How To Manufacture Your Own Product

A Complete Practical How-to Guide to Learn How to Find a Supplier to Manufacture Your Own Product.

Manufacturing your own product is a dream that sets every maker in the world to start their journey of being a maker. Hand-craft your product at home is one thing but get it produced by a supplier can be a daunting task for small maker's businesses owners.

The truth is, yes, it is. BUT, with a proper understanding of what it is about and the overall knowledge, it can make the journey a bit less terrifying and more enjoyable. With the right planning and resources, you can successfully bring your product to market and scale your business.

In this blog post, we'll try walk you through the process of manufacturing your own product with practical practices and advice, from designing and prototyping to finding the right manufacturer and launching your product. Whether you're new maker or a maker ready to  scale up your business, this guide will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to help you succeed.
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So let's get started!


Step 1. Conduct Market Research - Make Sure Your Product is Wanted!

Before diving into manufacturing your own product, it is essential to conduct market research to ensure that there is a demand for it. A demand means people are interested in your product and are willing to pay for it. The popular startup saying, "Build something people want," holds true in your situation too.

Conducting market research can help you identify potential customers, understand their needs and preferences, and evaluate your potential direct and indirect competition. Here are some key steps you can take when conducting market research:

1. Identify your target market:
   You need to have a clear understanding of who your product is for before you proceed further. Identify your target customers, and create your target customer persona, which is a person with clear attributes, values, preferences, etc. This will help you understand how to communicate with your future customers, the tone you use, the copy you write, the design and packaging of the product, etc.
   
   
2. Verify problem-solution fit:
   You need to have a deep understanding of your customers' problems and how your product can be a solution to their problems. If there is no match, then stop the process. Try to understand more about their problems and come up with a different product idea that ensures your new product idea can solve their problems, or find a different target audience whose problems your current product idea can fix perfectly.
   ☝️This step plays a crucial role in deciding whether your product can be successful and whether all your efforts in this project can be rewarded, or you will lose your money and time. So, take this step very seriously.
   
   
3. Evaluate your competition:
   You need to know who your direct and indirect competitors are and what they offer. Study their products, prices, and marketing strategies. Analyze what makes your product unique and how you can differentiate it from your competitors. Imagine you need to put down all your competitors on paper, how would you place them and yourself? Would it be judged by design and price? Or convenience and longevity? Think about this.
   
   
4. Determine your price point:
   Research the prices of similar products in the market and determine the price point for your product. You need to price your product competitively while ensuring that you can make a profit. In terms of pricing, you can always refer back to the people you interviewed in the early stages and ask for the price they are willing to pay in exchange for the benefit your product can bring them.
   
   

By conducting thorough market research, you can minimize the risk of investing time and money in a product that may not sell well. Understanding your target market and competition can also help you make informed decisions about your product, pricing, and marketing strategies.
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Step 2. Develop a Prototype

Once you have a clear idea of your product, have conducted market research and finish your product design, the next step is to create a prototype. A prototype is a preliminary version of your product that allows you to test its functionality, design, and features. It is an essential step in the product development process as it helps to identify any potential issues and allows you to make necessary changes before moving forward.

1. Decide on the prototype type:
   There are various types of prototypes, and the type you choose will depend on your product's complexity and your budget. You can create a simple 2D sketch or a more complex 3D model using CAD software. It is very common in practice that you may need many different versions of prototypes along the developing process to verify on different aspects of the product, such as appearance, function, durability etc.
   
   
2. Build the prototype:
   Once you have decided on the prototype type, it's time to start building. You can create a basic prototype using simple materials such as cardboard, foam, or paper. These materials are easy to work with and allow you to make quick adjustments. More common nowadays, you can create a physical prototype using a 3D printer to create a more precise model. 
   
   
3. Test the prototype:
   Once you have built the prototype, it's time to test it. Test it thoroughly to identify any issues or flaws. Look for any potential design problems, functionality issues, or performance problems. The purpose of testing is to ensure that the prototype is functional, and that it meets the design specifications and the needs of the target market.
   
   
4. Make necessary changes:
   Based on the results of the prototype testing, you may need to make necessary changes. Consider feedback from your target market, identify areas for improvement, and make the necessary changes. Test the revised prototype to ensure that it meets your design specifications and the needs of your target market.
   
   

Developing a prototype is an iterative process. It involves creating, testing, and making necessary changes until you have a product that is functional, reliable, and meets your design specifications. It can take several iterations before you arrive at the final product. However, the investment in time and resources is worth it as it will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your product is successful in the market.


Step 3. Branding and Packaging

As your product prototype stage comes to an end, you need to start thinking about finalizing your packaging and branding designs. Packaging is not just a means of protecting your product; it is also an important marketing tool that can help you stand out from your competitors. On the other hand, branding is a big topic, but for now, we'll focus on creating a unique name and image for your product in the minds of consumers.

For branding, the most basic elements you will need are the logo, name, and a unique color scheme. Your branding should reflect the values of your business and your target market. You may also want to register the trademark of your branding to protect it from being copied by competitors.

When it comes to packaging, you need to consider the size, shape, and materials used for your product's packaging. Do they need to be stackable? Will they be displayed on store shelves? Do they need to be designed to accommodate consumers before return? What are the storage environmental conditions?

You should also think about the environmental impact of your packaging, as consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact that their purchases have on the environment. Using eco-friendly packaging can be a great selling point for your product.

Step 4. Selling Your Product

Yes, you read that right. It's possible to sell your product before it's even manufactured and you should do this. It's a good idea to sell with a few early samples of your product to gauge market interest. If you can't collect enough orders, you might want to consider rethinking your product idea.

There are many different avenues you can take when it comes to pre-selling your product, and the one you choose depends on your target market and business goals. Here are some popular options:

1. Crowdfunding Websites
Crowdfunding websites are one of the best channels for pre-selling your products. While launching your product successfully on a crowdfunding website takes a lot of work, the results can be very rewarding. Crowdfunding provides the money you need to invest in mass production, market feedback to confirm whether your product is something people want, and more.

2. Social Media
Social media is another popular way to sell your products, especially if you've already built a fan base. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest provide the opportunity to showcase your products to your loyal fans and a broader audience. You can create posts or ads showcasing your product or even collaborate with social media influencers to promote your product to their followers.

3. Trade Shows
Trade shows are a great way to pre-sell your products, especially if you're selling in a specific niche market. Trade shows provide the opportunity to showcase your products to people who are already interested in your industry, making it easier to generate sales and collect pre-orders. You may also have the opportunity to meet with potential buyers or retailers interested in carrying your product.

Step 5. Find the Right Supplier

Once you have developed a prototype, the next step is to find a supplier to manufacture your product at scale. This can be a daunting task, but it's important to get it right in order to ensure that your final product meets your quality standards and is cost-effective.

1. Identify Reliable Suppliers
The essence of this complex process is finding suppliers that are reliable, affordable, and able to provide you with the quality product you desire. You can find suppliers through online directories, trade shows, and referrals from other businesses in your industry. However, finding the right one will mean giving your attention to tiny details during your early communication with potential suppliers. Don't settle for the first supplier you find, or the one with the lowest prices. Instead, take the time to research their reputation, quality standards, and customer service.

2. Request Samples
Before committing to a supplier, it's important to request samples. This will allow you to evaluate the quality of their materials, craftsmanship, and ensure that they meet your standards. You may also want to understand more about their quality assurance system and how they deal with defects and product warranty.


3. Discuss Prices and Terms of Cooperation
Once you have found a supplier that meets your needs, it's time to discuss prices and the terms of cooperation. Keep in mind that the cheapest supplier may not always be the best choice. Price and quality often go in opposite directions, so finding the optimal balance for your business is crucial. In addition to price and quality, suppliers may offer extra services or favorable terms such as extended warranty or extra spare units/parts. Take a whole view when you discuss these points, and aim to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with your supplier.


4. Build Strong Relationships with Your Suppliers
Finally, it's important to develop strong relationships with your suppliers. This will help ensure that you have a reliable source of supply, and that you are able to work together to address any issues that may arise. Be sure to communicate clearly with your suppliers, pay your bills on time, and treat them with respect. Remember that your suppliers are key partners in your business success, and investing in good relationships with them is well worth it in the long run.


Step 6. Manufacturing the Product

Once you have identified the right supplier, it's time to start manufacturing your product. This is where the rubber meets the road and your product idea is turned into a physical product. While your supplier will be responsible for the production, there are several steps you'll need to pay attention to during this stage:

1. Follow up with your supplier for their production plan
   It's important to get a detailed production plan from your supplier, which includes a timeline for various activities. For example, when the materials, components, or parts used for production will arrive, or the actual production schedule. Following up on the schedule along the way can prevent unexpected delays or potential quality problems resulting from inadequate incoming material inspection.
   
   
2. Get the product specification document
   Your supplier will likely create a product specification document indicating the materials, components, or parts used. Any changes of components, materials, or parts must be agreed upon by you, and samples need to be approved.
   
   
3. Confirm the quality level requirement with production samples
   Before the mass production takes place, it's important that you have samples produced using the intended materials. Your supplier will proceed with a trial run in particularly when the product was produced at the first time, and it is the time to settle the quality policy and your sign-off on the final approval samples - often called Golden Samples. The golden samples will be used as a quality reference to ensure that the mass-produced products comply with your quality standards.
   
   
4. Inspect the products before shipment
   At least one pre-shipment inspection must be conducted to ensure that the quality is as desired. Depending on your resources, you may choose to perform more frequent inspections. It's important to catch any quality issues before the products are shipped, as it can be difficult and costly to address them once the products are in the market.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your product is manufactured to your specifications and meets your quality standards. It's important to maintain open communication with your supplier throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Conclusion
Congratulations! Once you have completed the process, you will have successfully manufactured your own product. It was a long and challenging process, but the end result is worth it. You have created something from scratch that people want to buy, and that is a great feeling.

Remember that the key to success in manufacturing your own product is to be patient, thorough, and persistent. Don't give up when you encounter obstacles or setbacks. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

By the way, if you haven't checked out Makers Scale Up Roadmap, you must give it a read.
Good luck!