Reselling Product vs Own label

Ask Me Anything Q&A Blankaama

Topic summary

A seller is navigating two challenges: competing with manufacturers who sell the same product at lower prices in other markets, and exploring co-branding arrangements with offshore manufacturers.

Competing on Value Beyond Price:

  • Emphasize total cost transparency (shipping, customs, taxes included)
  • Add branding layers through private/white labeling services
  • Differentiate via customer experience, faster fulfillment, and niche positioning
  • Shift from generic reseller to brand owner

Co-Branding with Manufacturers:

  • Approach manufacturers directly with clear, professional requests for co-labeling (“Formulated by X, Distributed by Y”)
  • Product formulations are typically trade secrets, not copyrighted—though using the formulator’s name on packaging may require consent
  • Alternative: Use private label platforms like Blanka to bypass offshore negotiations entirely and access customizable pre-formulated products

The discussion remains open for further questions, with the responder encouraging the strategic approach being taken.

Summarized with AI on October 28. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

How do I succeed selling online a product that the manufacturer also sells in another market at lower price. My price includes international shipping, customs and taxes, and order fufillment.

  1. How can I start a conversation with a manufacturer to have a label with the words:" Formulated by XYZ, Distributed by PQR". Are there copyrights on product formulation. Formulator and manufacturer is offshore.
1 Like
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@UEcreations another great question, thanks!

Here’s some answers and suggestions:

  1. How to Succeed Selling a Product Also Sold by the Manufacturer (Often at Lower Prices)

If you’re reselling a product that the manufacturer also sells, possibly at lower local prices, your unique edge needs to come from driving value beyond price:

  • Add a Brand Layer: Rather than selling a generic product, even slight branding can make a big difference. Platforms like Blanka that offer private labelling or white labeling simplify this process and help shift from being a reseller to a brand owner.

  • Highlight Total Value: Make it clear that your pricing includes international shipping, customs, taxes, and fulfillment—no surprise costs.

  • Differentiate Through Experience: Focus on branding, customer service, faster shipping, and overall buying experience. If you’re using a service like Blanka that handles fulfillment, you likely already have a speed advantage.

  • Target a Niche Audience: Position your product for a specific customer type—premium, clean beauty, minimalist, etc.—rather than competing in a broad, price-sensitive market.

  1. Starting a Labeling Conversation with a Manufacturer

If you’re aiming to sell under a label like “Formulated by XYZ, Distributed by PQR”, here’s how to approach it:

  • Keep the Ask Clear and Professional: Reach out to the manufacturer with a direct request to co-label the product. Many are open to it, especially if it’s non-exclusive.

  • Formulation Ownership: Most manufacturers treat their formulas as trade secrets, not copyrighted materials. Unless it’s patented, you generally don’t need permission to resell under a private label—though naming the formulator on packaging may require their consent.

  • Consider Private label/White label Alternatives like Blanka! If you want a faster, cleaner route, platforms like Blanka specialize in private labeling—like those offering pre-formulated products with easy branding—can bypass the complexities of offshore negotiations entirely.

    • PLUS, Blanka Labs also offers the ability to customize even further, making your products extremely unique

If you have any more questions, please let me know! It sounds like you’re thinking about this in the right way!