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Small manufacturer startup checklist

From prototype to repeatable production: sourcing, unit costing, quality control and the first big orders without losing your shirt.

12 stepsOrdered by phase · personalized by your co-founder

1Spec the product before you source

  • Write a full spec: materials, dimensions, tolerances, packaging, and the tests it must pass.
  • Build a working prototype and test it with real users — fix the product before you fix the factory.
  • Know your target cost per unit before talking to suppliers.

2Source and sample properly

  • Get quotes from 3+ suppliers with written specs so prices are comparable.
  • Order samples from the top 2 and test them side by side — don't judge by photos or price alone.
  • Negotiate payment terms (deposit vs. balance) and agree the quality standard in writing.

3Do the unit math

  • Full unit cost = materials + labor + tooling amortized + packaging + freight + wastage.
  • Add a defect/rework allowance: real production never hits 100% first time.
  • Calculate the order size where your price becomes competitive — and how much cash it ties up.

4First run, quality gate, reorder

  • Start with a pilot run smaller than your target order to validate the process.
  • Inspect every unit against your spec at first, then sample-inspect as quality stabilizes.
  • Lock in the reorder process: lead time, MOQ, price breaks and a backup supplier.

Don't guess your way through this

Tell your co-founder your idea and country — it will turn this checklist into your personalized Journey, run the market research, and produce the documents for you.

Start free with this template