The Real Costs of Switching Supplement Manufacturers (and Why It’s Worth It)
Switching supplement manufacturers isn’t something brands do on a whim. It’s a major decision that impacts your product, your customers, and your ability to grow. However, if your current partner is holding you back, the real cost may not be in switching; it’s in staying put.
At Factory6, we’ve seen firsthand why brands make the move. It’s rarely about price. It’s about product quality, innovation, and the manufacturing partnership itself. Here’s what’s at stake, what to expect, and why making the switch could unlock the growth your brand has been waiting for.
Why Brands Decide to Switch
When we meet with brands considering a new manufacturer, two reasons come up the most:
Product improvement — Your flavor profile is off, your mouthfeel isn’t right, or your formula isn’t standing out. You’re ready to upgrade.
Better partnership — You need a team that communicates clearly, delivers on timelines, and works with you to solve problems before they become roadblocks.
Notice what’s not on this list: cost. Factory6 isn’t the cheapest option, and neither are most manufacturers worth partnering with. If you’re thinking about switching purely to save pennies, you’ll usually end up paying for it in other ways (delays, inconsistencies, and customer churn).
The Hidden Costs of Switching Manufacturers
Switching does come with costs, but they’re not always financial. Sometimes they’re about time, effort, or the risk of disrupting what’s already working. Understanding them helps you make the move strategically.
Packaging Adjustments
If your current manufacturer supplies a custom bottle, cap, or film, moving to a new partner may require adjustments. Packaging specs might need to be re-sourced, tested, or slightly reformatted to fit new equipment.
Impact: Minor upfront hassle, but a good manufacturer will help you match or even upgrade your packaging so you don’t lose brand continuity.
Flavor Profile Shifts
Flavors are highly subjective, and every R&D team has their own approach. When you switch, there’s a chance your formula won’t taste exactly the same.
Impact: If your customers are loyal to a specific taste, this can feel risky. However, switching often opens the door to improved solubility, smoother textures, or cleaner aftertastes that actually elevate your product.
Time & Energy Investment
Switching isn’t as simple as handing over a formula. Your team will need to share documentation, work through onboarding, and align on timelines.
Impact: It takes effort, but think of it like moving into a better house. There’s a process, but once you’re in, you’ll wonder why you stayed in the old place so long.
Regulatory & Stability Work
If you’re changing formats or adjusting formulations, you may need new stability testing or updated compliance documentation.
Impact: This is an investment, but it ensures your product claims remain supported and that your label stays retail-ready.
What You Risk by Staying Put
Sometimes the bigger risk is doing nothing. If your current manufacturer is already causing problems, those problems scale with your growth.
Delays multiply — If you’re already missing launch dates, those missed opportunities only get bigger as your orders grow.
Inconsistent products hurt trust — One off-flavored batch might be forgivable. Three in a row? That’s lost customers.
Innovation stalls — If your partner isn’t helping you explore new formats or improve formulations, your competitors will.
The question isn’t just “What will switching cost?” but also “What’s the cost of staying stuck?”
Why Factory6 Makes Switching Easier
We know switching can feel intimidating. That’s why we’ve built systems to make it smooth and low-friction.
Collaborative onboarding: We walk through your packaging specs, formulas, and timelines step by step so nothing slips.
R&D expertise: Our flavor and format specialists help you dial in tablets, powders, and capsules until they meet (or exceed) your standards.
Communication you can count on: Every project gets a dedicated manager who knows your goals and keeps you updated. No chasing, no surprises.
Focus on innovation: We don’t just reproduce what you already have. We look for opportunities to improve (whether that’s cleaning up a label, enhancing flavor, or preparing your line for retail expansion).
FAQs About Switching Manufacturers
Q: How long does switching typically take?
It depends on your formula and packaging complexity. Some brands move in 8–10 weeks, while others take longer if reformulation or new packaging is needed. Take a look at our process HERE.
Q: Will my product taste different?
It might, but it won’t be worse. Many brands see improvements when our R&D team refines flavor systems.
Q: Is switching more expensive?
Upfront, there may be some costs in testing or packaging adjustments. But the long-term ROI comes from fewer delays, better products, and stronger brand reputation.
The Bottom Line
Switching manufacturers isn’t about chasing the cheapest option. It’s about finding a partner who helps you scale with consistency, quality, and innovation. Yes, there are costs, but the bigger cost is staying stuck with a manufacturer that slows you down. At Factory6, we make switching simple, strategic, and worthwhile. If you’re ready to stop settling and start scaling, we’re here to help.
Ready to explore the switch?
