Brand ownership without owning the factory · From sample to reorder
Private label launch checklist
The operating sequence: landed cost, supplier, sample, packaging, identifiers, listing, first stock and reorder point.
Key facts
| 1. Unit economics | Model landed cost, fees, ads and returns before choosing a price |
|---|---|
| 2. Supplier | Verify the entity, capability and payment terms |
| 3. Sample | Approve a golden sample against a written specification |
| 4. Compliance | Check labels, tests and responsible-person requirements |
| 5. Packaging | Approve the dieline, barcode placement and shipping protection |
| 6. Identifiers | Assign GTINs and create the catalog mapping |
| 7. Stock | Plan the first order, freight and storage |
| 8. Reorder | Set a reorder point based on lead time and sales velocity |
| Official source | Your product specification, supplier contract and marketplace policy |
Do not order stock before the listing economics work
A product can pass quality checks and still lose money after referral fees, fulfillment, ads and returns. Model the net payout per unit before committing to the MOQ.
Include the cash conversion cycle: you pay the supplier and freight before the marketplace pays you. A profitable unit can still create a cash shortage.
The reorder point is part of the launch
Lead time, inspection, freight and marketplace receiving all add weeks. If you wait for zero stock to reorder, the listing goes out of stock and loses ranking.
Set a reorder point with a safety buffer and review it after the first sell-through. The right number is based on actual velocity, not the supplier's promise.
Frequently asked questions
How much stock should the first order be?
Enough to test demand without tying up all your cash. The MOQ and the landed cost per unit set the floor; the sales assumption sets the ceiling.
When should I reorder?
When remaining stock covers the supplier lead time plus freight, receiving and a safety buffer. Review the point after the first sell-through.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.