Terms & Conditions — Sweet Little Crumb Consultancy

Sweet Little Crumb Consultancy

Terms & Conditions — All Services

These Terms and Conditions govern the agreement between Sweet Little Crumb / This Formulating Life Blog from Sweet Little Crumb (“Service Provider”, “we”, “us”, “our”) and the client (“Client”, “you”, “your”) across all service categories. By engaging our services, the Client agrees to the terms applicable to their chosen service.

Service Category 1

Physical Formulation Development Services

Custom Formulation Development, Reverse Engineering, Physical Reformulation and Lab Batch Production.

1. Definitions

1.1 Physical Development Service

A service in which the Service Provider creates physical product samples, conducts bench testing, performs preliminary stability testing, and iterates formulations in a laboratory setting.

1.2 Custom Formulation Development

The creation of a bespoke formulation from concept to manufacturing-ready documentation, including physical sample rounds.

1.3 Reverse Engineering

The scientific analysis of benchmark products to understand formulation principles and develop similar formulations while respecting intellectual property boundaries.

1.4 Tweak

A small adjustment to the formula. Significant changes that substantially alter the product type, target, or nature of the formulation constitute a new project.

1.5 Deliverable

The physical samples, formulation documentation, manufacturing method, and related materials produced.

2. Scope of Services

2A. Custom Formulation Development

2.1 — What’s Included

Up to three (3) rounds of formulation samples (30–50 mL each), a complete formulation dossier (ingredient list, manufacturing method, supplier details), and preliminary 2-week high-temperature and freeze/thaw stability testing.

2.2 — Timeline & Ownership

Typically 2–3 months. The Client receives full ownership of the final approved formula upon full payment, with no ongoing royalties.

2.3 — Service Provider Retention

The Service Provider retains ownership of all preliminary work, development concepts, and unapproved formulations. General techniques and knowledge may be utilised for future projects but the Client’s exact formulation will not be replicated for other clients.

2.4 — Tweaks

Up to three (3) tweaks are included. A tweak is a small adjustment. Significant changes constitute a new formulation project.

2B. Reverse Engineering

2.5. Reverse Engineering analyses benchmark products to understand formulation principles. It does not guarantee exact replication or identical performance.

2.6. The Client must provide accurate information and confirm legal rights to commission reverse engineering of the specified product.

2.7. The Client is solely responsible for compliance with intellectual property laws, trade secret regulations, and patent protections.

2C. Full-Service Procedure

The fragrance (EO/FO) is the Client’s responsibility to source and provide. The service fee does not include testing, safety assessments, or manufacturing beyond the development scope.

3. Limitations

3.1

Performance Outcomes

The Service Provider cannot guarantee specific performance outcomes, market success, or regulatory approval in all jurisdictions.

3.2

Stability Testing

Preliminary testing provides early confidence but does not replace comprehensive long-term stability testing, PET, or microbial testing.

3.3

Natural Ingredients

Natural ingredient performance varies. Realistic guidance is provided on limitations, particularly regarding natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients.

4. Fees and Payment

4.6. The Client is responsible for all payment processing costs, including credit card fees, PayPal charges, international transaction fees, currency conversion charges, bank transfer fees, and any other fees imposed by financial institutions.

4.8. Prices are subject to change. 14 days’ written notice will be provided to existing clients. Current pricing is in the Sweet Little Crumb Service List (separate document).

5. Liability and Disclaimer

5.1. Feedback, recommendations, and Deliverables are provided for informational and consultative purposes only and do not guarantee product stability, efficacy, regulatory compliance, commercial success, or market performance.

5.2. The Service Provider is not liable for product failures, adverse reactions, customer complaints, legal claims, regulatory non-compliance, product recalls, border rejections, or financial losses.

5.3. All modifications, recommendations, or formulations are implemented at the Client’s own discretion and risk.

5.4. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Service Provider against all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including legal fees).

5.5. To the maximum extent permitted by Australian Consumer Law (ACL), the Service Provider excludes all warranties. Total liability shall not exceed fees actually paid for those specific services.

5.6. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.

5.7. The Service Provider is not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental losses including loss of profits, business interruption, reputational damage, or regulatory penalties.

6. Client Responsibilities

6.1. The Client must provide accurate, complete, and timely information.

6.2. Deliverable quality depends on the accuracy of Client-provided information.

6.3. The Client is solely responsible for regulatory compliance in all target markets (AICIS, TGA, EU, UK, US FDA, and all other applicable laws).

6.4. The Client is solely responsible for all physical validation prior to commercialisation (stability testing, PET, microbial testing, safety assessments, consumer testing).

7. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

7.1. All Client information is confidential per the NDA (separate binding agreement).

7.2. The Service Provider does not claim ownership of the Client’s original formulation or IP.

7.3. Anonymised data may be retained for research, quality improvement, and educational purposes.

7.4. The Service Provider retains ownership of general techniques, knowledge, and methodologies.

7.5. General client relationships may be referenced for portfolio purposes unless prohibited in writing.

8. Termination

8.1. Either party may terminate with written notice. Fees for completed work are non-refundable.

8.2. False or misleading information allows termination without refund.

8.3. Confidentiality, IP, liability, and indemnity provisions survive termination.

9. Amendments and Cancellations

9.1. Terms may be updated at any time. Clients are notified of material changes via email.

9.2. Cancellation before work commences incurs a 25% cancellation fee.

9.3. No refund after work has commenced. Partial Deliverables may be provided at the Service Provider’s discretion.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

10.1. Governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

10.2. Disputes resolved first through good faith negotiation.

10.3. If negotiation fails, mediation before legal action. Proceedings in Queensland, Australia.

By engaging our Physical Formulation Development services, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Service Category 2

General Formulation Consultancy & Troubleshooting

Hourly cosmetic science consultancy and formulation troubleshooting services.

1. Definitions

1.1 General Consultancy

Hourly cosmetic science consultancy including ingredient research, problem diagnosis, regulatory guidance, and formulation advice.

1.2 Formulation Troubleshooting

Diagnostic assessment of problematic formulations, including root cause analysis, solution recommendations, and prevention strategies.

2. Scope of Services

2.1. Services are hourly. Time is charged in 15-minute increments, rounded up.

2.2. The Client must provide clear information about the enquiry, intended use, and relevant regulatory jurisdictions.

2.3. Complex problems may require multiple sessions or alternative service arrangements.

2.4. Troubleshooting identifies probable causes based on professional analysis. Multiple contributing factors may not be immediately apparent.

2.5. Effective troubleshooting often requires physical samples or detailed analytical data.

2.6. Complex troubleshooting may be more cost-effective through a reformulation service.

4. Limitations

4.1

No Guaranteed Outcomes

Consultancy does not guarantee problem resolution or specific outcomes within any timeframe.

4.2

Client’s Discretion

All recommendations are implemented at the Client’s discretion and risk.

4.3

Scope of Advice

Does not include regulatory advice, legal guidance, or medical recommendations beyond professional scope.

5–11. Standard Provisions

All standard provisions (Fees, Liability, Client Responsibilities, Confidentiality, Termination, Amendments, Governing Law) as outlined in Service Category 1 apply equally.

By engaging our General Consultancy & Troubleshooting services, you confirm agreement to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Service Category 3

Theoretical Formulation Review & Reformulation

Paper-based and documentation-based services without physical product samples.

1. Definitions

1.1 Theoretical Service

Any consultative, paper-based service that does not include physical creation of product samples, bench testing, or physical validation.

1.2 Formulation Review

A professional written assessment of a Client-submitted formulation. Does not include a reformulated formula.

1.3 Reformulation

Delivery of a corrected or improved formula as documentation. No physical samples, bench testing, or stability testing.

1.4 Tweak or Change

Any modification to a delivered formulation document, regardless of reason. Expanded in Section 5.

1.5 Deliverable

The written documentation produced as the output of the commissioned service.

1.6 Physical Development Service

A service involving physical sample creation. Governed by separate terms.

2. Scope of Theoretical Services

2A. Formulation Review

2.1. Comprehensive written assessment based entirely on information provided at submission.

2.2. Includes: ingredient compatibility analysis, preservation assessment, regulatory flags, pH compatibility, manufacturing process review, severity ratings, and recommendations.

2.3. Does not include a reformulated formula, follow-up, or revisions. Follow-up at hourly rates.

2B. Theoretical Reformulation

2.4. Delivers a corrected or improved formula as written documentation.

2.5. Includes: formulation table (Phase, % w/w, Trade Name, INCI, Supplier, Function); manufacturing method; stability/pH notes; regulatory notes; rationale.

2.6. No physical samples. The delivered formula is theoretical.

2.7. No revisions, tweaks, or modifications included. Changes subject to Section 5.

3. What Theoretical Services Are Not

This section ensures absolute clarity regarding limitations.

3.1

No Performance Guarantee

Real-world variables (batch variation, equipment, shear, water quality, ambient conditions, operator technique, scale-up) are outside control.

3.2

No Regulatory Certification

Not regulatory certification, safety approval, efficacy testing, or performance guarantees.

3.3

No Lab Work

No physical samples, bench testing, stability testing, microbial testing, or PET.

3.4

Starting Point Only

A scientifically informed starting point. Physical validation remains the Client’s responsibility.

5. Tweaks, Changes, and Modifications

This is a critical section. Please read it carefully.

5A. Definition of a Tweak

5.1. Any modification to a delivered Deliverable, regardless of reason: physical testing adjustments, sensory/aesthetic changes, ingredient substitutions, regulatory feedback, manufacturer requests, corrections from incomplete Client information.

5B. Why Every Change Is a Tweak

5.2. The Service Provider does not control the Client’s bench, equipment, ingredients, or manufacturing process. Every modification requires time and expertise.

5.3. This differs from Physical Development Services where iteration is part of scope.

6–12. Standard Provisions

All standard provisions as outlined in Service Category 1 apply equally. Additional clause 7.8: the Client acknowledges Theoretical Services do not include physical validation and real-world outcomes may differ.

By engaging our Theoretical services, you confirm agreement to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Service Category 4

Development Add-ons

Stability Testing and Project Management services.

1. Definitions

1.1 Stability Testing

Accelerated and/or real-time stability testing under controlled laboratory conditions.

1.2 Project Management

Technical liaison, coordination, and troubleshooting between Client requirements and manufacturer capabilities.

2. Scope

2A. Stability Testing

2.1. Checkpoints over agreed period. Schedules agreed in writing before commencement.

2.2. Controlled conditions may not represent all real-world conditions.

2.3. Supports shelf-life claims but does not guarantee performance under all conditions.

2.4. May need supplementation for specific regulatory submissions.

2.5. Microbial testing outsourced and quoted separately.

2B. Project Management

2.6. Technical liaison between Client and manufacturer.

2.7. Not responsible for third-party performance or commercial arrangements.

2.8. Lab success does not guarantee seamless production scale-up.

3. Limitations

3.1

Stability Testing Limits

Not liable for product failures from products that passed testing.

3.2

Data Interpretation

Results must be interpreted by qualified personnel.

3.3

Project Management Limits

Cannot control manufacturing variables, operator competence, or equipment limitations.

4–10. Standard Provisions

All standard provisions as outlined in Service Category 1 apply equally.

By engaging our Development Add-on services, you confirm agreement. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Service Category 5

Regulatory & Compliance Services

Label Compliance and Claims Compliance Support across multiple markets.

1. Definitions

1.1 Label Compliance

Review of product labelling for regulatory compliance including INCI listings, warnings, and mandatory elements.

1.2 Claims Compliance Support

Non-testing guidance on product claims based on ingredient research, scientific literature, and regulatory guidelines.

1.3 Deliverable

Written documentation, reports, or recommendations produced.

2. Scope

2A. Label Compliance

2.1. Addresses current regulations in specified regions. Additional regions separate.

2.2. Regulations change frequently. Compliance at delivery does not guarantee ongoing compliance.

2.3. Annual reviews recommended.

2B. Claims Compliance

2.4. Provided without conducting product testing.

2.5. Client responsible for adequate substantiation in all target markets.

2.6. Does not guarantee immunity from regulatory scrutiny.

3. Limitations

3.1. Not legal advice. Consult specialists for complex matters.

3.2. Not liable for enforcement actions, border rejections, recalls, or legal penalties.

3.3. Claims regulations differ significantly between cosmetics/cosmeceuticals and between countries.

4–10. Standard Provisions

All standard provisions as outlined in Service Category 1 apply equally.

By engaging our Regulatory & Compliance services, you confirm agreement. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Service Category 5b

Stock Formulations

Pre-developed formulations sold as digital documentation, including DIY Range and Brand Licensing.

1. Definitions

1.1 Stock Formulation

A pre-developed recipe sold as digital documentation with ingredient specs, manufacturing instructions, and supplier suggestions.

1.2 DIY Range

Personal use only. Commercial use prohibited.

1.3 Brand Licensing

Commercial usage rights as specified in the licensing agreement.

2. Scope and Usage

2.1. Sold “as-is” without customisation.

2.2. May require modification for specific climates, equipment, or regulatory requirements (not included).

2.3. Performance may vary based on sourcing, methods, equipment, and operator competence.

2.4. Recommended suppliers are suggestions only.

2.5. Not pre-approved for any specific jurisdictions.

3. Intellectual Property and Licensing

3.1. DIY Range: personal use only. Unauthorised commercial use may result in legal action.

3.2. Brand Licensing: commercial rights as specified. Usage outside specified rights prohibited.

3.3. IP rights retained by Service Provider. Purchase does not transfer IP.

3.4. Client may not distribute, resell, or share documentation.

4. Limitations

4.1. No refunds after digital delivery.

4.2. Not liable for formulation performance or regulatory issues.

4.3. Does not include consultancy, troubleshooting, or customisation support.

5–11. Standard Provisions

All standard provisions as outlined in Service Category 1 apply equally.

By engaging our Stock Formulation services, you confirm agreement. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Service Category 6

Education Services

Tutoring, Education Consultancy, Q&A Service, Workshops, and Meet the Formulators Webinar.

1. Definitions

1.1 Tutoring

Virtual sessions covering chemistry, regulatory requirements, ingredient function, or practical lab skills.

1.2 Education Consultancy

Customised educational materials, in-house team training, and workshops.

1.3 Q&A Service

Personalised responses via email or voice note.

1.4 Workshop

In-person or online interactive training session.

1.5 Webinar

Monthly Meet the Formulators event featuring industry experts.

2. Scope

2A. Tutoring

2.1. Customisable, adapted for different learning styles including neurodivergent learners. Includes notes and follow-up resources.

2.2. Scheduled to accommodate individual pacing and energy management.

2.3. Supplements formal education, does not replace it.

2B. Q&A Service

2.4. Responses within 48–72 hours.

2.5. Cannot replace comprehensive consultancy for complex challenges.

2C. Education Consultancy and Materials

2.6. Developed for specified audiences. Accuracy depends on clear learning objectives.

2.7. Based on current science at time of development.

2.8. Materials become Client property upon full payment.

2D. Workshops

2.9. In-person: safety protocols and PPE included.

2.10. Online: depends on internet and participant tech.

2.11. Activities are educational demonstrations.

2E. Webinar

2.12. Expert views, not professional advice for specific situations.

2.13. Experts responsible for their own contributions.

2.14. Recordings available for limited periods.

4. Limitations

4.1. Cannot guarantee learning outcomes or examination performance.

4.2. Does not replace professional consultancy, regulatory advice, or formal qualifications.

4.3. Effectiveness depends on participant engagement and existing knowledge.

4.4. Regulatory references do not constitute regulatory guidance or legal advice.

5–11. Standard Provisions

All standard provisions as outlined in Service Category 1 apply equally.

By engaging our Education services, you confirm agreement. If you do not agree, do not engage these services.

Contact Information

Get in Touch

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions:

Natalie Skiller

Sweet Little Crumb Consultancy

Email

[email protected]

Phone

+61 472 624 927

Address

11 Badet Street, Brighton
Queensland 4017, Australia

Postal Address

8 Stella Place, Carseldine
Queensland 4034, Australia

ABN

306 951 660 50