When crafting a new product, many young entrepreneurs have an idealistic vision of how their final product should look like once it makes it out of the factory. Unfortunately, in most cases, this ideal image only comes after several phases of testing and re-testing a prototype, in order to avoid unexpected issues that might cost money and time for both parties.
That is why we always recommend making at least one prototype or an MVP (minimum viable product), which is a simpler version of a prototype and it is supposed to showcase the most important features of your new product, as well as give you just enough visual feedback for you to be able to correct any not-working features. The prototyping phase is key when you want to move on to mass production or manufacture on a bigger scale, as it will allow you to identify problems that will certainly appear, giving you the chance to adjust accordingly without spending your whole budget on the process.
It depends. If a product needs very specific materials that will eventually require upgrades, constant changes or new inputs before reaching the final piece, it would be better to manufacture with local suppliers. Your final goal should be to get maximum flexibility and great communication between parts. That will guarantee you the freedom to make changes without having to spend money on plane tickets or paying shipping costs.
However, if you decide to make your prototype locally, always ask for the prices first. Then compare them to the ones in China. Find help getting this quotes and make sure you make the wisest decision. You might be surprised and realize that you are actually spending more, building something at “home”. Also, it might happen that you make the ideal prototype here, and once you reach the factory in China, they can do it but at a very high production cost and that is certainly a bummer.
Truth is, when selecting where to produce your prototype, it would be better to consult a professional and make sure you are one step ahead.
If you have the appropriate guidance, you can make your prototypes in China and have amazing results. It will always be a lot of work and will require patience and clear communication, but in the long term, it compensates. Here is why:
Depending on the complexity of the product, manufacturing a prototype in China can take weeks or even months. Don’t underestimate the complexity of finding the right components and the right partner to work within China.
China Facture has years of experience manufacturing in China. We have built strong business relationships with hundreds of factories and know exactly where to direct you, depending on your goals. Therefore, once you introduce us to your idea, we will guide you through the whole process that goes from 3D design, schematic design, PCB design, prototyping, components sourcing, materials sourcing and firmware development.
Our best client experiences have been those where the client comes to us before making all the decisions regarding manufacturing. That way, we can suggest changes that will save them time and money and will make the process of preparing for mass production much smoother.