subject: Ingredient Switching [print this page] Ingredient Switching Ingredient Switching
Beware of bait-and-switch techniques that can have disastrous consequences on your business, brand and reputation. How does this work? Suppliers or private label supplement manufacturers may bait you with a convincing list of quality or branded ingredients received from certified suppliers. Once the agreement is signed and your order is secured, these manufacturers switch high-quality or branded ingredients with ones that are less expensive. Part of the bait tactics may include delivering the perfect batch on your initial order and then switching ingredients when you re-order.
Such was the case when the manufacturer of a high-quality, extremely well-researched algae-based calcium supplement discreetly switched their main calcium ingredient with a cheaper one. The cheaper ingredient was not branded, nor did it have any scientific support to back up its efficacy. Moreover, retailers and consumers were left completely clueless. Consumers who spent a hefty price for a superior product, were in reality, taking an inferior form of calcium that had no supported efficacy and may have cost the manufacturer about one-fifth of the cost of the branded calcium ingredient.1
Manufacturers can make huge profits this way. No doubt, times are hard and the new cGMPs have come a long way during a time of recession when many private label manufacturers have already been hit hard. For some private label supplement manufacturers, the obvious thing would be to switch branded ingredients with generic ones to save on costs and make ends meet. This would be fine if the client was informed and agreed to the switch. But bad habits die hard and some manufacturers wanting to gain more profit can find ways to work around any situation. Switching branded ingredients with non-branded ones is just one way of cutting costs. How can you watch out for private label manufacturers who want to put sub-standard, counterfeit nutrition into your product?
Make sure your private label supplement manufacturer does not switch suppliers without your knowledge and unless you have approved the new supplier.
Make sure you receive all production records which include Certificates of Analysis of raw materials from your private label manufacturer. Under the Standardized Information on Dietary Ingredients (SIDI) protocol, you have every right to ask for such information. The SIDI protocol seeks to "standardize and streamline the communication of information on a raw ingredient from ingredient supplier to manufacturer."2
From time to time, you may want to use a third-party lab analysis for verification.
However, the best option would be to choose a high-quality private label supplement manufacturer who works within a GMP-certified facility. If you are interested in manufacturing science-backed ingredients that offer high efficacy to your consumers, then partnering with private label supplement manufacturers such as Vitacap Labs is a sure way of consistently delivering high-quality products to your customers and retailers. Vitacap Labs does not practice any bait-and-switch tactics and there is no compromise on superior, quality manufacturing standards and processes. In addition, you can mix and match any of our products to meet the minimum order quantity of just 96 bottles! Call us now to speak to one of our knowledgeable service professionals today, or Click Here to request a free quote.
