trends. Likewise, the sizes and varieties of makeup sets are included in it. Some end users need a compact set, and professionals need large sets mostly. Therefore, you need to consider these factors when procuring cosmetics.

Inspect Quality Standards Via Samples

Since every cosmetic has to make contact with human skin, there must be testing and a quality compliance process. That is the basic requirement of a buyer when it comes to any product. In cosmetics, there are multiple tests that need to take place for the safety of end consumers. Samples, tests, and certifications contribute to the safe production process. So, here are the key factors you have to keep in mind when procuring cosmetics in bulk. 

Consider Key Certifications for Authentic Quality Compliance

ISO 22716 covers most factors in cosmetics production. Manufacturers all over the world have to follow safety standards through this certification. If you are about to procure any kind of cosmetic in bulk, ask for ISO 22716 certification. It will make the cosmetic quality inspection easier. That certification makes a manufacturer eligible for the global supply of cosmetics. It shows that cosmetics are safe for human consumption.

Ask for Samples and Testing Documents

Raw material inspection and chemical tests are the initial processes of the quality analysis. You will have to ask for such details that will help you ensure the cosmetics you are procuring are safe. It consists of spectroscopy for contaminants and other microparticle inspection. Then comes microbiological testing, HRIPT, clinical trials, and stability testing of all cosmetics. Lipsticks, mascara, cream, and everything in cosmetics are tested. You will have to ask for samples also, because they will clarify further details.

Compliance with the Regional Regulatory Authority 

No matter how safe the ingredients or chemicals one has used in the production, regional compliance is mandatory. It covers everything, from raw materials to the final product. If you are importing into Europe, you will have to ask for documents that comply with EU regulations. If you are importing into the US, the FDA is the key compliance that your manufacturer will have to follow. If it is in Asia, especially in China, your manufacturer will have to comply with NMPA and ACC mostly.  

Ask for Packaging Safety, and Storage Quality

The packaging safety is a part of the quality inspection process. There are various factors that affect the target audience, and the appealing labels are one of them. Also, the air-sealed packaging is crucial because moisture and bacteria are expected to attack cosmetics, which could affect the human skin. Then comes storage quality, which means the cartons and plastic bags used in the packaging will have to meet safety standards.

Protection of Cosmetics from Environmental Threats 

The shelf life of any cosmetic requires durability through safety levels. How safe they are from environmental threats determines their quality levels. The moisture present in the environment could seep through the packaging of cosmetics, and it could result in spoilage. The bacterial growth and other contaminants could ruin the cosmetics if the packaging doesn’t meet the quality protocols. Other factors that affect the quality of cosmetics are the storage temperature. If you are about to procure bulk cosmetics, you will have to look at the storage temperature. It must be safe from humidity and sunlight, which are the two major threats to any cosmetic. 

Look for Private Label Service to Launch Your Brand

If you are about to procure bulk cosmetics, ask the manufacturer about the private label service. It will be really useful for someone who wants to launch their private label cosmetics. It could be anything like lipstick, foundation, concealer, or eyeliner. Having your specific shade and label on the cosmetic will make your brand apparent in the market if you focus on the target audience efficiently. Likewise, brands that want to introduce a new cosmetic line will find private label service a better opportunity. Many Chinese cosmetic manufacturers have an advantage over others when it comes to customization and low-cost production. 

Finalize with MOQ Selection, Price, and Supply Conditions

Then you have the last things to consider, which are MOQ selection, prices, and supply conditions. Every manufacturer has an MOQ limit for bulk supply. If you are procuring for a small business, you might need a cosmetic manufacturer who can offer low and flexible MOQs. If you are looking for an ample supply, there are many manufacturers who only deal in mega orders. So, here are the final stages you will have to follow. 

Final Price, Custom Clearance, and Logistics Cost

Negotiate with the manufacturer for the final price you can afford. It is not just about the per-unit price or the final price of the order, but more than that. It includes all the costs that can affect your selected budget. You will have to analyze every factor involved in it, whether it is freight cost, taxes, duties, brokerage fees, or final delivery charges. Lots of stages will require payments, and this factor will affect your overall budget. So, you will have to ask the manufacturer for the lowest possible per-unit price.

Discuss Order and Reverse Logistics Conditions

Then you will have to ask the last thing, and that is the post-purchase services. There are various things in it, and order repetition is one of them. Of course, you are not procuring only once because you will have to repeat the process to keep the business running. That is why you need a cosmetic manufacturer who can make the supply process swift. Ask for order repetition, which will determine the accuracy of stock replenishment consistency. 

Besides, you may need to return some cosmetics because of either low demand or damage. There are lots of factors that make you return the cosmetics to the manufacturer to reduce the waste and cost of operations. Excess inventory can increase the cost of storage, and every business knows about it. You will have to keep an inventory management system with the manufacturer to have swift operations. 

Conclusion 

All these 10 key considerations will help you purchase bulk cosmetics for the results you are seeking. If the procurement process goes smoothly, you will possibly go ahead with lots of benefits. You will have the least risk of material wastage, high storage cost, return cost, and customer dissatisfaction. When you know about the target audience, you will know about the demands. It will help you procure the cosmetics in bulk to keep up with the pace of market trends. So, follow these 10 steps to stay active in the cosmetics industry.