Every custom OEM product can leave the factory in one of two ways: in bulk, for you to pack and label yourself, or as finished retail packs carrying your brand. Neither is better in general. The right choice depends on your volumes, your timeline and whether you can pack in your own market.
What each option means
Bulk supply means the capsules, softgels or tablets are shipped unpacked in sealed food-grade bags inside cartons. You bottle, pouch or blister them after delivery and apply your own label.
Finished private label packs means we pack the product into bottles, blisters, sachets or pouches with your artwork, so the goods arrive ready to sell.
Side-by-side comparison
| Bulk supply | Finished private label packs | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Lower: no packaging materials, printing or packing labour from us, and less freight volume | Higher: includes packaging, printing and packing |
| Time to first shipment | Shorter: no artwork approval or packaging production | Longer: design and packaging are approved before production |
| Design flexibility | High: change labels or pack sizes at any time | Fixed per production run |
| Work on your side | You pack, label and keep batch records | None after delivery |
| Best suited to | Brands with packing capacity, several pack sizes or markets, or a design still in progress | Brands without packing facilities, or selling direct from the shipment |
When bulk makes sense
- You already work with a packer in your market, or pack in-house.
- You sell the same product in several pack sizes, languages or countries.
- Your label is not final, or you expect to change it.
- You want to keep the first order small and the cost per unit low.
Bulk also removes the slowest part of many first projects, which is the back-and-forth on packaging design and artwork approval.
When finished packs make sense
- You have no packing site and no contract packer.
- Goods go straight from the port to a fulfilment centre or to customers.
- Your design is settled and you order the same pack repeatedly.
What to check before ordering bulk
- Local rules on repacking. In many markets, repacking food or supplements must be done in a registered or approved facility. Confirm this with your importer or packer.
- Batch traceability. Each pack you produce should carry a batch number that links back to the bulk batch and its Certificate of Analysis.
- Storage after opening. Softgels and capsules are sensitive to heat and humidity. Keep opened bulk bags sealed, cool and dry.
- Shelf life. Ask for the production date and shelf life of the bulk batch, and set the expiry date on your packs from that.
Not sure which way to go? Tell us your quantity, target market and whether you can pack locally, and we will recommend the option that fits. See the dosage forms we supply: softgels, hard capsules, tablets and chewable candy tablets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with bulk and move to finished packs later?
Yes. Many brands take bulk for the first orders while they test the market, then switch to finished packs once the design and volumes are settled. The product specification stays the same.
Is every OEM product available in bulk?
Yes. All of our custom OEM products can be supplied in bulk. Ask our sales team how a specific product is packed for bulk shipment.
What do I need in order to pack bulk product myself?
A clean, suitable packing site or a contract packer in your market, your own bottles or pouches and labels, and a process for recording batch numbers so each pack can be traced back to the bulk batch.
