The first bag prototype is on the left – but we wanted it to be changed so we made a revision model.
When you have a bag idea you will want to test it by making a bag prototype and do market and customer testing.
There are eight key things that contribute to the cost of making a bag prototype.
1. Coming up with the best product design solution.
Most customers have a rough idea of their bag idea – but working with a professional designer can make all the difference – a experienced designer should know what ideas have been tried before and can help you by developing a new design concept that captures your brand ethos, is distinctive, protectable and stylish.
2. The Creative and Technical Design costs.
Once you have a good luggage design concept it needs to be drawn up in detail so you can be sure everything will work and how it will look and operate.
3. The bag prototype specification costs (tech pack costs).
This is the document for the factory. It has to have every detail from the fabric composition to pantone colours to measurements to the stiches per inch and be so clearly explained that somebody who’s first language is not English can understand it clearly, so it is best that the designer has practical working experience in a factory, not just on a computer screen.
A typical page from the inside details of a bag prototype tech-pack / Specification.
4. Sourcing and managing the bag sample factory.
Using a factory that has experience in your kind of product can make all the difference to the quality of your product – but if you are a small start-up most good factories will not be interested in you so this is where a professional sourcing company can make all the difference.
But it’s not just a matter of sending drawings to a factory – it is the day to day relationship and management of the factory that will make all the difference.
Factory sends us latest photo’s of the bag samples every day.
5. Purchasing any special fabrics.
Sometimes you have to buy minimums lengths of fabric or if you want it dyed to special colours, this adds some costs.
6. Logo and badge design costs.
The finishing details on your product and the look and image of your brand are critical to your success. The logo needs to be manufacturable for application to textile products – so designing the way your logo (for instance) is made into a badge, print or 3D application on your bag prototype is a key part of it’s commercial appeal.
7. The design and manufacture of any special plastic or metal parts.
You might want special fastenings, zip pullers or maybe fabrics with your own print design. If so, all these parts have a “set up or mold” charge which will be extra to the cost of the bag itself.
Example of a full set of custom designed metal parts for a client project.
8. Carriage costs.
Once your prototype sample made it needs to be shipped to you. Typically international shipping costs are around £80 / $100 for a sample package.
Summary
So as you can see, the cost of making a bag prototype is only part of the costs.
A typical bag sample prototype costs between £500 and £800, but as you can see from the list above that the (1) Concept, (2) Design, (3) Specifications and related development costs are the main costs.
Invest wisely.
What is most important is to have a great idea and good market research from the start – so your investment in a prototype is the first step to your new business opportunity.
Design IQ have over 30 years experience of helping customers invest wisely when making new products, so start by asking for a free of charge consultation when we can tell you more about the details and process of making a bag or luggage prototype, and how our step by step payment system helps spread out the costs.
Email: info@design-iq-ltd.com Telephone: 01531-640118. WhatsApp: 07785350538