Last Updated: 7/30/2025
Written By: Sanskriti Pandey (Senior Marketing Analyst)
Reviewed By: Sam Salia (Founder and Pharmacist)
Finding the right supplement manufacturer isn’t just about comparing quotes or browsing product catalogs. It’s about asking the right questions to ensure the partner you choose can support your business, maintain quality, and deliver on time. Whether you're launching a new supplement or scaling an existing line, the following guide will help you navigate those first conversations with supplement manufacturers.
Summit Rx is a full-service contract supplement manufacturer based in the US. By asking the right questions, you protect your brand and avoid costly surprises down the road. Here are the top thirteen questions to ask your supplement manufacturer:
1. Are you a contract manufacturer or a private label manufacturer?
This is one of the most fundamental questions you should ask. A contract manufacturer creates a product based on your custom formula, tailored exactly to your specifications. A private label supplement manufacturer, on the other hand, offers ready-made formulas that you can simply brand as your own.
If you’re planning to launch a unique supplement with a proprietary blend or specific ingredient ratios, a contract manufacturer is likely the better fit. But if you’re testing the waters with minimal investment, a private label product may be a faster and more affordable route. Understanding which category the manufacturer falls under helps align your expectations from the start. As a reputed US supplement manufacturer, we can help with both contract supplement manufacturing and private labeling.
2. What certifications does your facility hold?
Certifications tell you whether a manufacturer takes regulatory compliance and product quality seriously. At minimum, your manufacturer should be GMP-certified — that is, compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices as outlined by the FDA.
Beyond that, depending on your target market, look for certifications such as USDA Organic, NSF, Non-GMO Project Verified, Halal, Kosher, or Gluten-Free. These not only ensure product integrity but also help your brand appeal to specific consumer groups. If a manufacturer cannot produce proof of their certifications, consider it a red flag.
3. Do you offer formulation and product development services?
Not everyone comes in with a lab-ready formula. If you only have a product concept or rough list of ingredients, you’ll need help refining it into something viable and effective.
Ask if the manufacturer offers formulation assistance, ingredient sourcing, dosage optimization, or clinical research insights. An experienced R&D team can help ensure your supplement is safe, effective, and compliant with regulations. This kind of support is especially valuable for brands building custom solutions or targeting specific health concerns. At Summit Rx, our strong R&D department helps create custom samples for your product that allows you to play around with the taste, texture, color, and more before finalization.
4. What are your minimum order quantities?
Minimum order quantities, or MOQs, vary widely across manufacturers. Some may require as few as 500 bottles to start, while others insist on 5,000 or more. MOQs also vary by format — gummies often require higher volumes than capsules or powders due to production constraints.
Be honest about your initial needs and growth plans. If your first run is small, make sure the manufacturer can accommodate you now and scale with you later. Some offer startup programs with lower MOQs to help emerging brands get off the ground. As a low MOQ supplement manufacturer, we can help you with different sizes of projects.
5. How long does production take from start to finish?
Turnaround time can make or break your product launch. Ask for a clear production timeline, starting from formulation approval through to final delivery. This should include ingredient sourcing, lab testing, production, packaging, and shipping.
Keep in mind that lead times vary depending on product complexity, seasonality, and raw material availability. Understanding the schedule ahead of time will help you plan your marketing, inventory, and launch strategy accordingly. Summit Rx has a quick turnaround time of around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of project.
6. Do you handle packaging and labeling?
Some manufacturers provide full-service solutions, including label design, printing, packaging, and compliance reviews. Others may only produce the bulk product and expect you to handle packaging separately.
If you want a turnkey solution, ask if they offer in-house packaging or have partnerships with trusted vendors. Make sure to confirm whether the packaging meets the requirements of major platforms like Amazon FBA or retail distribution. Don’t forget to ask if they check your label for FDA compliance.
7. Will I own the formula if it’s custom-developed?
Ownership of intellectual property is a crucial point — especially if you’re investing time and money in creating a unique formula.
Clarify whether the formula is yours to keep or if the manufacturer retains rights. Ideally, you should retain full ownership of any custom formula developed on your behalf. This allows you to switch manufacturers in the future without losing your product or having to start from scratch.
8. What supplement formats do you specialize in?
Not all manufacturers produce every format. Some may specialize in capsules and powders, while others focus on gummies, softgels, or liquids
Ask about their capabilities and production strengths. For example, if you want to make a probiotic in delayed-release capsules, make sure they have experience with time-release technologies. If you’re launching a hydration powder, find out whether they offer stick packs, sachets, or tubs.
9. Do you offer third-party lab testing?
Third-party testing is a mark of transparency and trust. It ensures that the product meets the label claims and is free from harmful contaminants.
Ask whether the manufacturer offers in-house testing, uses external labs, or can coordinate third-party testing on your behalf. This is especially important if your supplement is being marketed for specific health claims or sold on platforms like Amazon that may require COAs. Ask how they ensure compliance when it comes to manufacturing practices, label claims, and recordkeeping. Summit Rx has dedicated QA/QC personnel to ensure each stage of the entire supplement manufacturing process is double/cross-verified by other qualified personnel. We measure our quality by the result of testing products through a third-party ISO 17025 accredited lab and in-house validated methods.
10. Do you support e-commerce and retail fulfillment requirements?
If you plan to sell online or through major retailers, your manufacturer should be able to meet those channel-specific requirements. Ask if they have experience with Amazon FBA, including label placement, expiration dates, and case labeling.
If you’re aiming for big-box retail or pharmacy chains, confirm that they can meet those logistics and packaging standards as well — from barcoding to pallet configuration.
11. Can I tour your facility or meet your team?
A reputable manufacturer should be open to facility tours or virtual meetings. This shows they have nothing to hide and gives you confidence in their operation.
Visiting the facility (or seeing a live walkthrough) allows you to observe cleanliness, process flow, equipment quality, and staff professionalism. It’s also a great opportunity to build a more personal relationship with the team who’ll be handling your product.
12. How do you handle recalls or quality complaints?
Even the best manufacturers run into problems. What sets them apart is how they handle those issues.
Ask what their process is for investigating complaints, resolving issues, and communicating with clients. Do they have recall procedures in place? What’s their average resolution time for reported issues? A solid plan for quality control and customer service is non-negotiable.
13. What sets your company apart from other supplement manufacturers?
Give the manufacturer a chance to speak to their strengths. Maybe it’s their innovative technology, rapid turnaround, transparent pricing, or ability to scale. Their answer will tell you how well they understand their role — and how they might fit into your brand’s growth story.
Final Thoughts
Your supplement manufacturer should be more than a vendor — they should be a trusted partner in your brand’s success. Asking smart, strategic questions helps you filter out the right fit and build a lasting relationship based on transparency, performance, and shared goals.
The more you know going in, the smoother your journey will be. Request a quote today!
References
USDA. (2025). Organic Certification and Accreditation | Agricultural Marketing Service. Www.ams.usda.gov. https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification
What Is NSF Certification? (n.d.). NSF International. https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/what-is-nsf-certification
What is Non-GMO Project Verified? - The Non-GMO Project. (2024, December 2). The Non-GMO Project - Everyone Deserves an Informed Choice. https://www.nongmoproject.org/butterfly-label/