Starting a product based business: a cheat sheet of suppliers
Written by Elizabeth Vince
As I launched Fulfilled (my refillable vegan hair and body care brand), I built up resources and suppliers along the way. I wanted to share in case it’s of any help to you.
Trademark lawyer - If the brand is really important to your business, might be worth trademarking it. All in, including IPO and lawyer fees, it was about £1000 but potentially the best investment you might make in your brand! I recommend Ward Trademarks.
Design app - whether its a poster or an Instagram post, if you have at least half an eye for design then you can do it yourself with the Canva app. Its £9.99 monthly subscription.
Accountant - I’ve been recommended female-founded Zyla Accountants. Contact suzy@zyla.accountants. Their fees seem to be on par and sometimes a bit less than other accountants. They can help get you incorporated and do your year end accounts, VAT, bookkeeping etc even if you have a software like Xero.
Website/app walkthroughs - I haven't used this yet but I’ve been recommended Record it app. Can be used as nice content for social.
Royal Mail Click and Drop - if you need to send a physical product and are starting with a low order quantity, just simply create a RM Click & Drop account with Royal Mail. Someone at RM suggested I to use my personal email address for this and then when I am ready for a fully fledged business account (when you can pay on a monthly invoice basis) I will use my business email. I print the labels at home using a regular printer using these A4 sheets of labels which are the right size for RM.
Eco-friendly packaging filler - check out VoidFill
Recycled business stationary - Jam Jar printing have good price and print quality.
Stickers for branding packaging etc - Discount Sticker printing has a good range of sizes and materials and good price.
Cardboard packaging/shipping boxes - Check out South West Packaging and ask for Abi. They can also use recycled board if required.
I've gone through the time and effort to research a lot of options to get to the above so it may just save you that time too! Good luck!