Why Don’t Filipino Beauty Brands Make More Mini Products?
I asked on the Project Vanity Community about what it is that Filipinos hate about buying makeup and skincare. A common answer is that we aren’t able to try samples or mini versions of the products first before fully investing. Brands like GRWM Cosmetics, Issy, and Happy Skin have done samplers and minis in the last year or so, but this still isn’t common practice among Filipino beauty brands. Why?
Economic Barriers to Mini Versions
The concept of economies of scale plays a significant role. For many Filipino beauty brands, especially the smaller, indie ones, the initial investment required to manufacture mini versions of their products can be prohibitively expensive. When producing on a smaller scale, the cost per unit for packaging, formulation, and even labor tends to be higher. This is because bulk orders for materials and ingredients often come with discounts that smaller orders cannot avail of. Therefore, producing mini products might not be financially viable for these brands, especially when they are still trying to establish themselves in a competitive market.
Logistical Challenges in Production and Distribution
Furthermore, the logistics involved in creating and distributing mini products can be quite complex. From designing distinct packaging that still embodies the brand’s identity to ensuring the mini products meet the same quality standards as their full-sized counterparts, the process requires a significant amount of resources. Additionally, managing inventory becomes more challenging with the addition of mini versions, as brands must now predict demand for both sizes accurately to avoid overproduction or stockouts.
Cultural Preferences and Value Perception
There's also a cultural aspect to consider. The Filipino beauty market is known for its love of value-for-money products. Full-sized products, even from local brands, are often seen as better value compared to their mini counterparts, given the price per milliliter or gram. Many consumers would rather invest in a full-sized product that they believe will last longer, rather than spend on a mini version that might run out quickly. This perception influences the demand for mini products, potentially making them less attractive for brands to produce.
The Shift Towards Sustainability and Consumer Behavior
That said, there's also a growing interest in sustainability and conscious consumption among Filipino consumers. This shift in consumer behavior might encourage more local beauty brands to explore the production of mini products, not just as a way for customers to try their offerings, but also as a step towards reducing waste. Minis offer the advantage of ensuring that products are fully used before they expire, appealing to the environmentally conscious shopper.
Innovation in the beauty industry is continuous, and Filipino brands are no exception. As the market matures and consumer preferences continue to morph, we might see a change in the approach towards mini products. Collaboration between brands and feedback from beauty communities like Project Vanity could pave the way for more trial sizes and mini versions in the future, benefiting both the brands and their diverse customer base. For now, the challenge remains balancing cost, demand, and sustainability.
