This week on The Unbottled Podcast, host Mark Bryant breaks down one of the most important — and most misunderstood — concepts in supplement manufacturing: the MOQ (minimum order quantity). Mark explains why fixed manufacturing costs make MOQs so critical to your per-bottle price, the difference between an MOQ and a minimum order value, and why "hero ingredients" can push your minimum order up (or down). He also covers tiered pricing, when a manufacturer might flex on their stated MOQ, the real purpose of a test batch, and the hidden risks of chasing the lowest possible MOQ — including a cautionary story about a brand that got more than it bargained for. Plus: practical tips for testing a product idea at home before you ever approach a manufacturer, and why being upfront with your manufacturer about where you really are in your journey can save everyone time and money.

• A lot of people ask “How do I find a good supplement manufacturer? Or What makes the best supplement manufacturer?” But just as important is the question “How do I get a supplement manufacturer to take on my project?"

  This episode of The Unbottled Podcast is full of tips and tricks gathered from Mark's over 25 years of experience in the supplement manufacturing space to help you get your project picked up by a reputable supplement contract manufacturer.

  
  

  Chapters:00:00:42 - Finalize Your Formula00:03:12 - Define Your Volume And Packaging Needs00:04:16 - Fixed Costs00:05:13 - What Should My Gross Margin Be?00:06:36 - At What Point Is A Margin Too Small?00:08:12 - Packaging Needs00:10:00 - Present Your Project00:11:03 - What Is The Absolute Minimum Your Manufacturer Should Know?00:12:10 - Target Audience And Distribution Channels00:12:55 - What Does Mark See As An Ideal Presentation?00:16:25 - What Questions Should I Be Asking My Manufacturer?00:16:42 - How Do I Know That My Manufacturer Is Making The Product That They Say They Are Making?00:19:14 - What Are The Standard Contracts To Have In Place With A Manufacturer?00:19:55 - What Questions Can I Ask A Manufacturer To Ensure That I Am Not Getting Gouged On Price?00:20:56 - What Projects Are Not A Good Fit For Mark?00:26:31 - I Have Been Told That My MOQs Are To Low. What can I do?00:30:33 - I Need Help Finalizing My Formula. Is It Appropriate To Call A Manufacturer And Get Help From Them?
  

  
  

  
  

In episode one, Mark Bryant, Vice President of Business Development at Canyonside Labs, a supplement manufacturer out of Twin Falls, Idaho, lays out the topics that will be addressed in future episodes–from "Why materials are used in formulas?" to "How you should choose a manufacturer?"