Prototypes

[Bigguns50]

So I had 2 ideas in my head..... Now those ideas are real life physical products.

I can't emphasize enough, if you have an idea for a physical product...you need to make a Prototype !!

There is a HUGE difference between an idea in your head and a prototype. When I made prototypes of both my ideas, I learned things I didn't think of, and probably wouldn't have thought of when they were in 2 and 3D on my computer. If I would have gone ahead and spent the money and time to have them made into final products...that would have been ugly.

3D printing.
My Fastlane prototype was made with a 3d printer (Progress thread soon). I paid a small startup to do it and it was amazing. Your prototype doesn't have to be perfect. It's a starting point. Action.

Your Market and Funding.
You can take your prototype to your market. Show them. Let them hold it. You will get amazing feedback ! Then when you're ready to go out and sell it, or get funding, it's a hell of a lot better than having drawings and made up sales projections on paper.

 

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[Lemerand]

I paid a small startup to do it and it was amazing.

Thanks for sharing. Was this startup local? I live in Michigan as well and I'm looking for local companies that do prototyping via 3D printing

 

[Bigguns50]

@Lemerand. Yes, they are local. I got quotes from out of State and then searched in State. Only found one. Pricing was spot on competitive and the guys are amazing.

They're in downtown Ann Arbor. I drove 40 minutes there one way...twice. They do great work....they're a startup called Thingsmith. PM me if you need more info.

 

[Lemerand]

Thanks! I'll send you a PM.

 

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[Eskil]

Can confirm. Prototyping is fun!