Frequently Asked Questions.

That depends on the project and the product range, but normally a product range takes 9 months to 1 year to launch. And, that is conservative timing. The complexity of raw materials, packaging components and lead times for manufacture all have an influence on the final outcome.

A bespoke product is one that is created from scratch to a client’s brief. It takes time to formulate, to sample, to be tweaked, for the client to approve. Approved samples then undergo comprehensive testing for a minimum of 12 weeks before being passed for production.

An off the shelf or ready to go formulation is one that has been successfully formulated and has passed all the testing, that is owned by the formulator/manufacturer and is offered as a starting block for a new product. Where misunderstanding can occur, is that a client needs to accept the formulation, its smell, its colour as it is for a really ready to go formula. If there is any change made to this sample for example by changing the fragrance to one the client has chosen for their brand, this no longer is an off the shelf, ready to go product. A degree of development which incurs cost and re-testing will be inevitable. It is however when all is said and done the faster option, but not necessarily the best for uniqueness.

Simple Essentials cannot give any guarantees on the success of the final product, but we can supply you with all the information you need to make the initial decision to go ahead or not with the venture. Simple Essentials does not accept liability for the sales of the goods, unless the client and Simple Essentials enter into a contract to do so. This would be something that can be discussed in the initial stages of the project or can be decided on at a later date. Simple Essentials work closely with sales teams all over the world and are very happy to advise on the right route to market for the client’s brand.

A product is only unique for the period of time after launch that it is not copied! The greatest form of compliment is to have your product copied by another company….ironically! If you do not own the formulation this is more likely to happen, but if you own the formulation it can still be copied in concept. It may not be exact but the raw materials and the idea behind it can be replicated.

A successful brand is one that is always evolving!

Of course we can, but if the idea is flawed or is too like another existing product without any unique selling points of its own, do not be surprised if we advise you against going ahead with the idea. Our services and the reputation of our company and team require us to undertake a feasibility exercise for each project before we undertake to take on a client. Competitor analysis, taking a quick look at the market and the product market potential will give us an instant answer to the client’s questions. The rest is down to nearly 50 years of experience in the industry, the market place today and gut feel!

YES.

Kim Lahiri at Simple Essentials has been creating signature fragrances with a therapeutic twist for many years as perfumes, or as ingredients to be included in skincare and toiletry products. Simple Essentials has also formulated bespoke fragrances for household goods for the home. Kim prefers to work with natural ingredients wherever possible but agrees that there is a time and place for other fragrant materials to be used for the most successful efficacy of a product or range. Kim will work with the client to create a brief, and agreement will be reached as to the budget for the fragrance and the creative input. A client can either own their formulation by purchasing the Intellectual Property to the fragrance formulation or, they can just select a fragrance from the Simple Essential’s fragrance library for that project. In this case Simple Essentials reserves the ownership of the formulation.

We cover all aspects of creating a brand. Depending on the uniqueness of the concept we will bring together the right members of our design team to discuss the viability of the components. If it is possible, all costs will be calculated, a prototype made up and the client makes the final decision. Simple Essentials is there to make your pathway trouble free and informed.