Quality

Don’t skimp on materials or manufacturing.

A low-cost vendor isn’t necessarily your best bet. It’s important not to make purchasing decisions based solely on price, you also need to consider quality and reputation. That may mean spending a little extra, given that top-shelf suppliers, labs and manufacturers tend to charge more.

Look online, attend trade shows and collect industry recommendations. You may need to hire an agent to find a factory for you. It is always suggested that you must personally visit any factory you’re thinking of partnering with, even if it’s 8,000 miles away. To ensure that production is up to snuff, create guidelines for every manufacturing detail.

Do not only outline 85 percent of the creative process. For example, don’t simply say that your product should be constructed of stainless steel—specify a grade, or the factory will likely use the lowest-end option.

Don’t expect a flawless product off the bat, and stay on top of every detail. “You have to check that,” says CEO of Products to Profits, a consultancy in Pasadena, Calif., that helps entrepreneurs develop, market and sell their products at stores such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Big 5 Sporting Goods. “It’s like a Grand Canyon-size cliff if you don’t. Because that’s your opportunity to sign off that your product is correct, and if it’s not, to have the production line stop and fix it.”