Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am sure that when presenting a product for funding or any other reason, it has to be thoroughly explained so that the information gets across. However, how important is the overall look of the prototype. My project is shabby but crystal clear. I am desigining a board game and I hand made the cards and board and I was wondering if I should just get it professional  done to better present (although I do not have much money to do this with.)

Then there are manufacturers who have minimum orders of 500 or 1000 and I only want ONE prototype for show....any advice?

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www.EllayWestConcepts.net Ellay West Concepts (Freelance Commercial Writer)

You`ll need to pay all tooling costs.  Whether the supplier gets that back through large orders or up front is up to you.  For prototypes I just offer to pay all tooling charges and only order 3 or 4 parts.  But then you have a production order supplier ready if/when you decide to move forward.  I do caution you though, tooling charges can be very expensive.  It really depends on the product.  Anywhere from $300 to $15,000 in my own experience.  I`m sure they can go even higher then that. 

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Travis Tschepen
Hibachi Bros. LLC

--My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.--

It is important to have a professional image and making a polished prototype will go a long way in demonstrating your concept.  Now when you say that you hand made the cards, do you mean that you cut out some cardboard and wrote on it with crayons and pen?

If you have any experience with graphics programs like Adobe Illustrator, MS Publisher and the like you should make it there first.  Once you have made it in the graphics program take it to a local printing company. Find one with a large printer/plotter (the ones that can print things a few feet wide). Have them print it out in colour (maybe 2 by 2 feet??). Mount the printout to some sturdy cardboard.  Do the same with any cards and other board material.

This may take a bit of time to complete, but you will end up with a pretty finished looking board.  Some prospective investors may not really care about the level of the prototype.  However I believe that you’ll make a better impression with a more finished product.

Good luck with the prototype development.  I`m sure there are many of us here that would be pleased to beta test your game!


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Daniel the Denim Doctor

Talk with a local printer, like a Minuteman Press franchise or some other outfit where you`re talking directly with the owner. I`ll bet they could help put a nice, professional package together without it being a "game manufacturer" type of situation. Maybe produce 10 copies.

I think the more professional the prototype looks, the easier it is for prospective investors to imagine it in the "real world," so to speak. First impressions do count for a lot, in my opinion.

Ellay,

Image is very important, even with a prototype ... but it does not have to cost you a lot of money. I believe Travis was speaking more about getting a first run of the product done. I read that you want to make a nice presentation to find funding and/or a game manufacturer partner.

I believe you can find a local design house or marketing/graphic design house to help you. Most graphic designers will be able to take your handmade  "mockups" and turn them into beautiful presentation pieces. Remember, these people make high-end presentations all the time - this is what they do. The cost will depend on the time they spend on the project. You may even be able to find a shop that gets excited about your idea and be willing to help you get your prototype ready for presentation for a piece of the pie (sweat equity) - which is worth considering, in my humble opinion.

The better the presentation (prototype) looks, the better your chances at gaining the serious attention of whomever you are presenting to. A shoddy presentation prototype could turn off their brains for acceptance of your idea. Set your standards high at all times and do not compromise - this is a reflection of you and your idea and what kind of partner you will be. You only get one chance at a first impression (but it this case, it does not have to cost you a lot of money).

Hope this helps.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

The design is up to you but when you are ready to manufacture your prototype check these people people out. Specially if you want to produce small parts.

If I can help let me know. I have done several of these for other people like yourself. It is a good place to start. I do ship stuff out so we may be able to work together.