Take your idea to production with these steps

A good idea alone is not enough. Before your product is ready for production, you will need to make many decisions and overcome many challenges.

Step 1: Check whether your idea already exists

If your idea or product already exists, also check whether a patent covers it. This will prevent you from investing time in a product that someone else has already developed or protected.

Step 2: Check if there is demand for your product

This will give you a better view of the chance your product idea has. Do market research and answer questions such as:

• What problem are you solving?
• Who is your product aimed at?
• Are people willing to pay for your product?
• How do you stand out from the competition?
• How will you make money from your product?

Step 3: Can you sell your idea at a profit?

Not every good idea makes a profit. Therefore, you should check whether you can sell your product at a profit. Compare the expected sale price with the costs of development, production, marketing, storage, and transport. This will give you an insight into the feasibility of your idea.

Step 4: Research laws, rules, and liability

It is important to know which laws, rules, and product requirements apply to your product. These vary from product to product. For example, electronics, cosmetics, food, and chemical products often face extra rules. Environmental rules may also apply, such as the ban on single-use plastics or the new European Packaging Regulations (PPWR).

For many products, a CE marking is mandatory. Sometimes, you must show through testing, documentation, or a certificate, that you meet certain rules. For example, in the areas of safety or quality.

5. Protect your idea

During the development of your product, it is wise to register your idea with the i-DEPOT. The i-DEPOT lets you show that your idea existed on a set date. The i-DEPOT does not automatically grant you intellectual property rights. Your idea is therefore not yet legally protected.

Depending on your product, you may wish to consider protection through, for example:

• Trademark (for a brand name or logo)
• Patent (for a technical invention)
• Design right (for a design or layout)

Do you wish to apply for a patent? If so, first check whether you can already disclose your invention to the public.

6. Create a prototype

A prototype is an early version or model of your product. This could be a 3D model, a (digital) sketch, or a working model.
A prototype helps you learn what works, what could be improved, and whether your idea is feasible. It also gives you the chance to test your product before you continue with its development.

7. User testing

Get people from your target audience to test the product, and ask them what they think of it. Check whether:

• The product works properly
• It solves the problem
• People would be willing to buy it

Adjust your prototype where needed. You may choose to have the improved product tested again.

Step 8: Prepare your product for production and find partners

Once you have tested your prototype, finalise the design. Identify which partners you will need to develop, manufacture, and sell your product. These might include a manufacturer to make your product, a supplier of materials, a marketer to help with sales, or a logistics partner to assist with storage and transport.

Before you start production, make clear agreements about the design, quality, costs, and schedule. This way, you will know what you need to have your product made.

You do not have to outsource everything. First, think about what you can do yourself, and then find where you may need help from others.

Step 9: Calculate the costs and arrange funding

Draw up a budget. Work out how much money you need and how you are going to cover the costs. Do not just look at the costs of making your product, but also at other costs such as packaging, storage, and transport. Also, investigate what financing options, subsidies, and tax benefits are available. For example, check whether you are eligible for the Research and Development Promotion Act (WBSO).

Step 10: Start production

Have you found a manufacturer, worked out the costs, and sorted out the funding? Then you can start making your product. We wish you the best of luck.