Wholesale cosmetics maker for salons and boutiques

Hair and nail salons, spas, boutiques, gift shops and small brands that want custom products without their own production.

Wholesale orders at set prices per unit, often with minimum order sizes and reorders. Private label and custom runs can carry a higher price per batch.

• Consistent batch production and quality control
• Selling to business buyers
• Costing, pricing and inventory planning

• FDA cosmetic rules, including facility registration, product listing and safety substantiation, which may apply depending on your size and products; check the current requirements
• State rules on cosmetic manufacturing, which differ widely, and local zoning for the premises
• General liability and product liability insurance, which wholesale buyers often ask to see
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire help
• Tie up cash in ingredients and packaging, so avoid large runs before you have repeat orders

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your rented space, equipment, ingredients and packaging. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many salons and shops you supply. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check current FDA cosmetic requirements, including facility registration, product listing and safety substantiation, which may apply depending on your size and products. Also check your state's cosmetic manufacturing rules, local zoning for the premises, and insurance, since wholesale buyers often ask to see liability cover.

Estimates start at around 25 hours a week. Useful skills are consistent batch production and quality control, selling to business buyers, and costing and inventory planning. Avoid large runs before you have repeat orders, as ingredients and packaging tie up cash.