Can I work with a contract manufacturer if my brand is still in early development?

Yes — many contract manufacturers work with early-stage founders, particularly those with a clear formula direction and realistic MOQ expectations. The key is being transparent about your stage, budget, and timeline in your initial brief. AJ Cosmo Labs is designed specifically for indie founders as well as scaling brands, and the iOS app lets you post a brief even before your formula is finalized so manufacturers can advise on feasibility.