Do you want to start a liquid air freshener production business? If YES, here is a complete guide to starting a liquid air freshener production business with NO money and no experience plus a sample liquid air freshener production business plan template.
With a little startup capital, you can effectively set up your own liquid air freshener production company. There is a large market for liquid air freshener and if you want to stay competitive in this industry, you must ensure that you come up with unique and pleasant smells and also your products must be well-packaged.
18 Steps to Starting a Liquid Air Freshener Production Business
1. Understand the Industry
Businesses in the air freshener manufacturing industry manufacture household and commercial air fresheners in different forms. Industry products include air freshener products such as gaseous air freshener, liquid air freshener and solid air freshener.
It is important to state that companies that majorly manufacture aftershave, disinfectants, perfumes and insecticides et al are not part of this industry even though some air freshener production companies may engage in manufacturing all the above listed.
The Air Freshener Manufacturing industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the united states of America and they generate several million dollars annually from more than over 200 registered and licensed air freshener manufacturing companies scattered all around the United States of America.
The industry is responsible for the employment of several people. Experts project the air freshener manufacturing industry to continue to experience upward growth. Some of the factors that encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to venture into starting a liquid air freshener production company is that the market for liquid air freshener products is pretty huge and not seasonal.
That makes it easier for loads of entrepreneurs who are interested in the business to come into the industry at any time they desire; the entry barriers are quite affordable and any serious minded entrepreneur can comfortably raise the startup capital without collecting loans from the bank.
Over and above, the Air Freshener Manufacturing industry is a profitable industry and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business as long as you are able to obtain the required chemical handling license. You can choose to start on a small scale producing limited quantities of liquid air fresheners or you can chose to start on a large scale with several outlets in key cities all around the United States of America.
2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies
- Demographics and Psychographics
The section of people who make use of liquid air freshener products cut across commercial buildings and households hence the demographic composition for a liquid air freshener production company isn’t limited especially when they are also into the production of related products such as perfumes, disinfectant, aftershave et al.
So, if you are thinking of going into the liquid air freshener production business, then you should make your target market a wide one. It should include households, commercial facility owners managers amongst others.
3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On
It is pretty hard to find a liquid air freshener production company producing only liquid air freshener products used at homes because they would find it difficult to maximize profits in the industry. Even though there is no clear cut niche area in this line of business, naturally, it is common to find a standard liquid air freshener production company engage in the manufacturing of all or some of the under listed;
- Manufacturing solid air fresheners
- Manufacturing gaseous air fresheners
- Manufacturing aftershave
- Manufacturing perfumes
- Manufacturing disinfectants
- Manufacturing insecticides
The Level of Competition in the Industry
There is hardly any industry or line of business in the world where there is no competition; as a matter of fact, it is opposition that brings innovations into the business world.
The truth is that you are expected to compete with other players in the Air Freshener Manufacturing industry. This is why most liquid air freshener production companies are leveraging on creativity in terms of user – friendly chemical, packaging and marketing to continue to stay afloat in the industry.
The fact that there are stiff competitions in the Air Freshener Manufacturing industry is not hampering the performance of new entrants as most of them know how to recreate and re-strategize to reach out or attract more customers even if it is just people and farmers in their immediate community.
4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry
It is the norm that in every industry, there are always brands that perform better or are better regarded by customers and the general public than others. Some of these brands are those that have been in the industry for a long time, while others are best known for how they conduct their businesses and the results they have achieved over the years.
These are some of the leading air freshener production companies in the United States of America and in the globe;
- Air Wick®
- Glade
- Febreze
- Scent USA
- Air-Scent International
- Poo Pourri
- GermGuardian Pluggable UV-C Air Sanitizer and Odor Reducer
Economic Analysis
Starting a liquid air freshener production company is not a difficult business venture but at the same time, it is a business that necessitates thorough economic and cost analysis – feasibility studies and market survey if you want to make profits in the industry.
Part of what you need to focus on in this line of business is how to build a standard production plant, robust distribution networks, branding, how to maintain your machinery and equipment, and how to take care of your overhead before your business breaks even. Other cost that should be considered during planning and budgeting are supply of chemicals, packaging materials and maintenance costs.
In other to play safe with your investment, it is important that you hire the services of experts to help you carry out thorough economic and cost analysis before committing your resources to the business.
5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch
There are loads of factors that should be considered before choosing the option to follow. Some of the factors to consider are the cost of starting from the scratch or buying a franchise, your financial capacity, your vision, and your business skills and experience.
If your intention of starting a liquid air freshener production business is to grow beyond one city, if you want to have presence in key cities in the United States and Canada, then starting your liquid air freshener production company from the scratch is your best option.
But if you just want to start a business with the aim of just making profits and you don’t have the required finance and experience to build a business from the scratch, then it will pay you to buy the franchise of a successful brand in the Air Freshener Manufacturing industry if you are lucky to come by one.
Please note that most of the big and successful liquid air freshener production companies around started from the scratch and they were able to build a solid business brand.
It takes dedication, hard work and determination to achieve business success and of course you can build your own liquid air freshener production company to become a successful brand with your distribution network spread throughout the length and breadth of the United States of America and other countries of the world if you decide to go into exporting.
6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face
If you decide to go into liquid air freshener production business today, one of the major challenges you are likely going to face is the presence of well – established brands in the Air Freshener Manufacturing industry both in the United States of America and from other parts of the world. The only way to avoid this challenge is to create your own market.
Some other challenges and threats that you are likely going to face is economic downturn; if the economy is in bad shape, businesses such as liquid air freshener production companies usually struggle to maintain their old customers or even welcome new customers.
7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)
Ordinarily, sole proprietorship should have been the ideal business structure for a small scale liquid air freshener production business especially if you are just starting out with a moderate startup capital in a small neighborhood and producing limited liquid air freshener and other related products.
But if your intention is to grow the business and have distribution networks spread across the United States of America and other countries of the world via franchising, then choosing sole proprietor is not an option for you. Limited Liability Company, LLC or even general partnership will cut it for you.
Setting up an LLC protects you from personal liability. If anything goes wrong in the business, it is only the money that you invested into the limited liability company that will be at risk. It is not so for sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Limited liability companies are simpler and more flexible to operate and you don’t need a board of directors, shareholders meetings and other managerial formalities.
8. Choose a Catchy Business Name
In the business world, when it comes to choosing a name for your business, you should be resourceful because whatever name you choose for your business will go a long way to create a perception of what the business represents. Usually it is the norm for people to follow the trend in the industry they intend operating from when naming their business.
If you want to commence your own liquid air freshener production business, here are some catchy names that you can choose from;
- Fresh Breath® Air Freshener Production Company, LLC
- Mulberry® Air Freshener Production Company, LLC
- Spice Kin® Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
- Ten Over Ten® Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
- Pollen Network® Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
- Leafy Aroma™ Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
- Fresh Air© Liquid Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
- Home Desire™ Air Freshener Production Company, LLC
- Red Ribbon© Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
- Soft Sprinkler© Air Freshener Production Company, Inc.
9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You
In the United States and in most countries of the world, you can’t operate a business without having some of the basic insurance policy covers that are required by the industry you want to operate from. So, it is important to create a budget for insurance and perhaps consult an insurance broker to guide you in choosing the best and most appropriate insurance policies for your liquid air freshener production company.
Here are some of the basic insurance covers that you should consider purchasing if you want to start your own liquid air freshener production company in the United States of America;
- General insurance
- Health/Medical insurance
- Liability insurance
- Building Insurance
- Workers Compensation
- Overhead expense disability insurance
- Business owner’s policy group insurance
10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents
If you thinking of starting your own liquid air freshener production company, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection/trademark. This is so because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run the business without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.
But if you just want to protect your company’s logo and other documents or software that are unique to you or even jingles and media production concepts, then you can go ahead to file for intellectual property protection. If you want to register your trademark, you are expected to begin the process by filing an application with the USPTO.
11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification
Apart from producing good smelling liquid air fresheners, professional certification helps liquid air freshener production companies stand out. If you want to make an impact in the air freshener manufacturing industry, you should work towards acquiring all the needed certifications in your area of specialization.
You are strongly encouraged to pursue professional certifications; it will go a long way to show your commitment towards the business. These are some of the certifications you can work towards achieving if you want to run your own liquid air freshener production company;
- Chemical Handler’s Certificate
- Certified Air Freshener Manufacturer
- Degree or Diploma in Chemical Engineering and related courses
Please note that you can successfully run a liquid air freshener production company in the United States and in most countries of the world without necessarily acquiring professional certifications and as long as you have the required experience and business exposure.
12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate
The essence of having the compulsory documentation in place before launching any business in the United States of America cannot be overemphasized. It is a fact that you cannot successfully run any business in the United States without the proper documentations.
If you do, it won’t be too long before the long hand of the law catches up with you. These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run your own liquid air freshener production business in the United States of America;
- Business and liability insurance
- Tax Payer’s ID
- Fire certificate
- Chemical Handler Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business License
- Business Plan
- Non-disclosure Agreement
- Employment Agreement (offer letters)
- Employee’s Handbook
- Operating Agreement for LLCs
- Insurance Policy
- Online Terms of Use
- Online Privacy Policy Document (basically for online payment portal)
- Company Bylaws
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Building License
- Franchise or Trademark License (optional)
13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital
It is often said that money is the blood of any business. Raising startup capital is perhaps one of the major concerns for entrepreneurs. Your idea must be workable and promising for you to secure finance from financial institutions or from angel investors.
The first thing to put in place before sourcing for startup capital for your liquid air freshener production business is to draft a detailed business plan. With a good business plan, you can easily convince investors to invest in your business.
Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for startup capital for your liquid air freshener production company;
- Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Sell of shares to interested investors
- Applying for Loan from your Bank
- Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from donor organizations and angel investors
- Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends
14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business
You are expected to choose a location that is easily accessible so as to facilitate distribution of products and supply of raw materials. Affordability, availability of labor and safety are also some of the factors that you should consider.
Because liquid air fresheners are used by households, facility managers and commercial/industrial facilities, it is important to choose a location that will give you economy of scales; a location that will help you to favorably compete in the industry as a new entrant and also make reasonable profits.
It cannot be overemphasized that the location you choose to launch your liquid air freshener production company is key to the success of the business, hence entrepreneurs are willing to rent or lease a facility in a visible location; a location where the demography consists of people and businesses with the required purchasing power.
15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs
If you are considering starting a liquid air freshener production company, then you should make plans to build a standard liquid air freshener production plant. A standard liquid air freshener production plant includes chemical mixer, vessels, tanks with taps, burner and conveyor belt system et al. So, you are expected to put all this equipment and machine in place and also purchase standard distribution trucks.
Although you can get fairly used of the above listed equipment and machines, but it is advisable to go for new and latest machines and equipment that can serve you for a long time especially if you have the required money to make the purchase. Even if you don’t have the required amount, you can enter an agreement with the suppliers of such machines and equipment and spread the payment over a period of time.
As regards acquiring a facility, if you have the required finance, it is to your advantage to acquire a property or lease a facility to be used for your liquid air freshener production plant; it usually gives you the freedom to design the facility the way you want to it to be and install safety gadgets as you so desire. But if you are low on cash, then you don’t have any option other than to rent a facility.
When it comes to creating a workforce structure for a standard liquid air freshener production company, then you should look towards getting qualified and competent people to fill the following roles; Chief Executive Officer (Owner), Plant Manager, Chemical Engineer, Quality Control Officer, Human Resources and Admin Manager, Merchandize Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, Accountant, Production Workers/Machine Operators, Distribution Truck drivers, and Cleaners.
Over and above, you will need a minimum of 5 – 20 staff members to successfully run a small scale but standard liquid air freshener production company.
The Service Delivery Process of the Business
The production process of liquid air freshener involves at least three separate activities. To start the production process, you would need a container, preferably a plastic container filled with water. After this is done, you add a spoon of caustic soda and stir till the caustic soda dissolves.
After that, you add sulfuric acid and stir vigorously. At this point, you need to check the PH of the solution and ensure that it is about 7 or 8, or within this range. The next step is to add your formalin and colorant into the mixture and stir gently. Now you can add your perfume.
After the above stated processes, you are expected to leave the solution for about 24 hours before the liquid air freshener is then filled in a branded container and then sealed. We are not ruling out the fact that quality control is enforced at every stage of the production process.
It is important to state that a liquid air freshener production company may decide to improvise or adopt any business process and structure that will guarantee them efficiency and flexibility; the above stated liquid air freshener production company process is not cast on stone.
16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies
People and organizations will purchase your liquid air freshener and other related products if they know that they are going to get value for their money. As a matter of fact, your marketing strategy will center on quality, efficiency and pricing, and above all excellent customer service.
The truth is that if you are able to put the above stated in place, you won’t struggle to retain your old customers and at the same time win over new customers. Businesses these days are aware of the power of the internet which is why they will do all they can to maximize the internet to market their services or products.
In other words, a larger percentage of your marketing effort will be directed to internet users. These are some of the marketing ideas and strategies that you can adopt for your liquid air freshener production company;
- Introduce your liquid air freshener production company by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to households, commercial facility owners, facility managers and other key stake holders throughout the city where your liquid air freshener production company is located and distributed
- Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get your message across
- Create a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
- Directly market your products
- Engage in roadshows in targeted communities from time to time to promote your liquid air fresheners
- Join local liquid air freshener production company associations for industry trends and tips
- Provide discount days for your customers
- Advertise our business in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
- List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
- Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)
17. Work Out a Reasonable Pricing for your Services & Products
One key factor that will help you sell your liquid air fresheners and other related products at rock bottom prices is to purchase your raw materials and supplies (caustic soda, perfume, formalin, sulphonic acid, soda ash, colorant and packaging materials) directly from wholesalers in pretty large quantities. The truth is the higher the quantity of items you purchase directly from wholesalers, the cheaper you tend to get them.
Another strategy that will help you retail your liquid air fresheners at the right price is to ensure that you cut operational cost to the barest minimum and channel your efforts towards marketing and promoting your brand name. Aside from the fact that this strategy will help you save cost, it will also help you get the right pricing for your products.
You can also try as much as possible to work with independent contractors and marketers; it will help you save cost for paying sales and marketing executives.
18. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity
If you are in business and you are not deliberate about boosting you brand awareness and communicating your corporate identity, then you should be ready to take on whatever the society portray your business to be.
If your intention of starting a liquid air freshener production company is to grow the business beyond the city where you are going to be operating from to become a national and international brand by opening chains of distribution networks and exporting your products, then you must be ready to spend money on promotion and advertisement of your brand.
No matter the industry you belong to, the truth is that the market is dynamic and it requires consistent brand awareness and boosting cum promotion to continue to appeal to your target market. Here are the platforms you can leverage on to boost your brand awareness and create a corporate identity for your liquid air freshener production company;
- Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
- Sponsor relevant community based events
- Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote your liquid air freshener production company
- Install your billboards in strategic locations all around your city or state
- Engage in roadshows from time to time in targeted neighborhoods to create awareness of your liquid air freshener production company
- Distribute your fliers and handbills in target areas
- Contact households, commercial facilities, facility management and other key stakeholders throughout the city where your liquid air freshener production company is located informing them about your liquid air freshener production company and the products you sell
- List your liquid air freshener production company in local directories/yellow pages
- Advertise your liquid air freshener production company in your official website and employ strategies that will help you pull traffic to the site
- Position your Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where your liquid air freshener production company is located.
- Ensure that all your staff members wear your branded shirts and all your vehicles and trucks/vans are well branded with your company logo