Before You Build a Prototype, Listen to This

In this episode of The Sourcing Gals, Erin and Jackie tackle one of the most common misconceptions in product development: the belief that prototyping is the first step. While receiving your first sample is exciting, they explain why founders who jump straight into product development often end up wasting significant time and money. Before engaging a factory, founders need clarity around several critical questions: -Who is the customer? -Where will the product be sold? -What retail price does the business need to support? -What level of quality is appropriate for that customer and channel? Without those answers, factories are often left guessing, resulting in samples that may be beautifully made but completely wrong for the intended market. Erin and Jackie explain how product decisions are influenced by your distribution strategy. A product designed for Nordstrom requires different materials, construction methods, and finishing details than a product designed for Walmart, Target, or a boutique retailer. They also discuss: -Why founders should establish target pricing before sampling -How factories use pricing guidance to recommend materials and construction methods -The value of creating rough prototypes or mock-ups before engaging a manufacturer -Why flexibility and collaboration with factories often lead to better outcomes -How factories can help improve functionality, reduce costs, and streamline production The conversation includes real examples of product development decisions, factory recommendations, and how small construction changes can significantly impact both aesthetics and manufacturing costs. The biggest takeaway: prototyping is not the beginning of the process. The strongest products are built on a foundation of strategy, customer understanding, and clear communication long before the first sample is made. In This Episode -Why prototyping is not actually the first step -The questions every founder should answer before contacting a factory -How your sales channel impacts product development decisions -Why target pricing matters before sampling begins -Common mistakes that lead to expensive sample revisions -How factories use your information to guide development -The value of mock-ups and rough prototypes -How to collaborate effectively with manufacturing partners -Why clarity saves both time and money -The foundation every successful product needs before development begins Sponsors ACCIO: If you’re launching or scaling a product business, this AI sourcing tool changes the game. Try Accio https://www.accio.com/?src=f_pn_theso... THE FOUNDERS CIRCLE: JOIN THE FOUNDERS CIRCLE ($27/mo): Go beyond the podcast. Get direct access to Jackie and Erin, dive deeper on every episode, and connect with founders who are actively building apparel and accessories brands. 👉 https://www.thesourcinggals.com/found... Connect with The Sourcing Gals Learn more about working with us, our courses, and our community: https://www.thesourcinggals.com