Written By: Trevor Crotts
Are you ready to turn your passion for pets into a thriving business? Creating, designing, and launching a pet product can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but it's important to have a solid plan in place before you get started. I have developed and launched hundreds of pet products for a variety of brands like Wayfair, IHG, and Airstream. Here is some top tips to help you get started on the path to success:
Start by identifying a need in the market. Is there a product that you wish existed for your own pets? Are there common problems that pet owners face that could be solved with a new product? By identifying a gap in the market, you can create a product that will be in high demand. Is your product solving a problem? Are you selling pain pills or vitamins (people do not take much actions with out pain=problem). Many people make the mistake of creating a fantastic product that solves a problem no one cares about.
TOP TIP: Do not fall into the old engineering trap of inventing a problem to solve with your product!
Research the competition. Take a look at what other products are currently available and consider how your product will stand out. DIFFERENTIATION! What unique features or benefits will it offer? Make sure also to research any relevant patents or trademarks to avoid infringing on existing intellectual property. A huge one to ask…..What is your USP (unique selling proposition = why should people care?)?
Sketch out your ideas. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, it's helpful to create rough sketches of your product to help visualize what it will look like. This can also help communicate your ideas to others, such as manufacturers or investors.
Create prototypes. Once you have a clear idea of what your product will look like, it's time to start building prototypes. This can be as simple as using foam core or cardboard to create a physical model, or you may want to work with a prototyping company to create a more realistic version. Or you can create a 3D rendering.
TOP TIP: you can get a lot done for a little with marketplaces like Fiver and Upwork)
Test and refine your product. Before launching your product, it's important to test it out to ensure that it meets your desired standards. Gather feedback from friends, family, and even focus groups to see what works and doesn't. Use this feedback to make any necessary adjustments to your product. You would be surprised by what you will assume people want and care about….. ASK THEM!
Prepare for launch. Once you're happy with your product, it's time to start getting ready for launch. This may involve creating marketing materials, setting up a website, and finding the right distributors or retailers to carry your product.
Let the market speak! In a little time, you will know if your product is a hit or not. Listen to the market. Improve the product (Kaisan= constantly improving). Reiterate and relaunch.
Creating, designing, and launching a pet product can be a rewarding and exciting journey, but it's important to have a clear plan in place to ensure success. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to bringing your pet product to market. Of course most products like most businesses fail to achieve traction and fail in the first year. To help improve your odds and shortcut the process, American Pet Works is a great option.
With years of experience in the pet industry, our team has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process of launching a successful product.
From concept development to market research and branding, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure your product stands out in a crowded market. We will also help you navigate the regulatory process and provide ongoing support as you bring your product to market.
In addition to our product development services, we also offer a range of marketing and advertising services to help promote your product and reach your target audience. From social media marketing to email campaigns and influencer partnerships, we can help you craft a marketing strategy that will drive sales and increase brand awareness.
With American Pet Works on your side, you can feel confident that your product launch will be a success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your pet product to life!
Written By: Trevor Crotts
I am an opportunistic entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, dedicated to creating value and driving growth in the pet industry and beyond. With an extensive background in sales and marketing, I have a proven track record of implementing my strategic vision in innovative ways.
Currently, I serve as the head of American Pet Works, a US-based manufacturer and distributor in the pet industry, where I have developed several well-established pet brands.
When people ask me "What do you do?" I like to reply with "Whatever it takes". Whether it's developing new products, optimizing supply chains, or delivering innovative marketing campaigns, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help my clients succeed.
If you are looking for an experienced partner who can help you navigate the complexities of product development, manufacturing or marketing, I would be ready to connect with you. Let's explore how we can work together to drive growth and create value in your industry.