Question 1

What Is Cosmetics Distribution?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetics distribution is the sales process a beauty product manufacturing company (small, medium, or large-sized) adopts to make its product accessible to the end-users, whom the product targets.

By leveraging retail channels, authorized beauty stores, and sales agents, high street retailers, supermarket chains, beauty salons, spas, local suppliers, wholesale distributors, and famous online stores like Jiji, Olist, Jumia, and Konga.

Question 2

Can you start a home-based cosmetics production business without a NAFDAC registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! In fact, most cosmetics businesses get started in the same manner.

Starting out this way can allow you to thoroughly test and perfect your product formulation and marketing.

This provides you a testing ground to address most teething stage issues that most startups face in the very beginning.

The most effective strategy at this stage will likely be direct distribution -- whether via social media, e-commerce, personal recommendations, influencer campaigns, effectively deployed paid advertisements, or attending beauty shows.

Question 3

Can you start cosmetics distribution in Nigeria without NAFDAC  approval?

Accepted Answer

The majority of the financial costs that need to be covered in order to obtain NAFDAC approval are financial. If you can afford to own your own commercial cosmetic line, then getting NAFDAC approval should be a no-brainer.

Your beauty business (cosmetics production & distribution) overall goal will require, eventually, obtaining official NAFDAC registration, which will enable you to participate in modern trade distributions, while also validating the safety of your product for end-user consumption.

Question 4

Why should you leverage Mass Distribution (Marketing)?

Accepted Answer

Implementing a mass distribution strategy is important, it can help you to:

Reach a broader target market.
Create expansion opportunities into new markets.
Improve your brand impact.
Increase your chances of turning over your investment.
Maximize online sales channels.
Generate recurring revenue to accelerate your brand growth.
Create Job opportunities.

Question 5

How do you find distributors that will accept your products?

Accepted Answer

As long as you know your criteria, you can easily find a distributor who will match your requirements and who you can partner with.

Your biggest challenge is finding a candidate who is loyal and will be your brand's advocate.

Please bear this in mind, you may need to advance a credit facility of say 30-60 days depending on what works for you.

Distributors in the mass markets are less likely to agree to accept payment in advance, especially when you are launching a new product.