How much does the Prototype cost?
Risks of hiring a factory to manufacture your first prototype.
Not knowing the right order of steps to kickstart a new product translates into failure for most first-time inventors. Attempts to find out the price details related to manufacturing the product is one of the reasons that lead inventors to prematurely visit and hire factories for their product. For that reason, it is key to know the most important criteria so you can select the right allies to manufacture prototypes.
Why is this such a serious error?
Instead of attempting to convince you that it is a mistake to visit potential manufacturers prematurely, I propose that you analyze insightfully the factory’s business model, regardless of its size. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that you want companies outfitted with machinery roboticized to the maximum degree possible, so as to streamline and reduce the costs of the manufacturing processes. Likewise, I’m sure you’ll agree that these companies make major investments in this machinery. Therefore, it will be very important to keep said machinery running, as their profitability directly depends on the volume of units manufactured per hour.
You will also agree that whether you do it with a factory or not, the prototype manufacturing step is one that you cannot skip, since it is a fundamental step in demonstrating your invention’s technical feasibility; i.e., that the product works. On the other hand, while so much is riding on the working prototype, not knowing it beforehand is a bigger gamble and risk.
The working prototype, in addition to being of use to demonstrate that your product idea works, is key to being able to arrive at a first unit that not only works, but has real possibilities of being competitive in the marketplace.
To achieve that, different manufacturing methods should be assessed, with diverse technologies, and the prototype should be iterated as many times as necessary until prototypes are manufactured optimal
Do you think that a factory, equipped with certain machinery and after having invested hundreds of thousands in it, is going to propose to you, via the prototype, a manufacturing method other than the one they can take on?
Do you think it’s cost-effective for a company to manufacture prototypes?
Obviously, the answers are: NO and NO.
Therefore, if your intention really is to successfully demonstrate the feasibility of your idea or product, you should have the backing of an engineering team that does not have any type of commitment with future factories. Thus, they can think of and build a prototype that works and, moreover, can be manufactured with the best method, and not with the one that is “most convenient” due to obvious interests. It is essential that this engineering team have know-how regarding industrial processes. Therefore, in addition to having engineers specializing in each of the areas associated with your product (computer science, electronics, mechanics, industrial design, etc.) the fact that some of the members of the team are industrial engineers and have some experience in this sector also adds a lot of value.
It is key that the first version of your product be manufactured using streamlined and inexpensive means, and even—why not?—artisanal methods, if necessary. You should understand that it is a process that, if you deprive it of the possibility to iterate and the opportunity to commit hundreds of errors, you’re depriving it of the real opportunity to be disruptive, innovative and competitive.
We want to bring your ideas to life
CATALOG OF
PROTOTYPES
You can now access over 30 examples of prototypes designed and manufactured in our lab
Inventor, the decision to try to look for shortcuts, hiring a factory before you have the working prototype, is one of the mistakes that could doom your project to failure.
If you would like to discuss your particular case privately with our experts in prototype manufacturing programs, just schedule your call .HERE.
Do you want to turn your idea into a product?
The time to bring your ideas to life is now. We accompany you throughout the entire process: from idea to product.
San Juan Ingenieros, S. L, is the owner of the domain www.letsprototype.com, and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU 1679/2016), we will process your data exclusively to handle your information request. You have the right to rectify or request the deletion of your data at any time via hello@letsprototype.com.
Recent Posts
Tell us your idea
Business Director - Inventors' Advisor at Let´s Prototype
Erick Remedios has been linked to entrepreneurship and the launch of innovative projects and inventions for over a decade. His start in the entrepreneurship sector began as the Project Management Director at the network of Private Investors, Business In Fact, S.A., a club of private investors specialized in high-risk investments, which he ended up managing as General Director for at least 5 years.
As the director of the Private Investors network specialized in innovative projects in the startup phase, Erick Remedios participated in more than 40 investment operations, with his main functions being: advising entrepreneurs and inventors, as well as private investors interested in investing in such projects.
Erick Remedios has been one of the influential figures in the development of the ecosystem of entrepreneurs and private investors in Spain. Since 2012, he has participated in numerous private investment forums, has advised entrepreneurial projects as a member of their Boards of Directors, and has served as a lecturer in numerous Public and private Universities, specialized public centers in entrepreneurship, and internationally leading business schools, such as It Aérea Business School, where he leads the management of the Business Model Design Module for entrepreneurs, mostly Aerospace Engineering graduates.
Specialized Centers in Entrepreneurship and the Launch of Innovative Projects where Erick Remedios has participated:
- Direction of the Program - Sanse Emprende from the City Council of San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid.
- Direction of the Espoban Program – Diputación de Córdoba and European Center for Business Innovation. Training of entrepreneurs and inventors and preparing them to attract capital through private investors.
- Speaker on the subject of launching innovative projects at Universities such as: Pablo Olavide, University of Seville, University of Málaga, University of Cádiz, University of Huelva, University of Almería, University of Jaen, University of Granada.
- Direction of the Entrepreneurship Module – IT Aérea Business School.
- ENyD Business School: Professor and lecturer in the area of Entrepreneurship and Private Investment.
- Avanza Castellón - Mentor of entrepreneurs and inventors in the program of the Diputación de Castellón.
- Ávila Emprende – Program of the City Council of Ávila. Mentor of entrepreneurs in sales processes and product development.
- Aula UGR- Professor of entrepreneurship and management of launching innovative projects in programs aimed at training teachers from the University of Granada.
- Master Up - Professor of entrepreneurship and investment management in the Official Master's for entrepreneurs from the University of Cadiz.
At the same time, numerous companies have signed Erick Remedios as an advisor and member of their Board of Directors, companies in which Mr. Remedios has also acted as the representative of the private investors who have placed their trust and economic resources, including:
- Tu Fabrica de Eventos
- Baby Radio
- Graffos
- Neurobia Research
- HitsBook
- Bit Credit
- Glelemo
Currently, Mr. Remedios is leading the international expansion of Let´s Prototype in the United States, while also advising inventors on startup processes for projects related to innovative Hardware or Software elements, both in terms of product design, a specialty of Let´s Prototype, and in terms of designing strategies for selling inventions and patents.
Interviews with Mr. Remedios and publications authored by him in Media:
- School of Business and Management: [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch3nRTFvxhw)
- Diputación de Córdoba. Training for Investors: [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj2fvxkD-zI)
- Spanish Television - Program Emprende: [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZRi98CE20M)
- TV2 - Spanish Television: [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms22bxyllKc)
- University of Cadiz: Article for Inventors: [Link](https://emprendedores.uca.es/lean-prototyping-el-puente-entre-el-concepto-el-prototipo-y-las-patentes/)
- University of Granada: Article for Inventors: [Link](https://ugremprendedora.ugr.es/6-tips-para-convertir-tu-idea-o-concepto-en-prototipo-lean-prototyping/)
Latest posts by Erick Remedios (see all)
- Propiedades y tipos de materiales para desarrollar productos. - November 25, 2024
- Plan de empresa. Tipos y estructura. - November 24, 2024
- Ventajas competitivas de los produtos innovadores - November 15, 2024
