31 3 / 2013
What software helps small manufacturers manage their relationships with designers and suppliers?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
Hi, if you’re talking about sharing drawings, screenshots, and 3D models - I’ve had success in using GrabCAD and Dropbox.View Answer on Quora
Yes, keeping track of numerous design files, sales call notes, emails, invoices, etc. is certainly a task in organization.
Is this the direction you were heading in?
-Andrew, http://producracy.com
03 3 / 2013
Are there startups developing physical products?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
By startup, do you mean VC funded trying to get to 1-billion valuation stuff?View Answer on Quora
Sure there’s some, Quirky and OXO come to mind.
However, in physical products, there are many more people doing it as a bootstrapped lifestyle business thing. Whether to replace their income, or just supplement it to make the Lexus payment, lots of people have their own product business - these are exactly the people I help out with my products, services, and contacts.
As another answer said, may of these appear on Kickstarter or Indiegogo these days: iPad accessories, Kindle covers, cat toys, coffee makers, watches, multi-tools, earbuds, wine racks, dog beds, water bottles, razors, travel clothes, etc. If you’re part of the demographic and see a need or pain point in the market, then you can fill it with your own product.
-Andrew, www.producracy.com
03 3 / 2013
How can I create a new consumer product?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
The ‘Anon User’ has good points.View Answer on Quora
To continue; once you have determined a market gap or need, you have to get your idea roughly sketched out (napkin, paper, envelope - something simple).
Find a freelance designer, engineering student, Odesk contractor, or a web firm specializing in physical products. HAve them convert your idea into a 3D solid CAD model.
Next, once you have checked and had the model modified, send to a 3D printing company - getting the product in had will allow you to further refine your design, take into meetings with customers, investors, manufacturers, etc.
Now the designer can also work on 2D manufacturing drawings to go along with the 3D model and prototype. Drawings, models, renderings, and photos/videos of the physical prototype can be used to crowdsource or presell your product - this helps to pay for tooling or mould costs up front.
Finally, approach manufactures (could be machine shops for initial small runs). Whether you manufacture domestically (always try to do this) or offshore will depend on the material, manufacturing process, quality requirements, size, and predicted volume. If this is your first time going off-shore for manufacturing, a broker is likely of value.
Definitely set up an ecommerce website to sell the products online.
Please let me know if you have specific questions I can help with.
-Andrew, Producracy - The Democratization of Production - Helping you create the product business lifestyle of your dreams
02 3 / 2013
How do I find an offshore manufacturer to replicate my consumer product?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
I agree with the above, for small runs a broker is likely worth the additional cost.View Answer on Quora
Do you have a model, or more importantly: manufacturing drawings for your product?
Be sure to clearly specify quality requirements, tolerances, and what qualifies as an acceptable part.
Do you have a contact in China to visit factories?
What is your expected volume?
3rd party quality inspection of the goods in the factory can be beneficial.
Finally, an agreement with the vendor that they will not sell your design out the back door is a good idea.
Also, will you be ordering full container loads, or shipping less-than-container orders?
Be sure to be clear and firm on your expectations - and shop around at first.
Start your search on Alibaba or Made in China.
Contact me if you want an introduction to broker or manufacturer.
Good luck,
-Andrew www.producracy.com
02 2 / 2013
I have sketches of a product I want to sell on my college campus. What do I do now?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
Either handmake a prototype (or close friend since this takes sewing skills) or approach a bag factory.View Answer on Quora
Also, a professional baggage designer should take a look at some time as well. This would likely pay off in spades in terms of usability, styling, durability, and marketability.
Finally, start talking with manufacturers, you have to have an idea of costs before approaching prospective customers. Domestic manufacture is likely possible - otherwise, many bags are made in China, the Philippines, Vietnam, etc. Offshore manufacturing is possibly key to getting off the ground, unless a selling point for your product is domestic manufacture.
Don’t limit yourself to just selling on campus. Set up an e-commerce website.
Going through this process with a buddy now - I could help if this looks different to his.
Good luck,
-Andrew, http://www.producracy.com
Titter: @producracy
20 1 / 2013
What events could perpetuate the growth of manufacturing in the United States?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
Some of the major factors in Insourcing:View Answer on Quora
- Higher wages in China
- Higher cost of shipping fuel
- Faster response
- Much lower cost of natural gas in Canada & USA vs. Asia
- Union Concessions
Here’s the complete story: Domestic Manufacturing: The Insourcing Boom
-Andrew, Producracy - The Democratization of Production - Helping you create the product business lifestyle of your dreams
20 1 / 2013
What are some high-growth subsectors of manufacturing in recent times?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
Some of the expanding and more exciting areas of manufacturing you can be involved in right now:View Answer on Quora
- Maker Movement: artisans are hand-making products in small batches.
- Insourcing: Some traditionally overseas manufactured items are being brought back to the USA (through cheaper natural gas, more expensive shipping, and union concessions) see: Domestic Manufacturing: The Insourcing Boom
- 3D Printing: both plastic and now metal can be printed up layer by layer, effectively allowing you to custom make on-off components with no waste from a CAD model
- Offshore manufacture: There’s still a plac to move high-labour manufacturing to cheaper locations. China is becoming more expensive, but their quality is also going up. Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and eventually Africa will be where cheap goods are made.
-Andrew, www.producracy.com
16 1 / 2013
Is $9,000 a reasonable price for tooling plastic injection molds for a part 4 x 6 x .5 inches with multiple compound curved surfaces and …
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
Though that is a lot of money - that’s not unreasonable.View Answer on Quora
Of course, as you understand, it depends on the features and the quality of the tooling.
Will this be made domestically or overseas?
Will the mould-making shop also do the plastic injection?
I’m assuming you’ve done full prototype cycles on your product.
Let me know if I can be of help or want this run by another shop.
-Andrew, www.producracy.com
05 1 / 2013
How does Product Development Engineering compare to Mechanical Engineering?
Answer by Andrew Eydt:
I hire many engineers and student engineers.View Answer on Quora
A degree is a degree, doesn’t matter what school for the most part.
To work with me, most important is your personality and pragmatism.
Marks are also less important - in industry, a B student will likely integrate better than an A student. A C student that pulled off a full-time degree while working 30+ hours per week is even more interesting.
A masters degree shows your high learning level. If you take the PDE and I need you to study up some high level thermodynamics, I know that it’s just a textbook away. You have the base science, math, engineering, and IQ.
I suggest you chose the more fulfilling one. I personally would go with PDE - but choose the one you can actually follow through with. PDE skills may lead to an immediate opportunity in freelancing, consulting, and even entrepreneurship.
Also, the soft skills (not allowed to say fringe benefits anymore) are just as important: languages, spelling, networking, sales, presenting, photography, health & fitness, small-talk, travel, current affairs, history, photoshop, etc…
Good luck!
