Cosmetic Contract Manufacturer Charlotte: Small Batch Guide

Minimum order quantities for cosmetic contract manufacturers in the Charlotte area typically range from 500 to 5,000 units per SKU, though this varies significantly based on the product type, formulation complexity, and the manufacturer's production setup. For cream-based products like moisturizers or foundations, you'll often see MOQs at the higher end because they require batch tanks, mixing equipment, and longer fill times. Liquid products such as serums or cleansers may have slightly lower MOQs, sometimes starting at 1,000 units, because the filling machinery is faster and more efficient. Powder products like loose mineral makeup or setting powders can sometimes start as low as 500 units if you're working with a smaller, more flexible operation that has modular equipment. The Charlotte region has become a hub for mid-market cosmetic manufacturing, partly because it sits between major supply chains on the East Coast and has several facilities designed to serve indie brands and emerging companies. This competition means some manufacturers there will negotiate MOQs downward if you commit to a second or third production run within a defined timeframe, typically 6 to 12 months. Before signing with any contract manufacturer, ask explicitly whether their quoted MOQ is firm or whether they have a sliding scale for repeat orders. One critical mistake first-time founders make is accepting the highest MOQ without asking whether a lower volume is possible if you accept a longer production window or higher per-unit costs. Many Charlotte-based manufacturers have capacity during off-peak seasons and will take smaller runs at a 15 to 30 percent premium to per-unit pricing rather than turn away business entirely. You should also clarify whether the MOQ includes testing batches, stability samples, or only finished goods ready to ship. Another factor that moves MOQ is whether you're doing a stock formula or a custom formulation. If you choose from the manufacturer's existing roster of approved formulas—such as a standard SPF 30 sunscreen or a basic hydrating lotion base—the MOQ often drops because they don't need to develop or validate a new recipe. Custom formulations, especially those requiring stability testing or preservative adjustments for your specific ingredient list, typically command higher MOQs to offset the R&D time and batch tank reservation. When evaluating Charlotte manufacturers, use the AJ Cosmo Labs app to compare MOQ policies side by side. The platform lets you view each facility's minimum order requirements and customer reviews (when available from completed projects) before you even schedule a call. This transparency helps you narrow the field to manufacturers whose MOQ aligns with your first production target, saving weeks of back-and-forth emails. You can also see whether a manufacturer has worked with similar product categories, which often signals they have optimized equipment for your product type and may be more flexible on volume.

The timeline for a small batch cosmetic run in Charlotte typically spans 8 to 16 weeks from signed contract to finished goods ready to ship, though this breaks down into distinct stages that vary based on whether you're using a stock formula or requiring custom formulation and stability testing. The first 2 to 4 weeks covers the pre-production phase: finalizing specifications, confirming packaging artwork, reviewing and signing the manufacturing agreement, and depositing any required upfront fees. During this window, the manufacturer's quality team reviews your ingredient list, checks compliance with cosmetic regulations in your target markets, and flags any potential issues such as fragrance allergens or preservative compatibility with your chosen containers. Once pre-production closes, the actual formulation or batch preparation begins. If you're using an existing formula from the manufacturer's library, this phase takes 1 to 2 weeks and involves preparing your batch tank, conducting a small trial batch to confirm color and texture match your specification, and running stability tests on that trial batch. If you're requesting a custom formulation—a proprietary moisturizer blend or a unique color match for a liquid foundation—add 3 to 6 weeks because the chemist must develop the formula, conduct in-process testing, document the recipe, and sometimes run preliminary stability or preservative efficacy tests before committing to full production. Manufacturing itself, once formulation approval is complete, takes 2 to 4 weeks for most small batches. This includes batch preparation in the main production tank, quality control testing (pH, viscosity, microbial load if applicable, visual inspection), filling and capping, label application, and secondary packaging. Cosmetic manufacturers in Charlotte often run two to three production days per week per client, so if your batch occupies the schedule on a Monday and Tuesday, the next steps—cooling, curing if applicable, final QC checks—may not complete until the following week. Powder products fill faster than creams, so a small run of setting powder might move through manufacturing in 10 to 14 days, while a small batch of thick body butter could take 3 to 4 weeks because of slower fill rates and longer curing time if emulsifiers or waxes need to set. After manufacturing, there's a 1 to 2 week window for final quality assurance, label verification, case packing, and logistics coordination. Some manufacturers offer expedited shipping to your warehouse or fulfillment center; others batch shipments to save on carrier costs, which can add another 3 to 5 days. If you need stability testing or additional microbial testing before release—which is wise for any leave-on skin product—add another 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the test suite. The biggest timeline variable for small batches is whether the manufacturer has immediate capacity or whether your project enters a queue. During peak seasons (July through October for most cosmetic manufacturers preparing for holiday retail), lead times stretch from 12 to 16 weeks. During quieter periods like January or early February, the same manufacturer might turn around a small batch in 8 to 10 weeks. When you contact a Charlotte manufacturer, always ask for their current lead time based on the order date you're targeting, not the generic timeline on their website. When vetting manufacturers on AJ Cosmo Labs, the app displays each facility's current lead time, whether they have dedicated small-batch equipment, and their typical turnaround for custom formulation. This lets you eliminate facilities that don't match your deadline before spending time on a detailed conversation. Many founders assume all Charlotte manufacturers move at the same speed, but facilities with dedicated small-batch lines move faster than those that run small orders on equipment also used for large industrial contracts.

The cost per unit for small batch cosmetics manufactured in Charlotte ranges from $2.50 to $15 per unit for most common formats—creams, serums, and lotions—depending on the formula complexity, container type, package size, and whether you're producing 500 units or 5,000 units in a single run. A simple hydrating lotion in a 2 oz plastic jar, manufactured at 2,000 units, typically costs $3 to $5 per unit all-in, including the container, label, lid, and manufacturing labor. A more complex formula like a vitamin C serum with stabilized ascorbic acid in an airless pump bottle at the same volume and quantity might cost $6 to $10 per unit because the raw materials are more expensive and the filling equipment requires calibration to handle the thinner viscosity without dripping. Three main factors move per-unit costs: formula cost (raw material expense), packaging cost (container, closure, label, insert), and manufacturing labor. Formula cost is often the smallest piece—typically 15 to 30 percent of total per-unit cost—unless you're using rare or organic ingredients, in which case it can climb to 40 to 50 percent. Packaging is usually 35 to 50 percent of the per-unit cost, which is why choosing between a glass jar and a plastic jar can shift your total cost by $1 to $2 per unit. If you specify a custom molded closure or a printed carton box, costs climb further. Manufacturing labor and overhead—tank rental, batch record documentation, quality control testing, line time—typically account for 20 to 35 percent of per-unit cost. Small batches carry a per-unit premium compared to large runs because manufacturers amortize setup costs, quality control checks, and line changeover time across fewer units. When you manufacture 500 units of a cream, the Charlotte manufacturer still must clean and prepare the batch tank, calibrate the fill machine, run first-article inspection, and complete all the same documentation as they would for 5,000 units. That overhead—often $1,500 to $4,000 per batch—divided by 500 units adds $3 to $8 to the per-unit cost. The same overhead divided by 5,000 units adds only $0.30 to $0.80. This is why per-unit prices drop significantly when you increase from 500 to 1,000 units, and again when you go from 1,000 to 2,500 units, but the decrease flattens once you hit 5,000 units per run. Container choice has the single largest impact on small-batch unit cost. A 2 oz clear plastic jar with a black lid and simple label costs roughly $0.40 to $0.60 per unit when ordered from Charlotte area suppliers in bulk, but that price improves with volume. A custom-molded plastic jar with a proprietary shape might cost $0.80 to $1.20 per unit even at moderate volumes. A glass container with a metallic closure and a printed label can jump to $1.50 to $2.50 per unit. When you're calculating your COGS for a small batch, always request itemized pricing from your container supplier separately from the manufacturer's quote, because some manufacturers mark up container costs or have preferred vendors where you may overpay. Another often-overlooked cost is first-batch or development fees. Many Charlotte manufacturers charge $500 to $2,000 to develop a custom formula, validate it in their system, and conduct the first trial batch—all before you commit to the full production run. This fee may be fully credited against your first order, partially credited, or non-refundable depending on the agreement. Always clarify this upfront. If a manufacturer quotes a very low per-unit cost but doesn't mention a development fee, ask whether one exists, because it's often hidden in the initial sales conversation. Small-batch founders often assume they're locked into the per-unit price they receive in the initial quote, but most Charlotte manufacturers allow volume-based price breaks within the same contract year. Ask whether moving from your first 500-unit run to a 2,000-unit second run (which might happen 3 to 6 months later) would adjust your per-unit cost downward. Many will offer 5 to 15 percent discounts on repeat orders if you commit to a total volume within 12 months. Use AJ Cosmo Labs to compare cost structures across multiple Charlotte facilities before negotiating, because pricing models vary—some charge by the unit, others charge a fixed batch fee plus per-unit filling costs. The app lets you see which manufacturers publish their cost transparency and which require a detailed quote.

Charlotte cosmetic contract manufacturers typically provide compliance support for FDA regulations, including proper facility registration (FDA establishment number), adherence to the FDA's cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, and batch record documentation, though the depth of support and what they guarantee versus what remains your responsibility varies significantly between facilities. A reputable Charlotte manufacturer will have a current FDA establishment registration, pass FDA biennial inspections, and maintain written procedures for receiving materials, testing, manufacturing, packaging, and distributing cosmetics. They will also provide you with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch showing microbial testing results, preservative efficacy data if applicable, and any stability testing performed. Most Charlotte manufacturers offer optional certifications and testing that enhance your product's market appeal and reduce liability risk. These include third-party microbial testing (aerobic plate count, yeast and mold, pathogens like E. coli or Pseudomonas), stability testing at room temperature and potentially at accelerated conditions (45°C and 75 percent relative humidity for 4 to 8 weeks), and preservative efficacy testing (challenge testing) if your formula includes water or is susceptible to microbial growth. Some facilities offer dermatologist testing or hypoallergenic claims support, though these usually require a separate clinical lab and are not performed in-house. Charlotte manufacturers do not typically offer animal safety testing or cruelty-free certification (that comes from third-party auditors), but they can support your path to these certifications by documenting the origin of raw materials and ensuring no animal testing occurs during manufacturing. One frequently misunderstood point: the cosmetic manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the formula itself is safe and stable, but you (the brand owner) are responsible for compiling the safety data package for your finished product, including ingredient safety data sheets, stability data, and any necessary product claims substantiation. A Charlotte manufacturer can help you organize this documentation and may maintain archives of raw material certificates and batch records, but they typically do not perform the final compliance review or ensure claims like "natural" or "hypoallergenic" meet FTC or specific state standards. This is where many small brands stumble—they assume the manufacturer's stamp means the product is fully compliant nationally and internationally, when in fact each market (EU, Canada, Australia, Japan) has different cosmetic regulations. If you plan to sell in markets beyond the United States, discuss regulatory requirements early with your Charlotte manufacturer. The EU, for example, requires a banned-substances list that is far more restrictive than the FDA list and prohibits certain UV filters and preservatives allowed in the U.S. The EU also requires an independent Safety Data Assessment (SDA) conducted by a qualified assessor, which the manufacturer does not perform. Canada prohibits different ingredients than the U.S., and Australia maintains its own Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) framework. A good Charlotte manufacturer will alert you to these differences and help you adjust your formula if needed, but they won't automatically ensure international compliance unless you explicitly hire them to do so. Certifications like "clean beauty" or "non-toxic" are marketing claims, not regulatory certifications, and manufacturers often have no role in vetting them. Certifications that do matter and some Charlotte manufacturers can support include: NSF/ANSI 305 (Personal Care Products); ISO 22716 (cosmetic GMP); and various organic certifications (USDA Organic, COSMOS) if your formula qualifies. However, achieving these certifications requires third-party audits and documentation beyond what a typical small-batch manufacturer provides; you'll need to work with a certification body separately. Charlotte manufacturers can support the process by maintaining clean batch records and ingredient sourcing documentation, but they will not pursue the certification on your behalf. A practical step: before signing a manufacturing contract, request the facility's most recent FDA inspection report if available (not all facilities have public records, but some do), and ask for references from three to five brands they've manufactured for. Ask each reference whether the manufacturer helped them achieve any specific certifications and whether there were any compliance issues post-launch. Use AJ Cosmo Labs to view each manufacturer's certifications and inspection history where available; the platform displays which Charlotte facilities have published ISO 22716 status or NSF registrations, helping you immediately identify the most rigorous operators. For small-batch brands, choosing a manufacturer with established compliance documentation and third-party audit experience is far more valuable than choosing the lowest-cost option, because a compliance issue discovered after launch can cost tens of thousands in recalls or reformulation.

The most efficient way to find and vet a cosmetic contract manufacturer in Charlotte is to use a vetted marketplace like AJ Cosmo Labs, which displays facility profiles, equipment capabilities, MOQ policies, certifications, and real customer reviews in one searchable interface, allowing you to compare and contact multiple manufacturers on the same day rather than spending weeks cold-calling or navigating fragmented online directories. The app lets you filter by location (Charlotte, NC), product type (whether they specialize in creams, serums, powders, etc.), MOQ range, and certifications, then view detailed profiles that include the manufacturer's facility specs, pricing model, lead times, and customer reviews (when available). This saves you the considerable legwork of calling 15 manufacturers individually only to discover three are not taking new clients, two don't handle your product category, and the rest are not responsive. Beyond the AJ Cosmo Labs platform, you can conduct direct research by searching "cosmetic contract manufacturer Charlotte" or "co-packer near Charlotte, NC" and compiling a list from Google Maps, industry directories like the Contract Pharmaceutical & Chemical Manufacturers Association (CPMA), and LinkedIn company searches. When you identify candidates, visit their websites to confirm they do cosmetic manufacturing (not just pharmaceutical or nutraceutical), check whether they list equipment types (e.g., "10-liter to 2,000-liter batch tanks," "inline fill-cap machinery for liquids"), and note whether they publish any certifications or client case studies. Companies that are transparent about their capabilities and history are generally more reliable than those with minimal web presence. Once you have a shortlist of 3 to 5 manufacturers, prepare a brief one-page product specification sheet that includes: product category (moisturizer, serum, cleanser, etc.), desired batch size (your planned first-run volume), container size and type, key formula requirements (preservative preference, active ingredients, texture), timeline, and whether custom formulation is needed. Send this specification to each facility and request an initial call. This filter eliminates manufacturers who don't have capacity for your timeline or product type before you invest time in deeper conversations. During the initial call, listen carefully for answers to these red flags: Do they ask clarifying questions about your formula, or do they immediately quote a price? Do they seem focused on selling you the largest possible batch size, or do they acknowledge your small-batch constraints? Do they provide a clear, itemized breakdown of costs (formula, packaging, manufacturing, testing), or do they give a vague per-unit number? Do they ask about your target market and regulations, or do they assume U.S. domestic-only? After the initial call, request a detailed written quote that includes: per-unit manufacturing cost, per-batch setup or development fee (if any), timeline with key milestones, payment terms (deposit, stage payments, final balance due at shipment), and what's included versus excluded (e.g., is stability testing included, or does that cost extra?). A professional quote should be at least a page long and address your specific product details; a one-line quote with no breakdown is a warning sign. Ask for at least two references—other small brands they've worked with—and contact them directly. Do not rely solely on testimonials on the manufacturer's website; ask the references specifically about lead time accuracy, cost overruns, quality consistency, and responsiveness to change requests. Visit the facility in person if feasible, even if only via a virtual tour. Many Charlotte manufacturers offer virtual facility walkthroughs, and a video tour should show you the batch tanks, filling equipment, quality control lab, and storage areas relevant to your product. If the manufacturer seems resistant to a virtual tour or in-person visit, that's a red flag—transparency is a hallmark of trustworthy operators. During the tour, ask to see batch records from a similar product and confirm that their documentation practices meet your needs. Ask whether they've worked with brands in your market segment before and whether they have experience with the specific ingredients or active ingredients you plan to use. Before signing any contract, ensure the agreement addresses: manufacturing specifications and tolerance ranges (e.g., viscosity of ±5 percent, color within an approved reference standard), number of QC checks and what they measure, responsibilities for ingredient sourcing (do you provide raw materials, or does the manufacturer source them?), liability limits, intellectual property protection (your formula should remain confidential), and what happens if a batch fails QC (is it remade at no cost, or do you pay again?). Use AJ Cosmo Labs to track your manufacturer search, save favorites, and maintain notes on each facility—the app's integrated CRM features let you stay organized and avoid duplicating outreach efforts. Many founders reach out to three manufacturers, get three quotes, and sign with the cheapest option; that's often a costly mistake. A manufacturer $0.50 per unit cheaper than a competitor might lack quality control rigor or customer service responsiveness, turning a small-batch project into a crisis.

Most Charlotte cosmetic manufacturers will manufacture formulas containing FDA-approved cosmetic ingredients, but a subset of ingredients is restricted, either because they fall into categories the manufacturer chooses not to work with (such as claims-related ingredients that require clinical data), because they conflict with local regulations or the manufacturer's standard safety protocols, or because they present handling, stability, or liability challenges. Common restricted categories include: high concentrations of actives that require dosing and efficacy claims (vitamin A retinoids, peptides marketed with anti-aging claims, growth factors), ingredients that require preservative adjustments to prevent degradation (unstable vitamins like L-ascorbic acid, which is challenging to stabilize in water), naturally derived colorants that are difficult to standardize, and fragrance-forward products where the fragrance component exceeds 15 to 20 percent of the formula. Fragrance and essential oil-heavy products are particularly tricky in Charlotte. A manufacturer might accept a fragrance order, but they will require documentation of the fragrance's color stability, oxidation resistance, and whether it contains volatile components that will evaporate or separate from the formula over time. Many essential oils are not suitable for cosmetics without substantial dilution or stabilization because they degrade in sunlight, interact with preservatives, or cause irritation at concentrations typically used by indie brands. Before selecting fragrance as a key formula component, ask your Charlotte manufacturer whether they have a preferred fragrance supplier and whether they charge extra for fragrance-heavy formulas (often 10 to 20 percent more because fragrance lines require extra cleaning and scent bleed-through can affect the next batch). Sunscreens and products with UV claims are handled by only a subset of Charlotte manufacturers because they require specific preservative systems, photostability testing, and SPF substantiation. If you want to claim SPF or UV protection, you're technically formulating a drug (under FDA classification), not a cosmetic, which puts the product in a different regulatory category and requires a different type of manufacturing facility and documentation. Most small-batch cosmetic manufacturers in Charlotte will decline this work or refer you to a facility with pharmaceutical or drug manufacturing capabilities. If you want to manufacture a sunscreen cosmetically—meaning you list the UV-filtering ingredients but make no SPF claims—some Charlotte manufacturers will accept this, though they'll likely require you to source an already-approved sunscreen base and add your branded actives or scents to it rather than formulating from scratch. Natural or organic claims drive another category of restrictions. If you market a product as "natural" or "made with organic ingredients," Charlotte manufacturers must source and document the origin of those ingredients, maintain separate batches to prevent cross-contamination with conventional ingredients, and often require third-party certification. Many Charlotte manufacturers can do this, but they'll charge a premium (10 to 25 percent above standard cosmetics) and may require a minimum batch size of 2,000 to 5,000 units to justify the sourcing and documentation burden. Synthetic fragrance is generally acceptable; essential oils marketed as natural often come with supply chain documentation requirements that increase costs. Ingredients that are banned or restricted in specific markets beyond the U.S. may also be flagged by Charlotte manufacturers who have experience with international clients. For example, certain preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (MIT) are banned in rinse-off products in the EU but acceptable in the U.S., and certain UV filters are banned in the EU but approved in the U.S. A forward-thinking Charlotte manufacturer will alert you to these differences if you mention you plan international distribution, but they may decline to formulate if you insist on using an ingredient that would require separate production runs for different markets. Metal content, particularly lead or mercury, is tested in many cosmetic formulas and Charlotte manufacturers will document this, but if your formula naturally contains trace metals from mineral pigments or botanical extracts, the manufacturer may ask you to source pre-tested, certified versions of those ingredients to confirm metal levels are below FDA limits. This drives up ingredient costs and is a reason some Charlotte manufacturers recommend simplified formulas over botanical-heavy blends for small-batch projects. Finally, many Charlotte manufacturers restrict products with extremely short shelf-life claims or those requiring refrigeration. A formula that is only stable for 12 months or less, or that requires cold storage, creates inventory and shipping challenges that most small-batch manufacturers want to avoid. Ask your Charlotte manufacturer what minimum shelf-life they recommend claiming and what stability data they'll require to support that claim. A competent manufacturer will guide you toward a formula with at least 24 months of stability at room temperature, which is the practical minimum for indie brands managing retail distribution.

Yes, requesting a sample batch or trial batch before your full production run is almost always worth the cost and time, especially for small-batch cosmetics from a Charlotte manufacturer, because a trial batch exposes formula stability issues, packaging compatibility problems, and manufacturing process challenges that can derail your full production if left undetected. A sample batch is typically 10 to 50 units of your final product manufactured using your final formula, final packaging, and the same process and line that will be used for your production run, but scaled down or manufactured on a slower production day so the cost is lower and turnaround is faster. The trial batch allows you to: confirm color, scent, and texture match your expectations; test shelf-life stability in your actual container under real storage conditions; verify that your label, cap, and box fit and perform correctly; and validate that your formula doesn't separate, crystallize, or change consistency over the first 30 to 90 days. The cost of a sample batch for a small cosmetic product from a Charlotte manufacturer typically ranges from $300 to $1,500 depending on formula complexity and container choice. This includes a small-scale batch (often 5 to 10 liters if it's a liquid, or 2 to 5 kilograms if it's a powder or cream), filling into your chosen containers, labeling, quality control testing, and shipping to you. Some manufacturers bundle this into a "development fee" that is then credited against your first production order, so you may only pay a net $200 to $500 out of pocket. Others charge the full sample fee upfront and credit it only if you move forward with a production run from them. Always clarify this in the initial quote to avoid surprise charges. A critical mistake first-time founders make is skipping the sample batch to save money, then discovering during production that their fragrance separated into oily droplets, or their colored powder oxidized in the jar over three weeks, or their label peeled off in humidity, forcing a complete remake at the full MOQ cost. The sample batch costs 5 to 10 percent of a full production run and prevents this catastrophic scenario. For a $20,000 production order, a $1,000 sample batch is a rounding error if it saves you from a $20,000 waste. When you request a sample batch from a Charlotte manufacturer, specify that you want it manufactured using the exact formula, exact packaging, and exact process that will be used for the full run. Do not ask for a different formula or packaging for the sample if you plan to change it for production, because that defeats the entire purpose. Ask whether the sample includes any stability testing or whether you need to test it yourself over 4 to 12 weeks. Some manufacturers include 30-day room-temperature stability observation (visual check for separation, discoloration, or thickening); others charge extra for formal stability data. Decide whether you need formal documentation or whether a visual check is sufficient for your market. After you receive your sample batch, commit 2 to 4 weeks to testing before approving the formula for production. Store samples at room temperature, in a warm location (like a windowsill or bathroom), and in a cool dark place (like a closet) to simulate different retail environments. Check every 5 to 7 days for separation, thickening, discoloration, odor changes, or texture changes. If your formula is a water-based product and you didn't include a broad-spectrum preservative system, contamination can occur within days; this is valuable information that tells you to rethink your preservative choice before you manufacture 2,000 units. If your color fades under light exposure, you need to source UV-protective packaging or reformulate. These discoveries in the sample phase cost time and a small amount of money; they're catastrophic in the production phase. Also use the sample batch to test your intended customer experience: unbox it as a customer would, read your label for clarity and accuracy, try the product on your target skin type or use case, and assess whether the container is intuitive to dispense from and whether the closure works reliably. A beautiful moisturizer in a pump that clogs after three weeks, or a foundation in a bottle that drips when opened, will generate returns and negative reviews. The sample batch is your chance to identify these issues. One nuance: if you're using an existing formula from your Charlotte manufacturer's library—a standard hydrating lotion or basic cleanser base—you may be able to skip a full sample batch and instead request a small quantity (10 to 25 units) of your specific branded version filled into your packaging, paying only $200 to $400. This is less rigorous than a full trial batch but still allows you to check label fit, packaging performance, and visual stability over a few weeks. For custom formulations or formulas with novel actives or fragrance profiles, a full sample batch is non-negotiable. Use AJ Cosmo Labs to flag which Charlotte manufacturers offer sample batch services and whether they credit the sample fee against full production. Manufacturers who make sampling easy and affordable are often more committed to quality and customer success because they understand that founders who launch successful products become repeat customers. A manufacturer who pushes back on sampling or tries to sell you directly into a full 2,000-unit run without a trial batch should raise concerns about their confidence in their own process.