Greetings Fastlaners!
Again just wanted to reiterate that I've been lurking these forums for quite some time, and the time has finally come to to ask the expert community for help. Regarding this topic, (not sure if this is exactly the right place to post this?) I have browsed through many-a-thread on this site and have found some golden information about overseas manufacturers. What I can't find much on is manufacturing in the United States.
Threads like these:
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...he-import-and-ecommerce-business.41972/page-2
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...-olds-story-about-importing-from-china.43998/ (Thanks for the link JAJT!!)
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/on-my-way-my-first-product-order.44055/page-2
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...design-and-manufacture-a-clothing-item.44435/
And
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/how-to-find-a-manufacturer.41254/
Have given me great insight into what it's like to actually place an order (after creating a prototype, getting samples shipped, etc) from China, India, and the likes. MOST OF THIS SCARES ME. Don't get me wrong, I have heard of great success stories from importing goods from overseas, but in weighing out the information here, it seems like most people are having a tough time with this: IE. the first sample prototypes were of very low quality, even the first production runs were of low quality (and hand-made?), shipping disasters, customs seizures, late on shipping, the list goes on. What I am trying to say is that I would rather deal with a reputable US company that I can easily contact and get information from whenever I need. I would be willing to pay a bit more for this peace of mind, quality, and frankly, am worried about all of the general "pain-in-the-a$$" aspects of foreign manufacturing.
I am at a point in my ventures where I believe I have created the "next awesome product." I will be posting a progress thread in the INSIDERS as soon as I sign up, revealing what the product actually is (and more details about the process I'm going through). I do NOT have a product line established, this is my very first product. I am brand-new to the game, but have a pretty good idea of execution (mostly thanks to this forum!)
I have created several rough prototypes out of material similar to what I want the production run to be made out of. These materials include foam, cloth, and a plastic-type material. (If needed I will give more detail on this).
My questions now are:
1. It seems like it would be much easier to get a prototype created here in the US. Or is it best to do this with overseas companies?
2. Should the final prototype/sample be created by the same company that I decide to have manufacture the product in production runs?
3. Should I be physically present when working out the production details with a manufacturing company? (If so, hence why I would rather do this in the US)
4. (Goes with 3.) Do I need to physically show/ship a potential manufacturer my prototype? Keep in mind this is a hand-made, crude representation of what I envision the product as.
I have visited local fabric stores, only to be very disappointed with the results (not the kinds of materials I am looking for. I have contacted companies online about buying the foam, have purchased samples of materials, and used them to create the "prototype thus far."
I also downloaded Google Sketchup to try to recreate the prototype on the computer. This way, I can send a visual representation of the thing to anyone I need.
As you can probably tell, I am sort of lost at this moment. I can't wait to create a progress thread for this project, as I will be quitting the office job soon in order to pursue this full-time. Any help or guidance pertaining to this topic would be much appreciated. I realize there are many other threads with this type of information, but would like the opportunity to ask the question tailored to my needs.
Thank you all so much in advance!!
Gravy
TL;DR: Done some research, I now need guidance in choosing a company located in the US to design, prototype, and manufacture my product that has similar materials used in pillows and seat cushions.
Again just wanted to reiterate that I've been lurking these forums for quite some time, and the time has finally come to to ask the expert community for help. Regarding this topic, (not sure if this is exactly the right place to post this?) I have browsed through many-a-thread on this site and have found some golden information about overseas manufacturers. What I can't find much on is manufacturing in the United States.
Threads like these:
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...he-import-and-ecommerce-business.41972/page-2
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...-olds-story-about-importing-from-china.43998/ (Thanks for the link JAJT!!)
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/on-my-way-my-first-product-order.44055/page-2
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...design-and-manufacture-a-clothing-item.44435/
And
https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/how-to-find-a-manufacturer.41254/
Have given me great insight into what it's like to actually place an order (after creating a prototype, getting samples shipped, etc) from China, India, and the likes. MOST OF THIS SCARES ME. Don't get me wrong, I have heard of great success stories from importing goods from overseas, but in weighing out the information here, it seems like most people are having a tough time with this: IE. the first sample prototypes were of very low quality, even the first production runs were of low quality (and hand-made?), shipping disasters, customs seizures, late on shipping, the list goes on. What I am trying to say is that I would rather deal with a reputable US company that I can easily contact and get information from whenever I need. I would be willing to pay a bit more for this peace of mind, quality, and frankly, am worried about all of the general "pain-in-the-a$$" aspects of foreign manufacturing.
I am at a point in my ventures where I believe I have created the "next awesome product." I will be posting a progress thread in the INSIDERS as soon as I sign up, revealing what the product actually is (and more details about the process I'm going through). I do NOT have a product line established, this is my very first product. I am brand-new to the game, but have a pretty good idea of execution (mostly thanks to this forum!)
I have created several rough prototypes out of material similar to what I want the production run to be made out of. These materials include foam, cloth, and a plastic-type material. (If needed I will give more detail on this).
My questions now are:
1. It seems like it would be much easier to get a prototype created here in the US. Or is it best to do this with overseas companies?
2. Should the final prototype/sample be created by the same company that I decide to have manufacture the product in production runs?
3. Should I be physically present when working out the production details with a manufacturing company? (If so, hence why I would rather do this in the US)
4. (Goes with 3.) Do I need to physically show/ship a potential manufacturer my prototype? Keep in mind this is a hand-made, crude representation of what I envision the product as.
I have visited local fabric stores, only to be very disappointed with the results (not the kinds of materials I am looking for. I have contacted companies online about buying the foam, have purchased samples of materials, and used them to create the "prototype thus far."
I also downloaded Google Sketchup to try to recreate the prototype on the computer. This way, I can send a visual representation of the thing to anyone I need.
As you can probably tell, I am sort of lost at this moment. I can't wait to create a progress thread for this project, as I will be quitting the office job soon in order to pursue this full-time. Any help or guidance pertaining to this topic would be much appreciated. I realize there are many other threads with this type of information, but would like the opportunity to ask the question tailored to my needs.
Thank you all so much in advance!!
Gravy
TL;DR: Done some research, I now need guidance in choosing a company located in the US to design, prototype, and manufacture my product that has similar materials used in pillows and seat cushions.
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