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MD Science Lab

By on April 13, 2016

Formed in early 1999, M.D. Science Lab’s mission has been to bring innovative and value-added lifestyle enhancement products to the market. The first products were dietary supplements followed by enhancement gels and then the lubricants. Currently we have over 200 SKU’s to our product offering.

Our product lines such as Swiss Navy lubricants, Max nutritional supplements, and the Je T’aime line of sensual lubes and gels are sold in adult stores, retail chains and specialty boutiques across the U.S. and in 48 countries. In 2013, STOREROTICA Magazine named M.D. Science Lab ‘Sexual Enhancement Company of the Year’ and in July 2014, our Swiss Navy brand was awarded StorErotica Magazine’s ‘Lubricant Company of the Year’ title.

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Currently our headquarters is based in Pompano Beach, Florida where we have a state-of-the-art 23,000 square foot facility which houses administration and sales, product development and research, production and packaging as well as distribution and logistics. Our facility is USFDA inspected and compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). We also have a satellite distribution warehouse in Amsterdam.

How and to what countries are you selling to?
We sell to over 39 countries worldwide with a mix of direct sales to stores and via trusted global distribution partners. When MD Science Lab started, the first sales were direct to adult stores. There weren’t many distributors then, and fewer stores. Today with a plethora of stores worldwide and more distributors with great resources, we have a network of successful partners around the globe.

We’re renowned for the Swiss Navy line of lubricants and body products which we sell predominantly via adult stores but we also manufacture supplements and so have a large sales channel for natural products.

In terms of growth, where do you see yourselves now?
We are fortunate to have a double-digit sales increase consecutively over the past several years. As we expand both our product line and our global reach, we forecast significant increases in the future as well. Our partnerships are crucial for our continued growth and we will continue to develop and nurture these relationships.

How do you promote and create awareness of your products?
Our products are promoted though a variety of channels. Tradeshows, such as ANME, ILS and eroFame to name a few have always provided us with great exposure, both to potential customers as well as end consumers. We have also for many years, participated in numerous gay pride events as well as various sex shows throughout the world.
In Australia, we have done the Sexpo’s, which was effective for us, and you will see more of us at Sexpo soon!
We also cover the usual social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

What percentage of your products do you think is sold online vs brick and mortar stores?
The foundation of our growth, of course, is the brick and mortar store along with the distributors. It also remains the majority of our sales. But, we have been seeing an increase of online sales and feel this will increase over the next several years as e-commerce continues to evolve.

What can you tell us about working with Retailers and Distributors?
The retailers are our front line. We always ask the retailers what they are looking for, what product is not out there. We’re always seeking their feedback. An example of this is our range of flavoured lubricant. In 2006/2007, we talked to retail store buyers and consumers and they informed us of product brands that had a bad aftertaste, sugars and food colouring which stained. We then changed the world of flavours. It’s the same as our warming lubricant. We were informed of brands that were too hot or burned so we developed a lubricant that uses body fluid and friction as an activator for the warming aspect.

And of course we support the retail chains with banners, posters, education and training to store employees. Its similar with our trusted distribution partners. We educate the sales teams, conduct remote training via skype, and together we visit their accounts and attend their in-house trade shows.

What are some of your best selling items?
Our Top 5 Best Sellers are Viva Cream, Max Size Cream, our Silicone Lubricant, All Natural Lubricant and our Flavours.

How has the global market in terms of distribution and retail evolved?
Due to the internet the consumer is more educated, and is very aware of body safe ingredients, pricing and has a choice of sales channels. The market is now more complex, it’s more sophisticated, and very competitive. The US market is not as liberal as Europe, in general, but it’s better now than 10 years ago. Sexual aids and product is more prevalent today in movies, books, there is product placement, talk shows with celebrities etc, and all this leads to an increase in awareness and sales for all participants.

Are there any country specific trends globally or are some countries more receptive to certain product categories over others?
Our products are performing consistently well throughout all of countries we sell to. We have not seen any trends that are specific to any country.

Tell us about the manufacturing process. What does it involve?
I think most retailers would be surprised at how long this process really takes. From sourcing ingredients to formulation, to mixing batches and testing, labelling and packaging, it can take several weeks to months. The product has to be right as you don’t get a second chance. We use the highest quality ingredients in all of our products which are sourced globally. Our rigorous Quality Control department inspects every product to insure the end consumer with total satisfaction.

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What legal and compliance issues are there to deal with in regard to manufacturing?
Personal lubricants have recently come under regulation in the US. In order for a personal lubricant to be sold and marketed in the United States, the FDA has in more recent times required all lubricants to have a Class II Medical Device 510(k) clearance. A 510(k) is a premarket submission made to the FDA. 510(k) clearance means that a company has done its due diligence with testing the product according to FDA guidelines and it has been cleared for sale in the US. This cost us a lot of time and money to obtain but we have the 510(k) clearance.

It would be prudent to point out that MD Science Labs places great value on the quality and the personal safety of its products. We are very proud that we have never had any incident with any product ever.

Tell us about your staff resources, how many do you have now, and in what sectors?
We have around 50 employees, many of which have been a part of the MD Science team since the beginning. There are currently 8 sales reps, 20 in warehouse and production and the rest in administration and marketing.

Where do you see the company now and where would you like it to be in 5 years?
We want to continue in the current direction, it’s working well for us. We have excellent products and are well respected in the industry. We are on track for continued growth and no doubt we will be expanding in new areas as opportunities arise.

Company Name: MD Science Lab LLC
Founder/Owner/Director: Ralph Albrecht
Founding Year: 1999
City: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
URL: www.mdsciencelab.com

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