Far from a comprehensive list, this section we just wanted to highlight a few discoveries over the years.

While every conversation is unique, we do tend to notice the same common issues.


Whether you're launching a product for the first time, or you're an established business looking to expand, you're not alone in the challenges you face and the problems you need to solve.


Among our design studio peers, our perspective may be unique - because we design and sell more products for ourselves than we do for other people, so we know exactly how to help you.

They want how much?!

Clients report being quoted extremely high fees for their initial design work - without any idea if there is actually a market for their idea.

Our response here is always the same - we'd never throw money at an idea without first checking to see if anyone wants to buy it. We'll provide free, useful advise for how you can check if your idea is a good one, and be on hand regardless of outcome!

Spending Money

What do I do next?

Clients come to us that have worked with a product designer or design studio, spent thousands and now have a finished 3d model and maybe a prototype... but have no idea what to do next.

When it comes to talking next steps, you're definitely in the next place - because we have been in your position so many times before. Whether you need production costs, initial samples for marketing content production, introductions to retail or something else - a consultation with us will provide you a roadmap to follow.

What Now

Production costs too high

A product has been designed, maybe even the first batch has been produced. But now scaling sales is impossible because the costs are just too high.

In these instances we carry out a full Design For Manufacturing / Bill Of Materials review, refine if necessary and provide an alternative quotation from our own manufacturing supply chain... we are yet to be beaten on price!

Costs Rising

"Solution Blindness"

This one probably has a more official name, but we don't know what it is. Solution blindness is when a client has a problem they cannot solve because they're too close to the thing they're trying to fix.

This one often self-solves, just by giving you a chance to talk about it. Taking a breath, stepping back and thinking differently can have a huge impact - as can speaking to our team and having outside eyes solve it for you!

Missing Piece

Here are 4 examples of common challenges faced by our clients, and how we solved them.

Common Struggles

FAQs

In this section we try to become mind readers and guess what you'll be thinking...

  • Is my idea good enough?

    Lets find out! There are a few quick and easy methods we can teach you to see if there is a market for your product and if its worth jumping into...


    ...but ultimately you have to go on gut feeling too. We've launched some products that the numbers suggest would fly - and they didn't, and other products that seemed silly but went on to sell hundreds of thousands of units. Do your research upfront and avoid the pain of burning money on needless development.

  • Do I need a patent?

    99% of the time, the answer is no. There are other ways to give you some basic protection (trademarks are a low cost place to start!) 


    The truth with patents is they're often not worth the paper they're written on. Not only do they take a long time to apply for, but they cost thousands and grant you limited protection only in the regions you've applied for. A UK patent won't grant you any protection in the US, for example. And even if you get a patent granted... do you have the money it takes to defend it if a giant company decides to steal it? 


    Our advice? Save that money and spend it on marketing instead. If you're shouting the loudest, no one will hear your competitors...

  • How do I raise money?

    If you're looking to sell consumer goods, there are ways to raise that money from your consumers! 


    Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter let you introduce your prototype to the world and effectively collect preorders over a ~30 day period. This is a low cost, low risk way to test the market and gain feedback from a very vocal bunch of early adopters.


    We've launched more than 40 successful crowdfunding campaigns since 2015 on multiple platforms around the world. Whether you're aiming to raise a few thousand to cover an initial order, or 6-figures to launch a business, get in touch with us to ask any questions you have - it's one of our favourite subjects!!

  • What's in it for you?

    If we sell our own products and are so good at it... why are we taking on clients?


    • We love what we do - using our experience to help others makes the whole team happy, keeps our skills sharp, and keeps us learning.
    • We want to keep busy! Once you're setup and selling on amazon/with shopify, theres very little maintenance work to do really!
    • The tide rises all ships - it's in our interest to keep your costs low and sales high, either through a little bit of manufacturing commission or the doors your growth may open for us all in the future!

  • Do I need a limited company?

    If you're an individual looking to start from scratch - the answer is not yet. 


    It is most efficient from a tax / liability and 'b2b sales' perspective, but lets make sure your idea is viable first before you spend the money incorporating. 

  • We are a design studio, will you work with us?

    Absolutely! Your design services and our manufacturing experience working hand in hand to give your client the best value is a match made in heaven. 


    We're happy to work under your umbrella too, making you a true one-stop-shop for your clients. They need new stock? You invoice them direct for their conveninece with a small management commission on top. Win win!