Choosing a private label supplier feels like a huge risk. A wrong choice can mean lost money and a damaged brand reputation. Let’s ensure you ask the right questions first.

To properly vet a supplier, you must ask about their PBT material quality, curl manufacturing process, MOQ for private labeling, production lead times, shipping policies, and payment terms. These questions reveal their true capabilities and reliability as a partner for your brand.

As someone who works with lash entrepreneurs like Sophie every day, I’ve seen the hesitation and the tough questions that come with building a brand from scratch. A great supplier relationship is a partnership, and it starts with clear communication. These 20 questions are the exact ones I recommend asking. They act as a blueprint for a successful partnership and help prevent those painful surprises down the line. Let’s get started.

First, What Should You Ask About Material and Manufacturing?

You’ve seen beautiful product photos online, but will the actual lashes match? Inconsistent quality can destroy your clients’ trust in a single appointment. Know what to ask about the product itself before you commit.

Ask about the grade and origin of their PBT material. Inquire about their curl-setting process, quality control checks, and how they ensure color consistency. These details reveal the true quality and performance of the final product you’ll be selling.

Dive Deeper: The Foundation of a Premium Product

These questions get to the heart of what makes a lash tray great. The answers separate a true manufacturing partner from a simple reseller. A confident supplier will be transparent about their processes because they are proud of the quality they produce. I remember a client who switched to us because her previous supplier’s D curls would relax into C curls within a week—a classic sign of a rushed, single-heat manufacturing process. Your questions should force the supplier to prove their commitment to excellence. For example, when you ask about PBT origin, you’re not just asking about a location; you’re asking about their commitment to using superior raw materials, as top-tier PBT often comes from Korea. Don’t be afraid to dig deep. Your brand’s reputation is built on this foundation.

Here are the first five essential questions and what to look for in an answer:

Next, What Should You Ask About Customization and Your Brand?

You have a beautiful vision for your brand, but can the supplier bring it to life? Low MOQs seem appealing, but hidden limitations can trap you with a product that doesn’t feel like your own.

Clarify what their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) includes. Ask about design support, packaging options, and lead times specifically for custom orders. Always request samples of their previous private label work to see their quality firsthand.

Dive Deeper: Bringing Your Vision to Life

This is where your brand identity takes shape. A great private label partner acts as an extension of your team. Their ability to deliver on your vision is just as important as the quality of the lashes themselves. When you ask about their MOQ, you need to understand the full picture. Does that MOQ apply to one specific curl and length, or can you mix and match? Are there extra fees for logo printing or box design? I work closely with brand owners like Sophie who have a very specific aesthetic. She needs a supplier who can deliver not just a product, but a complete package that reflects her brand’s premium positioning. Vague answers here are a major red flag. A good supplier should be able to provide a clear, itemized quote and a portfolio of past work that showcases their capabilities in bringing other brands to market.

Here are the questions to ensure your brand’s vision is executed flawlessly:

Then, What Should You Ask About Logistics and Payment?

Your products are finally ready, but now they are stuck in customs. Or, a surprise wire transfer fee eats into your profit margin. Unclear logistics and payment terms can cause major headaches and delays.

Get a clear timeline for production and shipping. Ask about available shipping methods, their experience with your country’s customs, and what payment terms they offer. Clarity here prevents costly delays and financial surprises.

Dive Deeper: Securing Your Supply Chain

Logistics are the unglamorous but critical final step in the process. A supplier can make the best lashes in the world, but if they can’t get them to you efficiently and affordably, the partnership won’t work. As a Canadian business owner, Sophie’s biggest pain points are often shipping delays and unexpected customs fees. That’s why asking a potential supplier about their experience with shipping to North America is crucial. Do they have preferred carriers? Are they familiar with the required paperwork? Furthermore, their lead time is your planning timeline. A supplier that gives you a realistic 15-20 day production window is more trustworthy than one who promises an unrealistic 5 days. Clear communication about payment is also vital. Asking about accepted methods and if they offer terms like a 30% deposit and 70% upon completion protects both parties.

These questions will help you build a reliable and predictable supply chain:

Finally, What Should You Ask About Partnership and Support?

The product is great and it arrived on time, but what happens when there’s an issue? If your sales rep is unresponsive or you discover a quality issue later, a lack of support can cripple your business.

Ask about their process for handling order issues. Find out who your dedicated contact will be and inquire about their policy on samples versus bulk order quality. A strong partner stands by their product.

Dive Deeper: Building a Long-Term Relationship

This final set of questions is about gauging their commitment to you as a long-term partner. Inefficient communication is a major pain point for many lash salon owners I talk to. You need a dedicated sales representative who understands your account and responds in a timely manner. Ask them about this directly. Another huge concern is quality discrepancies between samples and the final delivered product. A reputable supplier should be able to confidently state that their bulk order quality will match the sample, and they should have a clear process for what happens if it doesn’t. Asking about their willingness to send new product samples shows their commitment to innovation and helping you grow. This isn’t just a transaction; it’s the start of a relationship that should help your business thrive.

Use these questions to gauge if they will be a true partner to your business:

Conclusion

Asking these questions transforms you from a simple buyer into a prepared business partner. It builds a foundation of transparency and trust, ensuring your private label journey starts on solid ground.