Recently, many individuals who can called solo business have started their own businesses with a variety of products. Cosmetics, in particular, are considered a good product for personal branding because they have a lower MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and a broader consumer base compared to other products.
As a result, WITH.C KOREA receives many inquiries from influencers and people looking to start as a side job.
These individuals often do not have a thorough understanding of the cosmetics manufacturing process and tend to only vaguely discuss the products they desire.
So, how does WITH.C KOREA proceed?
Firstly, we schedule a video call. Explaining our available samples face-to-face is the most efficient way to quickly achieve the results the customer desires. While some customers may feel uncomfortable with video calls, most who decline do so because they are not confident about this business, and even if we proceed in writing without a call, they often drop the project midway.
After explaining the overall process through the video call, we provide a Product Brief that organizes detailed information about the product category, direction, concept, and target consumer group that the customer was not able to clearly express. If the customer agrees to proceed with sampling based on this information, we start product development in collaboration with manufacturers that match the customer’s preferences and product category.
What’s the next step after the sample is ready?
WITH.C KOREA does not immediately request feedback from the customer as soon as the sample is produced.
We first check internally to ensure it aligns with the desired direction, and if necessary, request re-sampling for a second or third round.
Multiple rounds of sampling do not always guarantee the desired results, but going through this coordination process helps balance between the best product the lab can produce and the customer’s ideals. Additionally, when we receive feedback based on selected samples, the process proceeds more efficiently.
Below is an example of products from a recent customer who hoped for solo business and the Product Brief provided based on it.
Generally, labs only provide samples and do not provide detailed information about how the product was improved or what ingredients were used.
However, this information is crucial for the customer, and WITH.C KOREA provides a concise Product Brief based on it.
Once the sample is confirmed, it is necessary to coordinate the production schedule and prepare documents that comply with the customer’s country regulations. Although the customer must directly handle the mandatory certification and registration, WITH.C KOREA provides active support for this. It is usually best to complete document preparation and registration within the agreed production schedule. The storage period for finished products varies by manufacturer, and in some cases, warehouse fees may be charged.
Although I have briefly explained the product launch process in writing, in reality, a lot of effort from both the customer and us goes into each product. Therefore, WITH.C KOREA does not merely mechanically perform the customer’s requests but also considers each product’s unique selling points and suggests suitable packaging. Every single effort leads to good products, and good products lead to the customer’s quick success.
If starting a cosmetics business on your own feels daunting, I recommend talking to WITH.C KOREA first. WITH.C KOREA will work with you to think through your ideas and suggest the best direction to make them a reality. Take the first step in branding with WITH.C KOREA!