New Product Idea? Ready to take that leap and kick-start your startup? What is the team you need to make it?

Industrial Designer

Maybe you know exactly what you want. Maybe you have everything drawn up. How are you going to make those first samples so that you can sell your product? Have you done research into user experience? Have you protected your idea? Should you pay for a design patent, functional patent or a registered trademark? How does that button turn your product on? What is the material you need to use and where can you find the best sources?

Industrial designers know material and manufacturing, engineering, prototyping, patenting, ergonomics and semantics. Most work with huge manufacturers and start-ups. They are there to help your product idea get a leg up. Industrial designers are who you hire to get your product realized in the best, most profitable way.

Marketer

What is your products name? How do you spread the word? Who do you spread the word to? Do you have a logo? What are the best avenues to get your product sold? What social media outlets are going to best represent your brand? Do you have a brand? How do you build a brand?

Marketers understand how your products market works. They have connections to design and sales. They know how to push your product in directions what will improve sales.

Manufacturer OR Manufacturing Broker

Domestic or overseas, a manufacturer who has made products like yours is important. Each factory is different and creates products based on their capabilities. Many times, your product will be a compilation of sourced parts. You must strike that balance of materials and timing to meet your deadlines and deliver product on schedule. Timing is huge in retail. Do you have a warehouse to store your product for months? Are you promising unrealistic delivery dates? Mess up timing you may lose your business.

Sales Rep

How are you selling your product? Are you pitching that next hot item? Do you have a connection to get you into Bed Bath and Beyond or a contact at Walmart? How do you get in? Knowing how your category sells and who the players are is huge. Sales reps travel the country, setting up meetings and attending trade shows. Focus on your product and your products identity.

Best wishes!

Sheila Vaccaro, DesignBranc