It’s hard to define to what you owe your success. A lot of people call it luck but what it really is, is finding the right people to help you create something truly special.
1 – Patent
The very first step should be to protect your idea. An NDA or Non Disclosure Agreement should be used between your business and anyone you bring into confidence to consult with you regarding your idea. File a comprehensive patent to protect your intellectual property from theft, piracy and misappropriation.
2 – Define Your Brand (Quality vs Quantity)
Some things are better produced overseas because there are already factories setup and dedicated to their production. If you are setting up your own factory and will be controlling the production process from start to finish, then overseas options are a better bet for lower cost labor. Most businesses looking for manufacturing however, aren’t interested in owning the production process and it makes more sense to manufacture locally. The main reasons for domestic manufacturing are better quality, ease of communication, faster turnaround and similar culture. Many people don’t consider the cultural differences where overseas businessman expect tips and payments for communicating your ideas and any other work they perform as intermediaries. These kinds of differences can hurt production based on flawed perceptions and miscommunication.
3 – Research Production Options
The next step is to seek out manufacturers in your niche market. You could start with Google but don’t rely on that alone. You could also check offline sources such as magazines or contact manufacturing organizations to get a list of recommendations. For instance, if your product will be based on roto molding, The Organization Of Roto Moulders, could be a great place to start.
4 – Contact The Manufacturers
Establish contact with the list of manufacturers, and ask if they can handle your requirements on your budget. Note down those that agree. Go visit the facility if possible and find out about producing a prototype of your idea.
5 – Work on a prototype
The next step should be prototyping the product. The prototype does not have to be an expensive model. As a matter of fact, with today’s technology, all you need to do is establish contact with a design firm and let them make a product prototype using 3D printing technology. Find out if your manufacturer offers 3D printing or a similar way of mocking up your product.
6 – Find A Supplier
Start production in batches. If your product gets increased sales, you can have the manufacture increase the units of production. The next step is then to get a supplier for your idea so as to deliver it to the market. The supplier will handle the logistics and distribution.
Conclusion
There are many great resources available these days for people wanting to bring an idea to life. Often times, just one manufacturer will have everything necessary to get you up and running because of their experience and network of contacts. Check out your local manufacturers to help you get started on the right foot.
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