The process of bringing your idea or invention to life can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started.

A product development firm can help streamline this process and ensure that your idea is engineered, tested, and ready for manufacture.

But if you’ve never worked with a development company before, it can be hard to know where to start, what information you need, and how to engage with them effectively to ensure the best outcome.

That’s why we’ve compiled these 5 tips for using a product development firm in China for manufacturing your next project—no matter how big or small it may be!

1. Define Your Product

The product development process will depend on what type of product you are bringing to the market, so you may need to do some more work regarding the product type and the industry.

For example, if your product is related to medicine or medical devices, expect a rigorous review process before receiving FDA approval.

Most entrepreneurs prioritize finding a perfect manufacturing partner above other factors when it comes to starting a product development project because they think the right manufacturer will do everything for them.

Well, it’s not a good idea. Doing your research before production is necessary for a successful project. If you overlook this initial phase, then you may be in the face of wasted resources and loss of profit.

2. Know What to Expect

Before you start building a product, you also need to understand the type of services that product development firms offer.

For instance, most product development firms will offer engineering services (designing and building prototypes), mechanical design (working on the mechanics of your product), and industrial design (creating an aesthetically pleasing design). However, some firms may not be able to provide all three of these services, but they are specialized in one of them.

In this case, you’ll want to make sure the company can work within your budget and can meet your needs to develop and launch a successful product.

What’s more, make sure you are always on the same page with your product development supplier. As you may understand, there will be language barriers and cultural differences involved when outsourcing your project to China. Asking questions about the project goals or measurements for a successful product are important things to consider before starting a product development project with a Chinese company.

3. Create Robust Designs

Although not always exclusive, many of the world’s top brands are built with high-quality and well-designed products. Therefore, before launching a product development, you should invest time and patience in product design.

It’s a good idea to draw up some sketches or renderings to show them exactly what you’re thinking about, so they can give feedback and make adjustments as necessary.

Don’t forget to get every product data and design draft down on paper. Try to use a detailed design document including maximum and minimum dimensions, weight, and materials it must or must not use could help you and your development team to keep track on clarify what you want and avoid mistakes in the following process.

Some product development manufacturers use 3D design software so they can prototype products faster. From there, have them create prototypes based on your initial design specs. The goal here is to have something just close enough to realistic-looking but also simple enough so they can test it without wasting too much time or money.

4. Beware of Intellectual Property Infringement

Your Intellectual Property (IP) is one of the most significant assets you need to manage as a business owner. However, intellectual property (IP) infringement is a serious issue for many overseas businesses when outsourcing product development to China.

Those who steal your IP don’t just copy your product, they replicate your brand, too. If you work with a development firm, make sure you know what measures they are taking to protect your intellectual property.

Request documentation and evidence of the production process for safeguarding your IP. Sign a NNN agreement with your chosen manufacturer to keep your ideas protected throughout production. In addition, try to work with a development company with IP assistance if possible. This may not be required but can help steer your project in the right direction.

5. Get Advice from Experts

Working with an experienced product development firm in China helps ensure that your idea or invention is engineered, tested, and ready for mass production.

Development firms can help you make more sophisticated prototypes and navigate the process of bringing your idea to life. When most overseas companies plan on identifying a new manufacturing partner, they are usually tempted to focus on the best price. However, concentrating only on low costs can hurt you in the long term. That’s because shaving a few cents off the price of a product is no help if the quality is below standard, and the component or material does not arrive when you need it.

China 2 West has employees on the ground in China that can visit factories and ensure they are well-equipped to handle the whole product development process for your project, including product design, prototyping, and product testing. If you want to know more about how we can help your project, don’t hesitate to contact us today.