Creating your own perfume line is a decision that should be thoroughly researched and thought through. Once you have completed your market analysis, evaluated the potential and the targeted niche, it is time to move forward with the realization of your project. Below is a step-by-step guide that can assist you in the process:

Step I: Decide on the type of fragrance service provider:

1. a turnkey perfume manufacturer will take care of all aspects of the process – from perfume formulation to perfume manufacturing, bottling, conditioning,  testing and shipping, with assistance in the market regulations
2. a selection of different manufacturers. You will be in charge of the entire process and will work with numerous suppliers for each aspect of your work – perfumers, perfume manufacturers, conditioners, laboratories, regulatory experts

Tip: we will suggest you to use a turnkey perfume manufacturer like IPG Fragrances, as being in charge of a project like this requires solid industry background, logistics, manufacturing and regulatory understanding and experience.

Step 2: Decide what type of turnkey  perfume manufacturing service you wish to go for:

1. White label manufacturing – you will use a generic pre-made product sold to many vendors. You will simply add your own label and packaging to an already existing product. Although this allows you to quickly launch a perfume line and diminishes your initial investments as you are not developing scents from scratch, it lacks personality, innovation, uniqueness and artistic expression. In a highly competitive market with thousands of new launches per year, you should carefully examine what your competitive advantage can be with such an approach.
2. Private label manufacturing – the perfume is produced exclusively for the client. Products are custom made, resulting in significantly higher level of differentiation. You will be fully involved in the creation process, so that the final result reflects your strategy, vision and artistic direction. This is balanced approach both in time and investment, as it usually requires about 6 months to launch. There are initial investments for the R&D of the perfume, during which time the packaging is designed and sourced. The result is a product that is different from the competitors, providing both a strong sales argument and giving you the possibility to target the specific niche.
3. Custom manufacturing. This is a bespoke service, which entails creating unique products from scratch, from perfumes to bottles, packaging and design. This is a process that is significantly longer, ranging from 6 months to over a year. Investments are also higher, with results being totally unique – from striking fragrances, to bottles and packaging that have never been seen before. This gives you a significant visibility and much to talk about, can create a buzz and can become a trend-setter, offering very high sales potential.

Tip: Price is important, but quality and creativity are the key. Select a manufacturer like IPG Fragrances (https://ipg-fragrances.com) that has GMP and ISO 9001:2015 quality certifications, so that you are sure that you have a reliable partner.

Step 3: Create your brand

Think of your name, research its meaning in different languages, create the logo and the color codes. Register the name / logo so that you are sure that all your future efforts are not jeopardized by someone who claims ownership of your name later in time.

Tip: Check that the name / logo does not exist in the Madrid Protocol trademark database of the WIPO for the given category.

Step 4: Create your Brief

Before you started, you already conducted your market analysis, evaluated the potential and the targeted niche. It is time to fine tune and write down all details that will be communicated to the perfume manufacturer. Make sure you have defined well your Niche and Target Audience, clearly identifying the scent story you wish to share, the concentration, volumes, functionality and price segment of your future product.

Tip: Your private label manufacturer should assist you in these, providing you with guidelines and meetings to discuss them.

Step 5: Contact the selected private label perfume manufacturers

Contact your choice of private label perfume manufacturers, requesting a quote. Evaluate the credentials and level of service of the providers, not only the price. Personal contact and attention to your project are key, as discussions and advice from experts can be of significant value at this stage.

Tip: Avoid fast, emotional decisions, check your facts.

Step 6: Select your partner & begin the processes

Once you have made your screening, it is time to make the decision. Select your partner and entrust them with your project. Make sure that you are in close contact and that you are regularly updated on the project progress.

Tip: Make sure that all regulatory and testing requirements for your market are met before finalizing the production, labeling and packaging.

Step 7: Market & Sell

The success of every project lies not only in the product, but to a great extent in the communication. Make sure that you have developed your sales and marketing strategy, have developed appropriate sales and  distribution channels and a strong communication strategy.

Tip: Fragrances remain an emotional and sensorial product. Make sure that you can guarantee both a visual and a physical contact with the perfume – clients will make purchasing decisions based on both. They need to see and smell the perfume to purchase it.

 

Good luck!