I think this year we’ve had more questions (possibly because we’ve had more first-time entrants) than in any previous year since the Awards launched in 2012, so…
I’m answering the main ones in more detail today (please check the 2023 ENTRY FORM also) and as always, if you do have a different question please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we usually reply within a few hours.
Reminder! The entry form deadline is Friday 7 October
Samples can follow by 14th and we allow extra time for NEW launches
Awards Day is Thursday 2 March 2023 (note for the diary!)
2023 AWARDS
– FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Beauty – Grooming – Natural Health (including CBD)
CATEGORIES
Q: How much is it to enter a category or multiple categories?
A: The entry fee covers each PRODUCT you enter, not each category – and you can enter as many (relevant!) categories as you like, these are FREE. So there’s no cost associated with categories – only per product entered.
There’s a basic entry fee, a special flat rate fee for 3-6 products, and brands can enter 7-8 (next tier) or 9-10 (the maximum allowed)
Q: How do I indicate the categories we’d like to be considered for?
A: You can write them in the COMMENTS BOX on the entry form or email them to us after you receive the address for your samples – emailing afterwards may be easier.
Q: I can’t see a category for the particular product I want to enter, can I still take part?
A: Yes – because these awards are not category dependent, i.e. you don’t need to fit a category to actually win or be placed
Q: Who decides on the categories?
A: Either you can specify them (see above) or we’ll apply all relevant categories to each product you enter. We do this DURING the judging process once the judges’ feedback and marks come in, not before. Roughly 80% of brands ask us to choose the categories but it’s totally optional, whatever you prefer
ENTRY FEES
Q: Are there any costs for being shortlisted or winning- or for usage of the awards logo if we win?
A: None whatsoever. The only fee applicable is the initial ENTRY FEE (which has remained the same for years, and is the same this year) And there’s no need to book a table at an awards ceremony as the awards are virtual (again, to keep costs down)
Q: Can we pay extra to enter more than the maximum of 10 products?
A: No – we’ve capped it at 10 to keep things fairer and more egalitarian
Q: I only have one product to enter because I’ve only just recently launched the brand, do you offer a reduced fee for just one product/new brands?
A: The basic entry fee covers up to 2 products, there’s no discount for entering just one. We never offer discounts to certain brands, it must be a level playing field for all
SAMPLES
Q: Where should we send our samples?
A: To the address closest to you, which we’ll provide within 24 hours of receiving your entry form & entry fee payment.
The address will be in the UK, EU, USA or Australia (Canadian brands can send to USA and NZ brands can post samples to Australia)
Q: How many samples do you require?
A: This year we’ve reduced it from TWO samples of each product entered down to just ONE sample, to economise on costs incurred by the brands, i.e. heavier postage costs, SKUs etc
Eligibility
Q: My brand is not certified organic, can I still take part?
A: Yes of course, certifications are not a prerequisite
Q: My brand is only sold locally/in my country, can we still enter?
A: Yes for sure – these awards are global and open to global and more local brands alike
Q: My website won’t be ready for another couple of months, can I still enter?
A: We’ll need ALL the information you can provide during our judging process, even if it’s by email, but the website must be up and running by 2 March 2023, Awards Day
Q: We’ve had delays re labels/final packaging, can we still enter?
A: This is a (very!) frequent question this year – and the answer is “yes, you can send us the INCI/ingredients list by email” along with the packaging info (eg PDF/design) as well as the product with a temporary label – that’s OK – so that we can test it earlier, but the product MUST have *final labelling* before Awards Day, and also be for sale by 2 March 2023
GENERAL
Q: Do products have to be NEW?
A: No, there’s no time window – you can enter a brand new launch or a product launched say 5 years ago!
However, if it’s a NEW LAUNCH:
(a) we allow extra time for samples to arrive due to unforeseen delays; and
(b) the item has to be on sale to the public by 31 March 2023. And NEW LAUNCHES must be launched between 1 March 2022 and 31 March 2023
Q: Can I enter the same products again this year, even if they won last year or in a previous year?
A: Yes – many brands do this actually
Q: Do we need to send press or marketing info to you or include it with the samples?
A: Not if it’s all on the website, the judges refer to the websites during the testing period
I hope these are helpful. I know there are / will be more, so I’ll add them as and when they come up.
GOOD LUCK to all the entrants who’ve already been in touch and sent samples in, once again it’s already looking like a really interesting year, with a wide range of entries across both beauty and wellbeing especially.