Thread: Budding Product Designers

I am occasionally approached by the inventor of a new product, wanting advice on how to get things going.

Below is a short list of questions that I usually run through when considering a product's viability.

As Tritoneers are often the inventive type, thought I would share this non exhaustive list with you, just in case you had an idea that is nearly there, but not quite.

Steve

To help you, the things I look for as a buyer, and when looking for product are the following.

How many people will buy it?
How easy is it to understand?Will it require demonstration to sell, or will it sell off the shelf?
Can it be used by itself or does it have prerequisites?Does it require skill to use it?
What is its nearest competitor?
What is the lead time in production?
Does it require maintenance and/or spares?
Pricing, wholesale, retail etc
Where is it made?
What does it look like?
Finnish of the product, neat, cool, rough?
Will it rust?
Is it metric or imperial? Can it be used with both, or is it easily adaptable to both markets?
What is the backup like? Can the designers/engineers be easily reached?
Does it come with a warranty? Details...
Does it use batteries? If so, what type and why.
If it is used hand held, what size hands will it suit.
How heavy is it?
What is the minimum order quantity?
What is the price structure relative to volume?
Is it patented, or is a copy coming soon?
What testing and market research has been done?
Is it currently in use? By who?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the product. Every product has limitations




Edit: does it come without Office tags?