How do you go about making a product

**CharlieB** · 07-12-2010 06:16 AM

I have an idea for a product based on something which is already on the Market. How do you suggest I go about having some samples made up? Are there any reputable places in china to have products made? Any advice appreciated...

Thanks

Charlie

**CharlieB** · 07-13-2010 11:12 AM

I've found a potential supplier on alibaba but i'm worried it could be a scam as he is charging $50 for a custom made sample from china. The retail price of the product should be less then $12. Is it common to pay this much for a sample?

**Encrypted** · 07-13-2010 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by CharlieB

I've found a potential supplier on alibaba but i'm worried it could be a scam as he is charging $50 for a custom made sample from china. The retail price of the product should be less then $12. Is it common to pay this much for a sample?

What type of product is it? Tooling machinery for products is usually $100,000+

**CharlieB** · 07-13-2010 11:25 AM

its a car wing mirror flag similar to this PAIR OF ENGLAND CAR WING MIRROR FLAGS - WORLD CUP on eBay (end time 30-Jul-10 20:45:46 BST)

They seem cheap to make so is $50 for a custom sample excessive?

**Encrypted** · 07-13-2010 11:30 AM

Hmm, that sounds reasonable I suppose. I'd search around to make sure he's trust worthy though. Search for some reviews, etc.

**stevendownward** · 07-13-2010 01:45 PM

I have to admit that I have never had a sample product made before but it does make sense to me that the sample would cost more because they have to go throught the steps to design it. Now I am sure that you know what you want it to look like and have some concept drawings but they still have to go throught the steps of how to actually build it. This will take a bit of time and money on their part. Plus, I would think that there would be a bit of a larger profit margin on it because they might not get repeate business or a large order and they would want to make sure that they turn a profit.

But I have to agree that you should do your homework with the company first to make sure that they are legit and that they do good work.

**JKansas** · 07-13-2010 01:58 PM

Yes, prototyping is more expensive. It will probably cost twice that to get one sample shipped here. Think about it, you make money as a manufacturer by producing large quantities quickly and efficiently. Producing just one takes time away from your line and also doesnt allow you to split set-up costs among a ton if items. If it retails for less than $12 then I would not think it would be unreasonable for $50. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THEIR HONESTY OR PRACTICES THOUGH! I'm just saying the price seems reasonable to me, not anything about their legitimacy.

An example... Having a custom tee shirt made can range from $40 to $80. In bulk the price can get down as low as $3.50. A bulk printer can run 1800 shirts per hour, setup still takes about two hours. So two hours on one shirt or 3 hours on 1800? See where the price drop occurs?

**CharlieB** · 07-15-2010 10:19 AM

I'm close to having a sample made up. I plan to do market research by having polls on forums where my target market are likely to be. Is this a good idea?

**jrockfl** · 07-18-2010 04:31 PM

Yes, it is common to pay more than twice the cost for an actual sample. I'm in the process of having 4 samples made from different manufacturers in China. I found them alibaba too.