Would you like to start a cosmetics business but are not sure proceed?
There are various ways to start a cosmetics business. Some cosmetics businesses are easy to start and others will take much advance planning.
Use the guide below to compare various options and get a general overview into starting a cosmetics business.
Instructions
1. ** Become an affiliate for cosmetics products **
The easiest way to start a cosmetics business is to become an affiliate for an existing cosmetics business. Since you are an affiliate only, you do not have to set up your own business or make cosmetics yourself. You only have to refer buyers to the cosmetics that you are endorsing.
Basic steps for starting a business as a cosmetics affiliate include:
Step 1: Find a cosmetics affiliate program that you like. This includes making sure that you believe in the quality and value of the cosmetics you will be selling. It also means finding a program that pays you well for your effort.
Step 2: Sign up for the cosmetics affiliate program
Step 3: Promote the affiliate program (on websites, blogs, social networks, etc.)
2. ** Start a cosmetics business by becoming a reseller to cosmetics company **
Instead of being an affiliate, you can become a cosmetics reseller. As a reseller, you have more possibilities and profit potential. You have many more choices of cosmetics to sell as a reseller. You also have the option of selling online or offline.
General steps for starting a cosmetics business as reseller include:
- Opening an official business (LLC, corporation or DBA) (Note: You might need certain additional licenses, depending on the state you are located in)
- Choosing cosmetics products to sell
- Contacting cosmetics companies and finding out their wholesale rates
- Buying cosmetic samples and keeping an inventory of cosmetics products on hand
- Advertising your cosmetics online and offline
- Setting up a system of shipping cosmetics to customers
Note: Find out what the status is of the cosmetics you want to sell in terms of FDA approval. You might have to take additional steps to get approval before selling. Click on resource below for more information.
3. ** Start a cosmetics business applying cosmetics **
Instead of selling cosmetics, you can also start a business applying cosmetics to customers. Examples include becoming a cosmetologist, manicurist or esthetician.
General steps for these types of cosmetics businesses include:
- Setting up an official company (Corporation, LLC or DBA)
- Getting licensed, certified or trained in the cosmetics technique you will be working with
- Finding a small studio where you will work
- Buying equipment such as massage tables, mirrors, waxing stations, brushes, etc.
- Buying cosmetics to apply on customers
- Decorating your work studio
- Work out a pricing structure
- Advertising your services
4. ** Start your own cosmetics line **
If you are really creative and have a great idea of a new cosmetics to market, you can manufacture your own cosmetics line. Making your own simple cosmetics is not difficult and can be done in your house with basic ingredients.
Steps for making your own cosmetics differ depending on the type of cosmetics you are creating.
Basic steps for starting a cosmetics manufacturing business include:
- Setting up an official company (Corporation, LLC or DBA)
- Getting any licenses needed to sell your cosmetics (varies based on your state and type of cosmetics you are selling). Click on FDA information in resources below.
- Finding a room where you will work to create your cosmetics
- Buying equipment to manufacture your cosmetics
- Buying basic cosmetic ingredients
- Formulating and making your cosmetics
- Deciding on and buying packaging for the cosmetics
- Work out a pricing structure
- Writing up product labels (See FDA resource below for guidelines)
- Advertising your cosmetics
- Setting up a system to ship the cosmetics to customers
