The first order teaches you the process. The second order should be easy. It will be, if you keep a few records now and know when to place it.

Build a reorder file

Make one folder. After your first run, put these in it.

• The exact product name, and any item code on your quote or invoice
• The final label file, with its version number and date
• The proof you approved, and the message in which you approved it
• Jar, lid and label sizes
• The quantity you ordered and the quantity you received
• The lot number and best by date printed on the product
• Your last quote and invoice
• Shipping details: carrier, cost, days in transit and any trouble
• The name of the person who handled your order

Know your reorder point

Reorder point = jars sold per week × (weeks to produce + weeks to ship + safety weeks)

A made up example: you sell 8 jars a week. Your manufacturer confirms that a repeat order takes about 3 weeks, and shipping takes 1. You add 2 safety weeks. That is 6 weeks × 8 jars, or 48 jars. When your stock drops to 48, you reorder. Use the real times from your own manufacturer.

If you wait until the shelf is nearly empty, you will be out of stock for most of those weeks.

Ask what has changed

A repeat order is not always identical. Before you approve it, ask:

• Is the price the same? Ingredient and freight costs move.
• Is the formula the same? If anything changed, the label may need to change with it.
• Are the jar, the lid and the label material the same?
• Is the timing the same as last time?

If you change something, treat it as new

Change	What it leads to
Any wording on the label	A new proof and a new approval
Brand name or logo	A new proof. Update your product listings too
A new size or flavor	A new label and a new barcode. GS1 US says each variation of a product needs its own barcode
A formula change	New product facts on the label. Tell your customers
A different quantity	A new quote. Ask for two sizes

If nothing changes, say so clearly: "Same product, same label, version 3, approved on this date."

Review before you repeat

Take ten minutes with your notes from the first batch.

• What did customers say about taste, texture or scent?
• Did any jars arrive damaged? How were they packed?
• Did the label scuff, peel or fade?
• How many jars did you hold back, and was that enough?
• How fast did the last ten jars sell compared with the first ten?

Small fixes, such as a clearer front label, are easiest to make between runs.

Handle old and new stock

Sell the older lot first. Keep cartons from different lots apart, and note the lot number on each customer order if you can. If there is ever a question about a batch, you will know who received it.

A reorder message you can copy

Hello. I would like to reorder [product name].

Quantity: [number]. Please also quote [a larger number].

Label: same as my last order, version [number], approved [date]. File attached.

Changes: none. [Or list them.]

Needed by: [date].

Ship to: [address].

Has anything changed in the product, the price or the timing since my last order?

Reordering from OSM

Whether your first run was a white label product or a custom manufacturing project, a reorder starts the same way. Contact OSM with the product, the label version you approved and the quantity. OSM confirms availability, price and timing with a new quote.

Common questions

Will a reorder cost the same as the first order?

Not always. Ask for an updated quote each time.

Can I order more this time?

Yes. Ask for prices at two quantities and let your real sales choose.

Can I update my label on a reorder?

Yes, but it needs a new proof and approval, so allow time for that.