FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – BULK & WHOLESALE
Reading through our Frequently asked questions will answer a lot of questions and hopefully give you a better idea of how we can assist your needs. A lot of this info is included in our brochure as well, but we found that most people go right to the pricing, so we wanted to attach our FAQ here as well.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. What is our bulk/wholesale program?
Our bulk/wholesale program is made for clients that need raw ingredients and formulations in bulk with no retail packaging. We work with many private labelers, spas, hotels and bulk end users that need products to use specially on there clients or in production efforts that they have. This program provides the same great custom formulations that our private label division gets but without the retail packaging.
2. What is the Minimum Order Quantity?
There is no minimum to buy in bulk but our wholesale pricing starts at 250 pounds or 25 gallons. So, technically you could order less than 250 pounds, but the pricing will not have the bulk division discount applied. In many cases, you will be able to purchase smaller quantities directly from our website depending on what you need.
3. What’s included in the price?
In general, our pricing will include everything but shipping. So, we will help you create an amazing formula and will packaging it for shipping in bulk packaging such as buckets, drums, super sacks, or truckloads. If you let us know where the product will be shipped, we can quote this as well.
4. What are your payment terms?
Our current payment terms are: Orders that are less than $5000 will require full payment upfront when placing orders. Orders that are over $5000 will require a 50% deposit with the remaining balance due upon order completion.
5. Can I order products with retail packaging?
Of course, this is called private labeling. We have a separate division that deals with private-label products. No problem at all. Send us an email with your needs and we will let you know how we can assist. Also, search our website for the private label section to read the FAQ for that division and also see pricing.
6. How long has Midwest Sea Salt been in business?
We have been in business since 2005. Over the years we have grown to be one of the largest bath & body private labelers in The United States because of our commitment to our client’s success. We also have thousands of businesses in the service industry that need great formulations in bulk with no retail packaging. We make great formulas and products so you can succeed thus furthering the growth and expansion of not only our company but yours as well.
7. What cost can I expect bulk/wholesale to start at?
This is a hard question to answer but in general bulk projects on the low end start at around $350 on the low end and can go up from there. This will vary depending on what you need. Reach out and we can get a specific number based on your needs.
8. What if I cannot meet the Minimum Order Quantity right now?
No worries at all. Everyone must start somewhere. In some cases, you will be able to find smaller quantities on our website. If you cannot meet the minimum order quantity to get wholesale pricing, we can still make the product for you, but the cost would be a little higher depending on the product and your needs. Reach out about your specific needs and we will let you know how we can assist.
9. How large is The Midwest Sea Salt Company and what are your capabilities?
This is a great question. We are a full-service custom manufacturer. Not only do we have a great production staff, but you will also be supported by 4 chemists, project managers, quality control engineers, and procurement sourcing experts. All of this is paired with 7 fully automated production lines. When it comes down to it, the people in our facility are the key to our success. We all care about each product that leaves our facility. We have grown so large because of word of mouth. We strive to be your best option for bath & body products. Regarding capabilities, we run a tight ship heavy with automation. On average, we complete and ship 32 million private label units a year with the capability to push that to 60 million with no additional capital expenditures. On the bulk side, we ship more than 40 million pounds of bulk custom products yearly.
FORMULATIONS
1. How do I come up with a formula?
We make this process super simple. Give us as many details as you have about the ingredients you would like in your product. We will take this info and fill in any missing ingredients or details to come up with your ingredient deck. So, you can have the entire ingredient deck or just an idea of the product with no ingredient details and we will assist with the formula.
2. Can you use my formulation?
Of course. If you have a formulation or ingredient deck, you can send this to us. We will confirm that we can recreate the formula and we will make it to spec.
3. Can I modify your formulas and ingredients
Yes, you certainly can modify existing stock formulations of our retail products. Customizing your products will help provide a unique and individual branding opportunity since a unique product will help you stand out from the competition.
4. What if I don’t see a product I am looking for?
We absolutely can formulate and manufacture products other than those listed. We have accumulated an extensive library of formulations consisting of thousands of products. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact us, as we most likely can create a product formulation to suit your needs.
5. Can you replicate an established product?
In most cases, we can. In this instance, we would ask that you send us a sample. Our formulators will assess our ability to recreate the product and will let you know if we think the project is a good fit for our abilities.
6. Can you create natural or organic products?
Yes. Every project that we work on is custom to your needs. If you need us to use natural or organic ingredients, we can certainly accommodate this.
7. Do you test on animals?
Never. We are a 100% cruelty-free facility.
8. Where can I find the ingredients?
We do not list our ingredients on our pricelist for a reason. We create each ingredient deck based on your needs. You are not tied to using a specific formula. Tell us what you need, and we will create an ingredient deck around your needs.
9. Can you provide COA and MSDS sheets?
Yes, we can give you MSDS sheets and COAs for every product that we make for you.
SAMPLES
1. Can I order samples?
Yes, you can order samples. As a company, we do not have formulation fees. So, if we think we can make a product we do not charge you for formulating the product to assess our ability to make it for you. We do charge a sampling fee once we have assessed that we can make the product and are ready to send it to you. Our sampling fee starts at $25 and will depend on the product and quantity needed. Inquire about samples to see the cost of your specific needs. The sampling fee does include shipping as well.
ORDERS
1. How do I place an order?
It’s as simple as emailing us your ideas. In that email let us know the products, quantity, and packaging you are interested in, and we will give you pricing specific to what you are looking for. Every project is unique, so we provide customized proposals based on your needs.
2. I’m worried about people finding out I use The Midwest Sea Salt Company to make my products. How is our identity protected?
This is a valid question and one of the reasons that we are so successful. Your identity is of utmost importance. With every order, we will sign and send you a Non-Disclosure Agreement asserting that we will never divulge any client info. No products will ship with our names on them, and our physical production floor is off-limits and non-personal. So, no tours, visits, or walkthroughs are allowed. Our shipments are isolated so even freight companies do not have access to our production floor which houses the most important asset you own… Your Brand Identity. We have you COVERED… literally.
3. Is there any hidden cost?
Everyone hates fees that pop up. We do too. The only additional fee on top of the order will be the freight cost. Unless you change something the pricing on our proposal will not change. We can also give you a freight quote or you may use your shipping carrier. We do not pad shipping costs. What we get charged, we pass on to you.
LOGISTICS & SHIPPING
1. How much does shipping usually cost?
Shipping costs will be different depending on where you are shipping the items to. Let us know your proposed order and address and we can get you a shipping quote. You may also always use your own shipping company to pick up your products from our facility as well.
2. What are your turnaround times?
This will certainly depend on your specific needs and the season but in general bulk product have a 10–20-day lead time from start to finish depending on specific needs of your project.