Most people assume starting a chemical brand takes a factory, a chemist and six figures. It actually takes a logo and a first order measured in cases. Here's what the real costs look like when you launch through a private label manufacturer.
$10: test the product
Start with 16 oz samples at $10 each. Spray the degreaser on a filthy grill, mop a floor with the neutral cleaner, wash a load with the laundry detergent. You're about to put your name on these — make them earn it first.
$0: your label design
If you order through us, label design is handled by our in-house graphic designers — send your logo, or have a brand built from scratch. No agency invoice, no $2,000 branding package before you've sold a single bottle.
Your first order: cases, not pallets
Every product page lists its minimum, and they're intentionally low — 32 oz bottles come by the case, and gallons, pails and drums carry low bottle minimums. A realistic starter lineup for a janitorial or home cleaning brand is three to five products in one or two sizes. At case pricing most gallons run $8 to $10, so a serious multi-product first order often lands in the hundreds of dollars, not the tens of thousands.
What you're selling it for
The branded equivalents our gallons replace sell for $15 to $17 a gallon at retail. Your margin is the difference, and cleaning chemicals are consumable — the same customer buys again next month. That's the whole model: modest first order, recurring revenue.
The hidden costs that aren't hidden here
Formulation? Already done — proven stock formulas, with custom blending available if you have your own. Bottling? Our 4 automated lines handle it. Compliance labeling, printing, application? Included in the process. Freight is your main variable, shipping from Anaheim, California nationwide.
Timeline
From artwork approval, most orders ship in 2 to 3 weeks — janitorial and home products often in about 2. You could realistically go from idea to sellable branded product in under a month.
Run your own numbers: every product and price is on the price list & catalog, the janitorial line is here, and if you want a human to walk you through it, give us a call.
