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
Bottled private label orders (16 oz, 32 oz, 1 gallon) ship in 10–15 business days; 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums ship in 5–10. 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.
