Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that isn't answered in the FAQ below, please contact us at skincare@prestoninc.net or by phone toll-free at 1.800.766.0375; one of our representatives would be happy to assist you!
MINIMUMS
Are there Minimum Order Requirements?
We have low minimum opening order requirements of $500 to help even the smallest business get started with your own "Exclusive Skin Care" brand. We are so confident that you will love our products and personalized label designs that you only need to order 6 units per SKU.
What is the minimum number of pieces per sku?
Minimums are as follows:
- 6 pieces per sku for retail products
- 1 piece per sku for professional sizes
Is there a set up fee?
No.
Can I purchase samples?
Yes. We support your growing business by offering a sample kit.
Can I select a pre-designed label?
Yes. Pre-designed label templates are available. Your company name and website address can be printed on these labels to provide your products a unique upscale image. We print full color on a high quality media that compliments your chosen packaging option. Already, have your own logo or label design? Please see our requirements if you choose to use your own artwork.
Can I add "bar codes" to my labels?
Yes. If you already have been registered and have a bar code, send your info with your purchase order. To obtain your UPC Registration Number, go to www.gs1us.org/ for more information.
Can I use my own artwork designs instead of your pre-designed labels?
Yes! We require a high resolution graphics file preferably eps, ai, or pdf in order to process your order. We will provide you a full color proof for your approval. Once we receive your final approval, the turn around time for the first order is approximately 14-21 days. After initial first order and your information and label are set up in our system, turn around time for future orders is typically 7-10 days.
What if I need help with a logo?
If you do not have your own logo or label design, our In House Graphic Designer will work with you to create a custom design that will help you position your own proprietary brand. Call us for more information.
How do you ship my order?
We use UPS, our most reliable, and cost affective method to ship your products. Freight is additional to the price of the products. We can give you a quote based on the size of your order. Just give us a call.
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Master Card, and business checks with pre-approval. All orders are paid in full at time of shipping. No exchanges, refunds or returns are accepted on any of our products as we consider all orders custom.
What do I do if something is damaged?
Call us as soon as you can. We understand that unforeseen events can happen. We want you, the customer to be 100% satisfied. We will listen to your concerns and do our best to help you solve the problem. We believe in strong relationships =successful business!
MANUFACTURING/TESTING
What kind of product testing to you do?
Our testing can be broken down in several parts. First, we source our raw ingredient from very ethical, well-respected labs. We have access to all their (non-animal) in vitro and in vivo testing on the ingredients--for sensitivity, effectiveness, and so on. Once we create the formulas we do in vivo testing on our team of volunteers--who have a variety of skin types, ethnicities, geographic locations, ages, etc. We gather that data and adjust formulation as needed to come up with a product that meets our goals. That process can take over a year, depending on the results of the tests. Or it can take as little as a few months for simple products (like our bath bon bons, for example). Once that's done, we begin microbiological testing of the product, ensuring its stability under temperature extremes, ability to effectively handle introduced pathogens, etc. That process is usually about two months. After that, we do periodic tests of our control batches to ensure that over time product is remaining stable.
Do you test on animals?
We test our products on human volunteers, not other animals. In addition, we use vegetable-derived replacements for ingredients that are traditionally animal-based.
QUALITY
I've heard that private label products don't have the same quality as branded lines.
This is a long-standing myth in our industry. As with branded lines, certainly there is a wide range of quality in private label lines and you need to evaluate suppliers to find the ones that meet your requirements. Some are less finely formulated, others are of extremely high quality and efficacy. What many people don't realize is that some of the high-performance branded lines we perceive as being of better quality are in fact manufactured by private label companies-companies that offer you similar quality and sophisticated state-of-the-art formulas while helping you build your brand. You do get what you pay for; in the case of branded products, often what you're paying for is a costly advertising and marketing campaign, extra packaging, "free" shipping, "free" bags, "free" samples and "free" marketing materials.
How are your products formulated to deliver active ingredients?
The products generally are absorbed into the dermis because they are small molecules in solution. You will notice that when the skin is dry, or just freshly cleansed, that it absorbs creams very quickly. The emulsion nature of creams and lotions allow for very good absorption, right out of the base. The oil phase carries oil-soluble actives, and the water phase carries water-soluble actives. We have actives that are protected by something like Vitamin E, or are mixed into the oil phase by homogenisation, which manufactures super-small micellar structures, giving a tight oil-in-water emulsion. This is more stable than the normal mixing process. The actives are sealed in the inner phase, allowing them to remain stable for a long time.
ORDERING
Do you offer sample or travel sizes?
Yes, we offer both. Our samples come in foil blister packs, and each piece carries your logo. Our travel sizes range from 1/4 ounce to 1 ounce, and again, each piece is labeled with your logo.
How do I choose what products to start with?
Your Preston Private Label Account Representative will be glad to help you with this. We will ask you questions about your business and your clientele, then make recommendations.
What is the average size of a starting line?
This is variable. Some of our clients are starting out and have tight budgets, others are well-established and carry a good portion of the line. When you are launching your brand, having a basic regimen for each skin type-cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum and exfoliant-is advised. This will allow customers access to your brand, and start to build loyalty. As sales grow and higher margins provide more buying power, you can add on.
TIMELINES
I'm opening my doors in three weeks and want to have my products in the shelf. Is that possible?
While we will make every effort to get product to you as quickly as possible, we require your sign-off on label mockups before we will go to print. The process of getting your logo, sending you mockups, allowing for adjustments and then fulfilling your order typically takes a minimum of one month, and can take longer depending on the design. What's most important is creating an accurate, beautiful look for your brand.
How long does the label design process take?
This is a highly variable process. If you have a logo ready to go in JPEG, TIFF or EPS format that we can plug into our existing label template using the standard design model, we can be ready to set up and print your labels in as little as a week or two. If you have a more complex label design in mind or don't have a logo ready to go, the process can take longer. We will always do our best to set appropriate expectations and your account representative will ensure that the process moves forward as quickly as possible.
Once I've got an approved label, how long will it generally take
for my orders to arrive?
Because we produce our products for a wide variety of brands, we don't stock pre-labeled product. We ask that you allow twp weeks from time of order for us to select your products, print and apply labels, and deliver them to you. Our experience has been that orders will frequently arrive sooner, and clients simply re-adjust their ordering strategy to accommodate the lead time. We always strive to provide product as quickly as possible, and you may select faster shipping options to reduce time to your door.
Why are Preston Private Label shipping times longer
than other suppliers?
Unlike other private label providers, the product we ship to you is fully custom labeled (with your logo, website information, phone number), not pre-screened packages to which you affix a sticker. We carefully apply all labels for you, saving you time and effort. The printing and labeling process requires some extra time on our end. Our unique printing process allows us to provide you with a fully custom look without the large minimums typically required.
What about rush orders?
Due to the labeling required, we always recommend planning ahead so you'll have stock on hand. Nevertheless, emergencies happen and if you let us know what you need we will do our best to get it to you right away.
PACKAGING/LABELING
Can I use my own packaging?
Our manufacturing machinery and label templates are all calibrated specifically for our packaging. As such, we only use our standard packaging. However, we have have four distinct packaging options for you to choose from, allowing to you create the product colllection that best fits your marketing concept.
Are there any packaging options?
Yes. In addition to the four different packaging choices, we can enclose packaging in boxes for a small upcharge per piece. Ask your account representative for details.
Will you make labels for my other non-Preston products?
We only make labels for Preston products.
Can you help me design my label?
We are happy to provide you with the names of several excellent designers who have worked with us on labels and can help you create a beautiful design. Logos and label designs must be complete when we receive them in our layout department.
What colors can I use on my labels?
We use a printing process that will allow us to use a almost any color, with the exception of metallics. We can use photographs or colorful logos. You can specify up to 10 Pantone spot colors if they are used in your existing logo, and we will create the closest match possible.
Does the product ship with labels already applied?
Yes. All you need to do is price them and put them on your shelves.
Can I change the names of the products?
Yes, you can. This is one of the most wonderful things about our labeling process, as it allows you to create names that tie in with your own environment and services.
Can I change the product descriptions on the products?
Yes, you can. This is beneficial when you change the product names as well, creating a completely unique product that your customers can only buy from you!
What kinds of designs work best on your labels?
Labels with good contrast of dark/light colors and a fair amount of white space will have the cleanest, crispest result. Heavy, dark ink coverage or tone on tone designs may not reproduce as well. Overall, simpler is better, and tends to have better shelf appeal. Our graphics requirements document will give you or your designer very detailed information on label design.
