Question: How much BULK product will I need to order for custom formulation?
Answer: Minimum order for custom formulation may be as little as three 5 gallons wet/50 pounds dry per formula, or it can range up to three - 55 gallon drums per formula. It will depend on what you are asking for. If we modify one of our existing formulas to meet your needs, then we can probably make it at the minimum (5 gallons/50 pounds). If we are ground up formulating something very unique it may be as much as three - 55 gallon drums as a minimum. This question can only be answered once you submit your OPTION A or OPTION B.
Question: What would be the minimum order if I wanted RainShadow Labs to package my product?
Answer: The minimum order for packaging is a 25 gallons per formula. We have some bottles and jars available that you can use, or you can send us 3 samples of your bottles, caps, and your labels if we are labeling, and we will do a time study on the cost of filling your bottles.
Question: Can you give me a “ball park” idea of what my product will cost prior to this process?
Answer: Not really, since each customer’s needs are so different (depending on which additive ingredients, fragrances, etc. will be used). We cannot submit for pricing until our technical department has developed your product, sent you a sample, and you have given your final approval. Then the formula is sent to pricing and the pricing is forwarded to you. Please allow 3-6 working days for pricing to be completed.
Question: Can you quote my packaging project without seeing my packaging?
Answer: There are so many variables that will make a difference on the cost of packaging. We will need three of your bottles (container, bag, etc.), caps, and labels along with any additional special packaging requests that you may have. We will also need to know whether you will be supplying the shipping boxes, or if you want us to supply them. After we do the quote for you, any change requests prior to actual contract will need a re-quote. No changes can be made once the contract/deposit is done and we are underway on your project.
Question: If I pay a lab charge, will I own the formula?
Answer: No. RainShadow Labs is developing this formula from our bases and/or technology at your request. The lab charge simply offsets time in the lab plus testing time. Half-hour to two hours lab work is a small price for development, but the actual formula will stay with RainShadow Labs and we will make it for you. It will not be shared with any other customers or duplicated by RainShadow Labs itself.
Question: Is there a charge for custom formulation?
Answer: The answer is...Maybe. After careful review of your product request (as reviewed in OPTION A or OPTION B) we will review our current formulas to verify if we already have a similar product. Some of our formulas are not listed in our catalog. If this is the case, then we will do up a sample and send it to you at no charge. If there are several “extra ingredients” or if the product development requires some special work and/or testing, then there is a lab charge. The lab charge is $125.00 per hour pro-rated in quarter hours. Frequently, it takes only 1⁄2 to 2 hours, and the billing is pro-rated as such. When you are ready to order your product, if you order within 90-days of receiving your lab sample, 50% of your lab fee will be applied to your order.
Question: Will you keep my product idea confidential?
Answer: Sometimes we are asked who we make for or if we make a particular product for a particular company. Except for a handful of companies that we can mention in our marketing (we have their permission or because it is public information), all other company names and products are considered confidential and will not be disclosed. Any company information given to us is treated as confidential. We do not share lists with companies or individuals that call, so please do not ask, and we can start developing for you on a clean slate.
Question: Will you review my label prior to printing in regards to correct ingredient list and FDA requirements?
Answer: Yes, as long as it is one of our bases or a special formula that we are making for you. We cannot verify what we do not make. Please allow 48 hours for our review.
Question: Are all your ingredients natural?
Answer: Most of our ingredients are natural, and many are certified organically grown as well. We use only the finest of what Mother Nature has to offer. Occasionally, when there is no natural alternative to do the job, we use the safest, purest item we can substitute (from the food industry). If synthetics or preservatives are used, it is always in less than 1%.
