Design Agency Experience?

debbie_debt

Hi Everyone

I'm at the pre-satrtup phase of a new company and am developing a new product. And obviously I'm here because I need moneysavingexpert advice!!

Has anyone any experience of using a product design agency? These people seem to offer the complete no-hassle solution: they offer to design to your specification, source and liaise with manufacturers, find the most economical solution etc etc

My main question is - has anyone any experience of using one of these companies? Are they complete rip-off merchants or do they do everything so much better than is possible alone?

Thanks!

Debbie

DSoares

Hi Debbie,

Product design agencies usually have a mix of skills -
engineering knowledge
product design
marketing/business planning

I've never used one, but I met an agency at a networking event last year.
The majority of the expense seems to go on manufacturing a proof-of-concept (i.e. your product).
This would drop drastically if you had a run of say, 10, 000.

So I would say majority are not rip-off merchants - if a product fails, it's due to a lack of market research.
Research the market thoroughly - internet polls, stand outside places and ask people what they want....at the end of the day it will confirm your idea is good (or not) and saves money!

D