Model Design Qu for Brandon
Hi Brandon!
I have an idea for a pet product. You have mentioned that you designed one yourself so perhaps you can guide me with this. I am not sure how to go about getting a model made up for my idea. It will probably be some sort of plastic mold no doubt and I have no idea about how to create a 'mock-up' of sorts. Where could/who should I contact to have someone make up one for me? I was thinking of o-desk but wasn't sure how to title the add or what type of skill set I would be looking for in someone to could do this work. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated.
Thank you also for your show. It has been incredibly helpful in motivating me again and helping to direct my focus. You and Matt are simplifying things for me and providing so many great resources. keep up the awesome work mate :)
Megan Gleeson
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Answers
Hi Megan, Without knowing your product, it is hard to say who to go to. Being an engineer already, I have some background in manufacturing procedures (plus I watch those shows on TV like "How Its Made") no joke. LOL. If you don't want to put your idea on this site, you can email me directly and I'll be able to point you in the right direction.
Another place you might check is MFG.com. It is a place you can put your product on the site, and have manufacturers "bid" on making it for you. The problem is they want more detail about what you want made, than it sounds like you have. So you might not be ready for that step yet.
The most important thing you can do is start. Just start asking friends or co-workers about where you could get someone that knows how to make this "thing". Once you get going, you'll find one fact leads to another. Keep researching and keep asking questions. You'll learn a lot along the way. The process is VERY iterative. You will find a lot of dead ends, but a few great ideas too. This is how it works. There is no short cut. Just accept that this is a journey, and have fun doing it.
I have a lot of experience with plastics. I can teach you all the different types of plastic molding and forming. So feel free to email me
podcast@automatemysmallbusiness.com
Hope that helps. -Brandon
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There's a growing number of prototyping services on the web, where you just send them a CAD drawing of what you want. They use a 3D printer, print it and send it to you in the mail. You can get someone on http://odesk.com or http://elance.com to do model design for you.
This is just for prototyping. It's not the quality (or cost) you'd want to actually produce the product with, but it does give you something to hold and see if you're product works.
Are all places to start.
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Brilliant! Thanks Matt! Will check out all of them :)
— frankigoldfinger