5 F神话和acts About Private Label ProductsGet to know the myths and current realities surrounding private label products.

BySteve Tan

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The private label business model has been around for decades. And just as business trends have shifted due to technological changes, economic changes and changes in consumer behavior, private labeling has also evolved over the years — especially these past few years.

If you plan on pursuing a private label business, make sure yours is founded on facts. Let's explore the misconceptions surrounding private labels and debunk them with the reality of the current times.

Myth 1: All private labels are inferior in quality

Though this claim used to have some basis, it doesn't hold true for all private-label brands anymore. Gone are the days when knock-offs comprised most of the private-label goods sold in physical and digital stores. Today, high quality andpremium private labelsare the trend.

During economic downturns,consumers typically opt to buy private label products— a trend that was particularly evident during the coronavirus pandemic. Consumers turned to private label products mainly because of supply shortages in consumer packaged goods (CPG). This shift also goes to show how well private label products can fare against their more popular counterparts.

一个dditionally, because consumers are now more conscious of their buying decisions, most private label distributors have become more conscious of the quality of their offerings — even if it means higher sourcing costs.

Fact:Most private label products have impressive quality. In some cases, they can even be of a comparable caliber to larger national brands.

Myth 2: Private label products are cheaper than their national brand counterparts

Private label brands usually spend less on manufacturing and marketing, which is why they can keep their retail prices to a minimum. However, some private label products aren't exactly affordable. These include items that have undergone rigorous customizations or were made with premium materials, naturally resulting in higher prices.

Plus, many private label brands are investing more in marketing and customer service to be on par with big brands, strengthening their brand equity. This allows them to command competitive prices, even amid well-established competitors.

Fact:Not all private label products are cheap. Some brands are stepping up their game so that they can price their products more competitively.

Related:How to Start a Private Labeling eCommerce Side Hustle Business on Amazon FBA

Myth 3: Only huge retailers can sell private label goods

This is not the case anymore. While there are large-scale manufacturers that only accept bulk orders from huge retailers, more manufacturers are now teaming up with small businesses to produce goods in small batches.

Small-scale production can actually have plenty of benefits. For one, it allows manufacturers to use superior materials without the risk of expensive dead stock. As for retailers, they can position their products as limited editions that can be priced at a premium.

Fact:More manufacturers are willing to work with small businesses these days.

Myth 4: Private labeling requires orders of large quantities

Mass production is a common method used by private label manufacturers. But as mentioned in the previous section, a shift in consumer behavior gave rise to more manufacturers decreasing their minimum order quantity (MOQ).

Plus, with the growing number of business owners opting for the dropshipping model, some suppliers do not impose any MOQ requirement at all. Dropshippers will only have to invest a little more in customizing their product packaging, and they can run their business without risks of surplus inventory lying around.

Related:5 Surefire Ways to Lessen Risks in Dropshipping

In some cases, ordering huge quantities can help retailers maximize profitability. But if you haven't strategized a strong and profitable market position yet, then it might be best to start with a smaller inventory.

Fact:Some private label manufacturers accept small order volumes. Others may also accommodate a dropshipping setup where you pay for products only after they've been sold.

Myth 5: Every business will reap more benefits when they switch to private labeling

一个s appealing as private labeling can be, it isn't the best setup for everyone. For instance, hand tools and fastening tools can be sold without any fancy labels. Consumers won't care what brand their nails and bolts are — they just need them to work.

一个lso, entrepreneurs have to consider the significant amount of work (and resources) that goes into private labeling. Especially now with an ever-expanding range of products in the market, businesses have to work with a robust marketing strategy and aim for product differentiation to ensure survival.

Fact:私人标签并不能保证巨额利润。一个s with any business venture, it takes a good amount of resources and expertise to yield significant revenue.

Conclusion

The changing economic climate and shifts in consumer behavior have changed the trends in private labeling. And with consumers being more receptive to private label products, it's safe to say that this business model now has fewer barriers toward entry.

Private labeling comes with its set of risks and challenges. If you want to succeed in this industry, you should arm yourself with a strategy that can help you make a mark and stand strong against other brands.

Related:5 Ecommerce Secrets the "Experts' Aren't Willing to Share With You

Steve Tan

CEO of LeapVista

一个serial entrepreneur with over 14 years of ecommerce experience, Steve Tan has founded several startups. Tan is also the CEO of LeapVista, an education company that offers transformative mentoring and world-class ecommerce education.

Related Topics

Thought Leaders

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read Before Starting a Business

一个selection of books that helped me found and scale a startup from a $10,000 line of credit to a billion-dollar business

Business News

KFC Has Been Dethroned as No. 2 Chicken Chain in the U.S. — Here's Who Took Its Spot

一个viral chicken sandwich led to an increase in market share.

Business News

Drew Barrymore's Writers Are Not Returning Amid Controversy, Despite End of Strike

The new season is slated to return to air on October 16.

Business News

'We Don't Sleep Well Anymore': Airbnb Host Grapples With 'Tenant From Hell' Who Refuses to Leave

一个n Airbnb guest rented a guesthouse for a long-term stay in 2021 but has since remained in the unit for over 540 days — without paying rent.

Business News

'This Is a Serious Problem': Mr. Beast Slams AI Deepfake Asking Fans to Donate Money to Win a New iPhone

The influencer's likeness was used without his permission in a fake contest advertisement encouraging fans to donate $2 to win an iPhone 15.

Business News

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Accusing Wendy's and McDonald's of Size Exaggeration in Ads

The judge wondered if the plaintiff had even seen the advertisements in question.