A private label product is made for sale under a buyer’s brand. It commonly starts from a supplier’s existing product platform, then adds agreed specifications, packaging, artwork or market requirements for that buyer.
Define the approved product
The product file should identify the formula or construction, materials, dimensions, tolerances, colour, packaging, artwork and claims. The supplier and buyer also need a written rule for substitutions and engineering changes.
| Area | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Reference | Approved sample, specification and revision |
| Brand assets | Artwork, trademark use and packaging files |
| Compliance | Tests, declarations, labels and destination-market requirements |
| Production | Approved factory, inspection plan and change control |
Private label versus white label
Private label usually gives the buyer a product or presentation reserved for its brand. White label usually allows the same base product to be sold to several brands with limited changes. The contract and specification decide the actual arrangement.
Related terms
private label sourcing, private label manufacturing, white label product, product specification sheet.
