Agree the scope before the price
Third-party manufacturing can cover different responsibilities. One project may transfer an established formula and approved pack; another may require development, analytical work and packaging decisions. Describe the work needed rather than assuming that “turnkey” or “contract manufacturing” means the same thing to every supplier.
The project sequence
- 1. Product brief: define composition, strength, dosage form, market, quantity and packaging.
- 2. Feasibility and permissions: establish product, facility, equipment, testing and market fit.
- 3. Quality and commercial review: agree the review documents, qualification process, quotation and responsibilities.
- 4. Readiness: complete required development or transfer work, materials, artwork and agreed validation activities.
- 5. Manufacture and pack: follow the authorised process and record the batch activities.
- 6. Test and release: complete the applicable checks and authorised disposition before dispatch.
- 7. Reorder: review demand, lead times, changes and the next material plan.
Why minimum order quantity varies
Ask for the MOQ for your exact product and pack. The feasible manufacturing batch, process yield, strength, container, printed packaging minimums and testing scope can each affect the practical order quantity. A tablet count alone does not establish how many finished retail packs can be supplied.
Walter confirms MOQ through a product-specific quotation. No catalogue-wide minimum is stated here. For a smaller launch, explain the forecast and constraints so the team can assess whether a suitable production and packaging plan is possible.
Break lead time into its dependencies
| Stage | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Technical readiness | Is the formula established? What development, transfer or validation remains? |
| Materials | Which raw and packaging materials have the longest procurement time? |
| Artwork | Who approves copy, proofs and final printed components? |
| Production | When can the batch be scheduled once prerequisites are complete? |
| Testing and release | Which tests and review steps determine release timing? |
| Dispatch | What packing, logistics and destination documents are needed? |
Compare like-for-like quotations
Separate recurring supply costs from one-time work. Ask whether the unit price includes primary and secondary packaging, tooling, development, testing, method transfer, stability work, validation, transport and taxes. Identify what happens if material prices, quantities or specifications change. A comparison should make exclusions visible before a supplier is selected.
Assign responsibilities in writing
Use the commercial terms and quality agreement to define responsibilities for materials, artwork, testing, release, change control and communication. Discuss ownership of the formula and methods, access to records, complaint handling and recall coordination with the relevant teams. Obtain professional review of the actual agreements where needed.