What factors determine the per-unit cost of custom supplement manufacturing?

Factors That Determine Per-Unit Cost

The per-unit cost of a custom supplement is determined by six primary factors. Understanding each one helps you make informed decisions balancing product quality with budget.

1. Raw material cost — the single largest factor. Active ingredients vary hugely in price. A generic vitamin C tablet costs significantly less per unit than a formulation with branded, patented ingredients. We source competitively and can present ingredient alternatives at different price tiers.

2. Order volume. Larger orders spread fixed costs (machine setup, material procurement, QC testing) across more units. The cost difference between a 3,000-bottle and 10,000-bottle order can be 20-40% per unit.

3. Dosage form and manufacturing complexity. Simple capsules cost less than coated tablets, which cost less than gummies. More processing steps = more cost.

4. Packaging. A basic white HDPE bottle is most economical. Custom-colored bottles, specialty closures, foil-printed labels, and custom cartons add unit cost. Packaging can account for 15-30% of the total per-unit cost.

5. QC testing scope. Standard QC is built into the unit price. Additional testing (pesticides, solvents, third-party lab) adds per-batch cost.

6. Regulatory documentation. Formal stability studies and technical dossiers are project-based costs quoted separately.