We know that the right contract manufacturer can make or break your business. We also know that finding one is a tough task—especially if you don’t know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together some advice on how to find a supplement contract manufacturer that will scale your company for growth.

6 Tips for Finding the RIGHT Supplement Contract Manufacturer

It’s no secret that the supplement industry is booming. In fact, the market was valued at 151.9 billion just last year (2021). This means that new entrants are entering the industry every day, and your company has to do what it can to stay ahead of the curve—including choosing a manufacturing partner to help you bring great products to the market.

As the supplement industry continues to progress forward, it’s important to select a manufacturer that you can trust with your products. We know that it can be a daunting task to find a manufacturer on your own, which is why we created this resource to serve as your guide throughout the process. Here are six tips on how you can select the right manufacturer for your business.

1. Research. Research. Research.

If you’re looking for a supplement contract manufacturer, it’s important to do your homework first. Before contacting potential manufacturers, make sure you know exactly what it is that you are looking for. This will help narrow down your search.

Whether you need an entire line of weight loss supplements, hormonal supplements, or something else entirely, you want to make sure that the supplement manufacturer you choose is a fit for your needs.

2. Learn the Supplement Manufacturing Process

Before you make any decisions about which supplement contract manufacturer you want to work with, it’s important that you understand how they manufacture their products. The best way to do this is by visiting their facility in person. This will allow you to see how they operate firsthand and give you a better idea of whether or not they have the capacity to meet your needs.

Don’t have time to visit the facility? Schedule a meeting call so they can do a run-down of how their supplement manufacturing process works. This will help you gauge if you want to partner with them for your manufacturing needs.

3. Ask the Right Questions

One of the most common ways that companies get into trouble with their supplement contract manufacturers is by not asking enough questions before signing the dotted line. When you’re searching for a new partner, you need to know exactly what you need and what kind of services they’re offering.

The best way to determine if a company is a good fit for your business is by asking questions. If they answer honestly and openly, it’s likely that your partnership will be beneficial for both parties.

Here are some questions worth asking when researching potential candidates:

• What kind of experience do you have in this industry?
• How long have you been operating in this market?
• What brands do you currently work with?
• Are there any restrictions on what products I can produce?
• What are your quality control procedures?
• What is your turnaround time?
• Do you have the capacity to produce the number of products we need?
• Can I speak with any clients who have worked with your company recently?

The list can go on, but you’ve probably got a good idea of some of the things you could ask.

4. Review their Certifications and/or Accreditations

The FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as pharmaceuticals, however, there are still some regulations in place. The most important of these is the GMP certification (or Good Manufacturing Practices).

This certification means that the company has been audited by an outside agency and found to be in compliance with certain criteria that ensure products made there are safe for consumption. GMP certification also ensures that quality control procedures are followed and that employees have been trained appropriately in the custom manufacturing process.

At our supplement manufacturing business, Equinox Nutra, we take quality seriously. That’s why we are FDA-registered, GMP-certified, NSF-certified, and UDAF-registered to ensure the quality of every product that leaves our production line.

5. Know Their Services

Another thing to consider before hiring a supplement partner is all of their service offerings. Do they also have packaging options? Fulfillment services (including dealing with returns)?

Picking a contract manufacturer goes beyond simply just manufacturing the product. By selecting a one-and-done supplement partner, they should also be able to source non-GMO ingredients, test products for quality assurance, and get the products to your end customer’s doorstep—on time.

Working with a partner that fulfills all of these needs gives you time back in your day for other value-added operational tasks like sales or digital marketing.

6. Ask About On-Going Communication

You need a company that communicates well with you throughout the custom manufacturing process. This will help you stay on top of what’s going on and ensure that everything is going according to plan—or if there are any problems.

By working with a manufacturer like Equinox Nutra, you have a personal Account Manager who will give you product updates on a regular basis. During these meetings, you can talk through any questions that you may have or communicate other products you are considering adding to your physical or eCommerce shelves in the future.

Equinox Nutra: Your Trusted Supplement Contract Manufacturing Partner

Finding the right supplement contract manufacturer is a “must” if you want to get your new product off the ground quickly and effectively. From quality control to production to delivery, you need the best partner possible. Let us be that partner for you. At Equinox Nutra, we’ve had years of experience helping supplement companies just like yours bring concepts to the shelf within our Lindon, UT, facilities. We know what it takes to make great supplements and we want to be part of your success story. Connect with our supplement experts to get a quote today!

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