6 Mistakes to Avoid when Inventing and Bringing a Product to Market

Written By: Trevor Crotts

The process of bringing a product to market is a daunting one, and it can be easy to make some mistakes along the way. Trust me, I have made them all when building my own brand in the past. This is an exciting process but can easily steal years away from you if you go down the wrong path.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when inventing a product and trying to bring it to market: 

1. Not doing your research: Before you even start designing and manufacturing your product, you need to do your research. Make sure you understand the market, know who your target customers are, and find out what other similar products are already out there. 

2. Not having a prototype: Having a prototype of your product is essential for testing and demonstrating your product. Without a prototype, it’s hard to ensure the product will meet all of the requirements. 

3. Not considering cost: The cost of the product can make or break its success. Make sure you consider the cost of materials and production, as well as any additional costs such as shipping and taxes. 

4. Not having a plan for production: Manufacturing a product is a complex process, and it’s important to have a plan for production. Make sure you have a detailed production plan, including which materials and processes you’ll be using, timelines, and any potential issues that could arise. 

5. Not patenting the product: If you have an innovative product, you need to make sure you get a patent. Without a patent, your product can easily be copied and sold by another company. 

6. Not investing in marketing: Marketing your product is essential for its success. Make sure you invest in a good marketing strategy and budget and research the best ways to reach your target customers. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your product is successful and ready for the market. Good luck!

As mentioned before, these common mistakes are easy to make. American Pet Works is here to help you learn from our mistakes vs. making your own. If you have a product idea or need a domestic partner in the pet industry, give me a call. - Trevor

Written By: Trevor Crotts

I am an opportunistic entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, dedicated to creating value and driving growth in the pet industry and beyond. With an extensive background in sales and marketing, I have a proven track record of implementing my strategic vision in innovative ways.

Currently, I serve as the head of American Pet Works, a US-based manufacturer and distributor in the pet industry, where I have developed several well-established pet brands.

When people ask me "What do you do?" I like to reply with "Whatever it takes". Whether it's developing new products, optimizing supply chains, or delivering innovative marketing campaigns, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help my clients succeed.

If you are looking for an experienced partner who can help you navigate the complexities of product development, manufacturing or marketing, I would be ready to connect with you. Let's explore how we can work together to drive growth and create value in your industry.