How To Talk To Co-Packers
Co-Packers (manufacturers) receive a lot of inquires from founders who do not understand the business, can't afford their minimums, and don't have a clear roadmap.
It takes as much energy to produce 1000 units for a small brand as it does 10,000 units for a midsize brand.
Put yourself in their shoes. Who likes their time to be wasted? Nobody.
TIP: Use their language to instill confidence you will be a good partner. Think of it like a partnership, because it is.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO TALK TO CO-PACKERS
Personalize your subject line. It sounds simple and mundane, but the first step is to get them to open your email. Example: Hi John: Nopalera x Copacker name - New Client Inquiry
Introduce yourself + your brand + power statement in the first sentence.
Example: Hello John, This is Sandra from Nopalera, a Mexican Botanical Bath and Body brand currently sold in Nordstrom, Credo, Free People, and over 300 independent retailers nationwide.
* If you are just starting out, no worries! Still introduce yourself and brand and say what your mission is.Ask the following questions to show them you understand how this works.
"I'd like to speak to someone regarding your capabilities, MOQ's, and lead times for new products. I am happy to send over a product brief in the interest of time."Have a product brief ready! What is a product brief? It is a pdf document that outlines what the product is. Ingredient must-haves. Ingredient No-no's. Size, dimensions, packaging. I make all my product briefs in Canva.
NOTE: If you are looking to have them use your formula, you need to send over an NDA first.
Once the conversation is rolling then you want to ask more questions about line trials (these may cost), micro testing, case packs, payment terms etc...
p.s. another pro-tip: write them from a professional email account with a complete signature. Don’t write from you personal yahoo account. Have all your links in your signature so they can visit your website.