Start a Supplement Company: Your Complete Guide

Are you passionate about supplements and helping others improve their health? If so, starting a supplement company may be the perfect business venture for you. But where do you start? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your supplement business up and running, from product development to marketing and sales. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents


What is a supplement business?

A supplement business specializes in producing and selling nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and protein powders. These supplement companies often conduct clinical trials and research to ensure the effectiveness and safety of their products.

Some supplements businesses also offer consultations with certified nutritionists to help customers determine the best supplements for their individual needs. In addition to selling supplements, these businesses may also provide education on topics related to nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being.

Overall, a supplement company aims to support individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through the use of nutritional supplements.


Why would I want to start a supplements company?

If you’re in the health and fitness industry, or you’re simply looking for a new business venture, you may be considering starting a supplement company. After all, the supplement industry is a billion-dollar industry, and it’s only getting bigger. But what are the benefits of starting a supplement company? Below, we outline 6 reasons why starting a supplement company is a great idea.

There’s a lot of money to be made.

As we mentioned above, the supplement industry is worth billions of dollars. And it’s only projected to grow in the coming years. So, if you’re looking to start a business that will make you a lot of money, starting a supplement company is a great option.

There is a growing demand for supplements.

As people become more health conscious, they are looking for ways to improve their health and wellness. This has created a demand for supplements that can help people feel their best. In fact, the supplement market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.8% from 2019 to 2024.2 This presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business in this rapidly growing industry.

You can make a difference in people’s lives.

When you sell supplements, you’re not just selling a product—you’re selling a way for people to improve their health and their lives. That’s a pretty amazing thing! If you’re passionate about helping people live better lives, there’s no better way to do it than by starting a supplement company and making your products available to as many people as possible.

You can be your own boss.

One of the best things about owning your own business is that you get to call the shots. When you start a supplement company, you’ll be in charge of every aspect of the business, from product development to marketing to sales. And that means you’ll get to make all the decisions, good and bad. It’s up to you whether your business succeeds or fails—and that’s an incredibly empowering feeling.

You can reach customers through e-commerce.

One of the great things about selling supplements is that you can reach customers all over the world through e-commerce. This gives you the opportunity to build a global customer base without having to open brick-and-mortar stores in multiple countries. Additionally, customers are increasingly turning to online retailers for their supplement needs—in 2018, online sales accounted for 16% of the global supplement market share and are expected to grow to 20% by 2025.5 This presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to build an online business selling supplements.

You can build something lasting.

When you start a supplement company, you’re not just creating something that will make you money—you’re building something that has the potential to last for generations. If you build your business correctly and create products that people love, your Supplement Company could become an enduring legacy that helps people for years to come.


How do I start a supplements business?

Are you passionate about supplements and helping people improve their health? If so, you may be wondering how you can start your own supplements business.

The good news is that with some hard work and dedication, it is possible to launch a successful supplements business. In this section, we will provide some tips to help you get started. We hope that by the end of this post, you will feel inspired and ready to start your own business!

Do your research

When starting a supplements company, it is important to do your research on the industry and what products are in demand. Consider studying market trends and talking to potential customers to understand their needs and preferences.

Once you have identified an under-served niche or a popular product, make sure to conduct extensive research on the ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure the highest quality and safety standards for your products.

In addition, pay attention to regulations and obtain any necessary permits or certifications. Ultimately, taking the time to educate yourself on the industry will set your business up for success in the long run.

Develop a business plan

When starting a supplements company, it’s important to first determine your target market. Are you aiming for athletes or older adults? Fitness enthusiasts or those with specific health concerns? Narrowing down your audience will help shape the rest of your business plan, including pricing strategy and marketing goals.

For example, targeting athletes may require offering a range of high-performance supplements at a higher price point, while focusing on older adults may call for easy-to-digest options sold at an affordable cost. From there, define what sets your products apart from competitors and use that unique selling point in your marketing campaigns.

By carefully considering your target market and how to present your offerings to them, you can set yourself up for success in the ever-growing supplement industry.

Source quality ingredients and manufacture your supplements

Starting your own supplements company can be a lucrative business venture, but it’s important to prioritize quality from the very beginning. This means sourcing the best ingredients for your products and ensuring that they are manufactured properly. Look for suppliers who can provide organic, non-GMO ingredients and follow good manufacturing practices to ensure that your supplements have the greatest efficacy and safety for consumers.

Another way to prioritize quality is to test your products at a third party lab to verify their potency and purity before bringing them to market. By prioritizing quality, you will set yourself apart in the industry and have happy, loyal customers.

Partner with a supplements manufacturer to white label their products

Are you looking to start your own supplements company? One option to consider is partnering with a supplement manufacturer that offers white labeling. This means they will create the product, package it, and label it under your brand. It can save you a lot of time, resources, and headache trying to source ingredients, find a manufacturer, and design packaging on your own.

Plus, the manufacturer likely already has experience creating safe and effective products so you can trust their quality control processes. Of course, it’s important to do your research when choosing a white label partner, as some may not have the same high standards or dedication to natural ingredients as your brand would have.

But overall, white labeling can be a great way to start or expand your supplements business without reinventing the wheel.

Market your products to consumers and healthcare professionals

When starting a supplement company, it’s important to consider both consumer and healthcare professional markets. Consumers are looking for products that will benefit their individual health and wellness.

By promoting the specific benefits of your supplements, such as increased energy or improved cognitive function, you can target this audience effectively. Healthcare professionals, on the other hand, may be more interested in the science behind your products and how they can help in treating or managing certain medical conditions.

Providing clinical studies and research data may be crucial in convincing this market to recommend your supplements to their patients. Remember to cater your marketing efforts to both parties for maximum success with your supplement business.

Monitor competition and make changes as needed

In the world of supplements, it’s important to always be aware of your competition. Not only do you need to know what products they offer, but also their prices, advertising strategies, and customer reviews.

This information can help you determine where there may be gaps in the market that your company can fill. It’s also important to regularly reassess your own products and pricing. If a competitor begins offering a similar product at a lower price, you may need to adjust your own pricing or come up with new selling points for your product.

By constantly monitoring competition and making changes as necessary, you can ensure that your supplement company remains successful.

Grow your business over time

Starting a supplements company can be a profitable venture, but it’s important to prioritize slow, steady growth. Trying to expand too quickly can stretch your resources thin and possibly lead to missteps in production or distribution. Instead, focus on building a strong foundation and forming relationships with clients over time.

This may mean starting with a smaller product line or taking on fewer orders at first, but it will pay off in the long run as your reputation for quality and reliability grows.

It’s also crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in your industry and adapt accordingly. By consistently providing high-quality products and services, you’ll find yourself well-positioned for continued growth in the supplements market.


How much does it cost to start a supplement company?

Supplement companies are big business. In 2018, the supplement industry was worth $122 billion and is expected to grow to $217 billion by 2025. So, how much does it cost to get in on this booming industry?

Start-up costs for a supplement company can range from a few thousand dollars to over a million dollars, depending on the size and scope of the business. For a small supplement company, start-up costs may include renting manufacturing space, purchasing equipment, and hiring staff. For a larger supplement company, start-up costs may include opening retail stores or distribution centers. The average start-up costs for a supplement company are between $250,000 and $500,000.

But don’t let the cost deter you from your dream of starting a supplement company. With careful planning and a solid business plan, you can minimize the upfront costs and get your business off the ground for less than you might think.

One possibility is white labeling, in which you partner with an established manufacturer and sell their products under your own brand. This can save time and money in terms of production, as well as giving you access to a trusted source for high quality ingredients. However, it’s important to do your research before partnering with a manufacturer. Make sure they have a strong track record and follow industry regulations, as well as aligning with your brand values. Proper due diligence can help ensure that white labeling is a successful option for bringing supplements to market.

The supplements industry is booming and there is no shortage of opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to get in on the action. The start-up costs for a supplement company can range from a few thousand dollars to over a million dollars, depending on the size and scope of the business. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit and the right business plan, the sky’s the limit in this rapidly growing industry.


How do I find customers for my supplement business?

If you’re starting a supplement business, one of the most important questions on your mind is likely “How do I find customers?” It can be tough to get your business off the ground, but luckily there are some tried and true methods for finding and keeping customers. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Do your research

When starting a supplement business, it is crucial to do your research and identify your target market. Consider factors such as age, gender, occupation, and health goals.

Once you have nailed down who your ideal customer is, the next step is figuring out how to reach them. Are they active on social media? Do they read certain magazines or websites? Don’t limit yourself to just one method of marketing; consider a combination of online advertisements, physical flyers or billboards, partnering with fitness professionals or gyms, and networking within your community. Keep in mind that even after finding customers initially, it’s important to continue building relationships and understanding their needs in order to retain them as loyal customers in the long run.

Bottom line: do your research and stay focused on connecting with the right audience for your supplement company.

Use social media to create a presence online and connect with potential customers

Social media is a valuable tool for any small business, and supplement companies are no exception. In fact, many supplement customers are health-conscious individuals who spend time on social media researching products and connecting with like-minded individuals. By creating a presence on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, you can reach potential customers and showcase your unique brand.

Share photos of your products in action, offer promotions and discounts to followers, and engage with other health and wellness accounts to expand your reach.

Don’t forget to provide practical information about your supplements as well – ingredients lists, usage guidelines, testimonials from satisfied customers – to give potential buyers the information they need to make a decision. Used effectively, social media can help supplement companies connect with customers and grow their customer base.

Get involved in the community and sponsor local events

As a supplement company, it can be difficult to find customers in today’s crowded market. However, one way to stand out is to become actively involved in your community. Consider sponsoring local events or hosting educational seminars about the benefits of supplements. This not only raises awareness for your brand, but also shows potential customers that you are committed to promoting health and wellness in your community.

By giving back to your community and offering valuable information, you are more likely to attract customers who believe in the mission of your company and will become loyal supporters. So don’t just wait for customers to come to you – get out there and show them why they need your products.

Attend trade shows and networking events to meet people in the industry

For supplement companies looking to expand their customer base, attending trade shows and networking events can be a great way to connect with potential buyers.

Trade shows in particular are perfect for networking, as they often attract a wide range of industry professionals from retailers to manufacturers. At these events, you can showcase your products and have one-on-one conversations with potential customers. Networking events, such as industry conferences or workshops, also provide invaluable opportunities for connecting with like-minded individuals and establishing relationships that could lead to future collaborations and sales.

By taking advantage of trade show and networking event opportunities, supplement companies can increase their reach and potentially find new customers.

Offer free samples of your products to get people interested

If you run a supplement company, offering free samples of your products can be a great way to attract new customers. By letting potential customers try your supplements for free, they can experience the benefits firsthand and be more likely to purchase in the future.

It’s important to target the right audience when offering samples, such as individuals or businesses within your niche market. You can distribute samples at health fairs or events, or reach out to local gyms and health stores. In addition, consider reaching out to influencers in the health and wellness space who may be interested in trying and promoting your products to their followers.

Offering free samples is a cost-effective way to not only generate interest but also gather valuable feedback from your potential customers.

Use affiliate marketing

As a supplement company, it’s important to reach your target audience and attract potential customers. One marketing strategy to consider is affiliate marketing. This involves partnering with another company or individual who can promote your products and earn a commission on any sales they generate.

By reaching out to influential figures in the health and wellness industry and offering them a percentage of each sale, you can expand your customer base and increase overall sales.

Keep in mind that successful affiliates have a strong following and are known for their expertise in the field. Finding the right affiliates can be a valuable investment for your supplement company and lead to long-term success.

Create a strong branding strategy that will make your business stand out from the competition

When it comes to standing out in the competitive supplement industry, building a strong brand is key. But what exactly does that entail? First and foremost, conducting thorough market research can help you pinpoint the unique qualities and values of your company that can serve as the foundation for your branding strategy.

Additionally, defining your target audience will guide decisions about visual elements like logos and packaging design, as well as your tone and messaging in marketing materials.

And don’t forget the importance of consistency – consistently communicating your brand through all channels (website, social media, advertising, customer interactions) will establish familiarity and trust among potential customers.

By thoughtfully crafting and consistently reinforcing your brand, you will stand out from the competition and attract the right customers for your business.

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.