Here’s a practical checklist of what to think about before starting your product development journey.
1. Ingredients & Formulation
Your formula is the heart of your product.
Do you have a hero or special ingredient in mind? Think botanicals, actives, or trending ingredients that will define your range.
Will you be supplying your own actives, or should we source them?
Are there any “free from” or certification needs? Vegan, cruelty-free, organic, palm-oil-free, RSPO… knowing your non-negotiables from the start is key.
2. Target Market & Positioning
Who will love your product most?
Who is your customer? Age, gender, lifestyle, and location all shape product direction.
What problem are you solving for them? Is it dry skin, sustainable packaging, luxury gifting, or something else?
Where does your product sit in the market? Luxe, masstige, pharmacy, everyday value, your positioning determines everything from ingredients to margins.
3. Price Point & Volume
Your numbers set the guardrails.
What retail price are you aiming for? This guides formulation, packaging, and design decisions.
What cost-per-unit are you comfortable with? Be clear on the balance between quality and affordability.
How many units do you need to start? Minimum order quantities (MOQs) matter, but so does forecasting growth.
4. Packaging & Design
The first impression matters as much as the product inside.
Do you have a packaging style in mind? Eco-friendly, minimalist, colourful, luxe, your packaging should match your brand personality.
Will you need something off-the-shelf, or custom-designed? Lead times and costs vary depending on your choice.
Do you need help with compliance and artwork? We can guide you through label regulations and design execution.
5. Markets & Distribution
Where and how you sell shapes how your product is made.
Will you be selling locally or exporting? Compliance differs by region, so knowing this early is essential.
Do you need to meet global standards? Think EU Cosmetics Regulation, FDA, or TGA in Australia.
Where will you sell? Online, wholesale, retail chains, duty-free, subscription boxes – each channel has different requirements.
6. Timelines & Future Plans
Think beyond launch day.
When are you hoping to launch? Backwards planning helps us hit your deadlines.
Is this a single product or a full range? A hero SKU can grow into a collection over time.
Do you have plans for line extensions? Thinking ahead makes scaling easier and more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Every great product starts with a great brief. Asking yourself these questions upfront means that when you sit down with us, we can move quickly from idea to reality.
Ready to bring your soap concept to life? Get in touch with us today.
