Your plan
Estimated first-run cost
| Cost bucket | Arithmetic | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula / development | — | — | — |
| Product fill | — | — | — |
| Packaging | — | — | — |
| Labels & printing | — | — | — |
| Testing package | — | — | — |
| Samples | — | — | — |
| Freight & shipping | — | — | — |
| Brand setup | — | — | — |
| Estimated first-run total | — | — | — |
How the math works
Total units come from units per SKU multiplied by the number of SKUs. Fill, packaging, and labels are priced per unit, so each of those rows multiplies its band by total units. Development and testing are priced per formula, so each of those rows multiplies its band by the number of SKUs, treating each SKU as one formula.
Samples are priced per round. The planner uses one round, except for custom formulation, which uses two rounds, following the cost guide advice to budget for two rounds on custom formulas. Freight uses one shipment at the published per-shipment band. Brand setup is a one-off figure at the published band.
A plus sign on a high end means the published band itself is open-ended, so the true high end can pass the figure shown. Development for stock work is shown at zero because the cost guide lists development as custom only and the formula already exists. Development for semi-custom work is shown as not published because the cost guide publishes no separate band for it, and the semi-custom total excludes that row.
The computed range and the published first-run band answer different questions. The computed range follows your inputs through each bucket. The published first-run band describes first runs in general for that path. Either one can sit outside the other without either being wrong. Use both only as a starting point for itemized quotes. Read the full bands and the worked reasoning in the skincare line cost guide, and compare the same inputs in the launch cost calculator.
Not a quote. Every figure above is a general industry pattern, not a price from any manufacturer. Use the estimate to judge real quotes, then get itemized quotes on the same basis before committing to a launch size.
Bands used
Every band below comes from the skincare line cost guide. Each figure reuse is an estimate based on general industry patterns — not a quote.
| Cost bucket | Published band | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Formula development (custom only) | $2,000–$15,000+ per formula | Per formula |
| Product fill | $1.50–$12.00 per unit | Per unit |
| Packaging | $0.50–$5.00 per unit | Per unit |
| Labels and printing | $0.10–$1.00 per label | Per label |
| Testing package | $500–$3,000 per formula | Per formula |
| Samples | $50–$500 per round | Per round |
| Freight and shipping | $100–$1,000+ per shipment | Per shipment |
| Brand setup | $300–$2,500 one-off | One-off |
| First-run band, stock | $1,500–$10,000 | First run |
| First-run band, custom | $5,000–$25,000+ | First run |
| First-run band, semi-custom | Not published | First run |
Frequently asked questions
What does the planner include?
The planner prices development where a band is published, plus fill, packaging, labels, testing, samples, freight, and brand setup, using only the bands in the skincare line cost guide. Every figure is an estimate based on general industry patterns — not a quote. Ask a manufacturer for an itemized quote on the same basis before committing to a launch size.
Why does semi-custom development show as not published?
The cost guide publishes a development band for custom formulation only, and no separate development band for semi-custom work. The planner shows not published rather than guessing a figure, and the semi-custom total excludes development. Get the development figure from a manufacturer before relying on that total.
Turn the range into a real quote
Work through the cost guide worksheet with your units, SKUs, and path, then compare the same inputs in the calculator. Estimates above are general industry patterns, not a quote.