Taking your product from concept to manufacture can feel daunting. However, understanding your target costs and production strategy early on can make all the difference. Before diving into prototypes or production quotes, it’s essential to have a clear idea of how your product will be sold and what it needs to cost to be viable in the market.
At Mouse, we’ve spent over 25 years helping businesses turn great ideas into manufacturable products. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you thinking in the right direction.
Before you can design for manufacture, you need to know your target cost price. Essentially, what each unit can cost you to make, while still allowing everyone in the sales chain to make a profit.
How you determine that depends on your sales channel.
**The numbers below are a huge generalisation, and they change dramatically depending on which market you are planning on entering.**
Selling directly to customers (via your website or online marketplaces) typically offers higher profit margins but often lower volumes.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to make at least 60% profit on your product.
For example:
Selling through other companies, such as shops, retailers, or distributors. This can mean lower margins, but you’ll often sell much higher quantities.
Here’s how it typically breaks down:
So if your product’s RRP is £100:
By working backwards from your retail price, you can get a realistic picture of what your product must cost to produce, and therefore, which manufacturing techniques make sense.
Once you know your cost targets and expected volumes, you can start looking into manufacturing methods.
The number of units you plan to make will have a huge impact on both the cost per part and the tooling / investment required.
Here’s a simple example:
The key is finding the right balance between tooling investment, part cost, and production volume, something that can be surprisingly complex if you’re new to manufacturing.
From CNC machining and vacuum casting to die casting and blow moulding, there are countless manufacturing techniques out there — each with its own pros, cons, and cost structures.
Finding the right one depends on your:
This is where speaking to an experienced product design team like Mouse can be invaluable. We can help you evaluate your options, estimate realistic costs, and connect you with trusted manufacturers.
Once you’ve narrowed down your production method, it’s time to dive deeper.
Each manufacturing process has its own design constraints and best practices — things that can dramatically affect cost, quality, and lead time.
There are plenty of online resources to help you learn, but if you want to save time and avoid costly mistakes, it’s worth talking to professionals who’ve done it before.
At Mouse, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this journey, from early-stage prototypes to full-scale production. Whether you’re designing your first product or scaling an existing one, we can help you find the most efficient path to market.
Getting your product ready for manufacture isn’t just about design, it’s about strategy, numbers, and understanding your market.
Start with your sales model, work backwards to your target cost, and then explore manufacturing methods that make sense for your scale.
If you’re unsure where to begin, or just want a second opinion, we’re always happy to help.
Get in touch with Mouse to discuss how we can help take your idea from concept to production.
