Prototyping gives a business idea of what an idea or concept will look like after development. It’s also one of the most exciting things you will experience as an entrepreneur.
If you’re looking to invest in product prototyping soon, but uncertain about how to go about it, you can contact a licensed prototype manufacturing company to help you.
To enable you to make better decisions regarding prototyping, keep scrolling through this guide to find answers to all questions you may have:
Commonly asked questions about prototyping
Q: How can I find the right person to help me create my product prototype?
A: This is simple; you can search for a prototyping manufacturing company that provides immediate product development and have them help you.
Q: How can you source prototype materials?
A: If you want to go all DIY for your prototype, then you can go ahead and test your creativity. Also, visit your local store, the source for materials, and try out different options.
That way, you can end up deciding which worked best. If you’re using a prototyping manufacturing company, they will know the exact places to source for these materials. Ensure that you ask this question immediately when you begin to make arrangements with any company.
Q: Can homemade samples also serve as the real product prototype?
A: Of course. A prototype, as you may already know, is a functional model of a product. This means that your homemade samples would still look and function like the final product.
Note, a prototype doesn’t have to be perfect. You can hire a technical designer or factory to help you create a modified version of the prototype.
When it comes to securing minimums, showing your potential partners or clients a roughly built prototype is the best.
Q: Can I show my prototype to a potential client to generate sales?
While it may be tempting to start marketing your concept ahead of time, it’s usually advisable to slow down a bit. Ideally, you should pause until you’ve got the final product. By then, you will have something sellable in hand to market to potential buyers.
As a new product maker, you must know that it takes at least 9 to 12 months to work and develop an idea. So, marketing prematurely can cause you to lose the trust of your customers.
Even if you will share your prototype, it should be because you want to get genuine feedback on how you can further improve on the design and functionality of the product.
Q: How much does creating a prototype cost?
A: The answer to this question depends on how good or bad your idea or concept is. Also, the complexity and materials of the design can affect the cost of the prototype.
Estimating, you can spend around $1,500 to $5,000 to foot the cost of labor and product development. The price depends on your location and the expertise of the designer.
Final Thoughts
Every business owner should adopt prototyping as a way of advancing sales and profit. If you’re yet grasped the knowledge of prototyping, this guide will walk you through the most important aspects.
