Avoid Selling ‘Snake Oil’: Why Transparency is Vital in the Supplement Industry
Poor quality supplements have impacted this market for centuries. Scammers peddled into town with miracle elixirs and were on to their next location before the community could realize the potions were not what they claimed to be. Though the assembly of the Food and Drug Administration helped, they are not in charge of approving effectiveness prior to products hitting the market. That leaves a window open for swindlers to ruin the validity of the supplement industry by selling ‘snake oil’ once again. Where’s an easy place for them to set up shop? Well, the internet, of course.
Using social platforms and influencers can be a smart move for any business. Did you know that “71% of consumers are more likely to make purchases based on social media referrals (1)”? Some brands rely solely on this strategy. However, you can imagine just how much junk gains popularity.
Let’s discuss why the integrity of your products should be your top priority and how the right partnership can help you avoid coming off as a joke.
Know the Industry
The U.S. vitamin and supplement industry is projected to generate over 4 billion dollars in 2023, which is massive! Still, “74% of Americans are concerned that supplements are not backed by trustworthy research (2)”. This shows us that validity is needed.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) defines and regulates vitamins and supplements with ongoing updates. That is enforced by the FDA through Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), under 21 CFR Part 111. Have you taken a close look at this? Hiring a regulatory lawyer is the best idea for businesses if they don’t have the time to inform themselves and stay in the loop with compliance.
There are plenty of brands knowingly and even unknowingly not following these regulations. Unless you’ve got money to waste and a reputation to ruin, it’s paramount to choose the right manufacturer.
Know Your Manufacturer
When searching for a manufacturer to partner with, here are some important questions to take into consideration:
Are they CGMP certified?
Is their equipment up-to-date?
What are their MOQs & pricing?
Do they provide quality assurance?
Do they operate an FDA registered facility?
Does their team stay ahead of industry trends?
What kind of testing is done on raw ingredients & final products?
Are they supporting their clients' growth by offering custom formulations?
Make sure you have a clear understanding of their facility and how they operate. If your questions are not being answered transparently, that's a big red flag. The manufacturer will not be held responsible if the FDA finds out your product doesn’t comply with regulations. Your business will ultimately be the party to suffer. This is why it’s vital to build a positive working relationship with your manufacturer and carefully understand the products you’ll be selling.
Know Your Product
When it comes to private label vs contract manufacturing, our team is committed to creating formulations that are yours. Being intimately acquainted with what you sell sets you up to better navigate the consumer journey and service your customers. Our process takes you from conception all the way through production. You know exactly what ingredients are going in and why. The product is being made with purpose and you are involved with its creation, testing, and approval. Businesses that decide to buy premade formulations can start selling quicker, but they should never do so without complete research. One slip up could cost you greatly, so make sure you’re making the best moves for your goals.
Know Factory6
We are here to build brands. Our team wants you to succeed in the supplement industry and continue growing with high-quality capsules, tablets, beverage powders, and beyond. Factory6 experts foster innovation and stay ahead of trends so we can provide our clients with opportunities and support. Interested in seeing what we can do for you? Stop by our Utah manufacturing facility or give us a call so we can throw around some ideas!