Share your brief
Tell us the product direction, market, preferred format and expected order size.
Output: A written starting brief
// FROM BRIEF TO ORDER
From product brief to a written order.
Keep formula, samples, packaging and commercial requirements in one project brief. The six steps below identify the decisions and records needed to compare a supplier proposal and agree an order.
Review the options
Review supplier availability, formula scope, product specifications and open questions.
Output: A defined sourcing direction
Evaluate the sample
Agree the sample scope and compare it with the proposed specification before moving ahead.
Output: Sample feedback and specification decisions
Confirm label and pack
Confirm the formula, serving information, packaging and responsibilities for label review.
Output: An agreed product and packaging specification
Agree the order
Confirm the quotation, minimum order, schedule, documents and commercial terms in writing.
Output: A written order agreement
Coordinate the handover
Align the agreed production, release documents and dispatch arrangements with the responsible supplier.
Output: The documents and delivery scope agreed for the order
// CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT
Two routes, with different starting information.
| Decision | Private label | Custom formulation |
|---|---|---|
| Start with | A supplier-listed product and its reference specification. | An ingredient, serving, format and market brief for feasibility review. |
| Define the changes | Identify the formula, label and pack elements to retain or change. | Define proposed composition, restrictions and the required development work. |
| Plan the sample | Agree the product version and packaging questions to evaluate. | Agree feasibility questions, proposed sample versions and evaluation criteria. |
| Record the handover | Name the selected specification, artwork, order configuration and quotation. | Record development deliverables, confidentiality, formula-use rights and approval roles. |
Your project quotation defines minimum order, sample conditions, milestones and responsibilities for the selected configuration.
// FOR YOUR PRODUCT BRIEF
Keep the specification, sample and order on the same version
- Use one identified specification and artwork version for the sample, quotation and order.
- Record what is included, what remains unresolved and who confirms each decision.
- Separate the sample, development, production and dispatch milestones instead of treating one unverified lead-time number as a universal promise.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to request |
|---|---|---|
| Product and configuration | The price and minimum must refer to the actual formula, format and pack. | The dated proposal, units, quantity basis, included scope and written confirmation. |
| Approval version | A reference image or early sample can be replaced during review. | The approved formula, pack, label and sample records for the order. |
| Responsible parties | Coordination, manufacturing, technical review and market-label responsibilities differ. | The named party responsible for each approval and handover. |
Define the pack alongside the formula
Use one packaging brief for the supplier proposal, sample review and order. Record the selected configuration and the supplier’s response to each requirement.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to request |
|---|---|---|
| Primary pack | The container and product need to be assessed together. | Proposed bottle, jar, pouch, stick pack or other container; material and usable fill configuration. |
| Fill and count | Net mass, fill volume, unit count and serving count are different specifications. | Which quantities and units apply to the proposed formula and pack, plus the approved statement. |
| Closure and measuring device | A cap, seal, dropper or scoop is not specified by a generic product photo. | The proposed closure/seal and any measuring-device requirements relevant to the product. |
| Label and artwork | Text, dimensions, claims and artwork ownership need a defined approval path. | The current label requirements, dieline/print information when applicable, review responsibilities and approved version. |
| Secondary and transport pack | An inner container does not define the carton or shipping arrangement. | Outer pack, case configuration, labeling and transport requirements for the quotation. |
| Storage and stability scope | The package must be considered with the product-specific storage statement. | Storage and handling requirements and the scope of available supporting information for the intended package. |
Product specifications, sample scope, packaging and written commercial conditions should refer to the same proposed product and responsible supplier.
Samples and minimum order: agree the actual conditions
Identify whether you need an existing reference sample or a custom-development sample, its specification version and evaluation purpose. Agree availability, quantity, charges, shipping and approval steps. The order minimum should state its quantity and unit, formula, format and pack conditions, proposal date and confirming supplier.
Timing: separate the milestones and dependencies
Set milestones for feasibility or development, sample preparation and review, artwork approval, production, inspection or release, and dispatch. Record what starts each stage and who confirms it. Keep shipping duration separate from production and development time.
Order handover: specify the documents and responsibilities
Agree the specification, artwork, sample approvals, test or batch records and commercial or shipping documents required for the proposed order. Identify the supplier and reviewers, current versions, disclosure arrangements and the point at which each record is handed over.
Questions for this decision
How is the minimum order recorded?
The quotation should identify the quantity and unit, formula, format, packaging, date and confirming supplier. Separate a reference configuration from the configuration you intend to order.
What should a sample request include?
Identify the product or formula, the sample version and the questions it should answer. Agree availability, quantity, charges, shipping, evaluation criteria and approval steps before arranging it.
Which milestones belong in the project schedule?
Separate feasibility or development, sampling, artwork, production, inspection or release, and dispatch. Record the dependencies and the party confirming each milestone for the actual quantity and configuration.
Start from a listed product Choose the route when a listed product direction is the starting point.Start from a formulation brief Choose the route when the ingredients, serving or other technical requirements need review.Check the release-document questions Keep product, batch and facility evidence distinct.
// YOUR NEXT STEP
Tell us what you’re building.
A format, an ingredient direction, a packaging idea. Start with what you know.