Manufacturing & Sourcing for Inventors
Going from one working prototype to thousands of finished units is where many inventions stall. Factories want final files, clear specifications and order quantities. A first-time inventor usually has none of that, and doesn't know which factory to trust. We fix that. We prepare your design for production, match it with the right manufacturer from our network of 315+ vetted partners, and manage quality and shipping until the product reaches your warehouse.
Where we manufacture
- Medellín, Colombia: our prototyping lab and small-run manufacturing. Good for first batches, pilot runs and products you want to test in the market before committing to expensive tooling.
- Hong Kong: large-run manufacturing and sourcing for volume production.
- Our partner network across the US, Mexico, Taiwan and Asia, matched to your product by material, process, volume and target cost.
Production capabilities
- Injection molding (plastic parts at volume)
- CNC machining (metal and plastic)
- Die casting
- Sheet metal fabrication
- PCB assembly (electronics)
- Final assembly, packaging and kitting
How we take you from prototype to production
1. Design for manufacturing (DFM)
We review your design so it can be made reliably at the right cost: wall thicknesses, draft angles, part count, materials and how parts snap or screw together. Small changes here can cut your unit cost and tooling bill a lot.
2. Bill of materials and cost targets
We list every component and estimate unit cost at different quantities, so you can price the product with real margins in mind.
3. Factory matching and quotes
We send your package to the factories in our network that fit, compare quotes and negotiate tooling, minimum order quantities and lead times.
4. Samples and approval
Before mass production, the factory makes production samples. You approve them before the full order runs.
5. Quality control
On-the-ground quality checks during and after production, so problems are caught at the factory, not when the boxes arrive.
6. Logistics
We coordinate freight forwarding and shipping from the factory floor to your warehouse or fulfillment center.
Already have a finished design? Manufacturing Sourcing Service
If your product is already designed or prototyped and you only need the right factory, our Manufacturing Sourcing Service ($1,495) is the shortcut. Our team finds suitable manufacturers for your product, communicates and negotiates with them for you, and brings you options. You work under a written sourcing agreement, and you keep full ownership of your product.
Real products, really manufactured
Pacibaba started as a dad's idea after he saw his daughter's pacifier sitting on a dusty table. We engineered and manufactured the first baby bottle with a sealed pacifier compartment built into the base. Today it sells at pacibaba.com and was featured on the TV show Project Pitch It. Read the Pacibaba story.
The Grocery Vest, featured on FOX's Snake Oil, is another product we engineered, prototyped and manufactured. Read the Grocery Vest story.
See more products we've helped bring to life in our portfolio.
Why work with us instead of going straight to Alibaba
Finding a factory online is easy. Finding one that makes your product well, protects your design, meets your deadline and doesn't change the price after you've paid for tooling is hard. When you go alone you usually find out the problems after the money is spent. We bring:
- Factories we've already worked with, matched to your product
- Engineering that speaks the factory's language: proper files, tolerances and specifications
- Negotiation on tooling, order quantities and unit price
- Quality control and logistics handled for you
- English and Spanish support from one team in Miami
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum order?
It depends on the product and the process. Molded plastic parts usually need larger orders to justify the mold, while our Medellín small-run manufacturing can make sense for a first batch. We'll show you the options.
How much does tooling cost?
Tooling depends on part size, complexity and the number of parts, so we quote it per project. Our DFM review often reduces it.
Can you manufacture in the USA?
Yes, our network includes US manufacturers. US production usually costs more per unit, and we'll compare it with other options for you.
Do I own the molds and tooling?
Tooling ownership is set in the agreement with the factory, and we negotiate so the terms work in your favor. Ask us about it for your specific project.
Can you help with packaging?
Yes. We design retail-ready packaging and can have it produced with your product.
Ready to manufacture?
También hablamos español.