Best way to develop custom prototype of physical product?

[sonify199]

Hello, as title says, my question is - what's the best way to develop simple custom physical product?

- Which apps / services should I use?
- Is it expensive to develop prototype of that product?
- Once it's created, how to connect the product with AutoDS so I can start dropshipping it?

I'm beginner, I would love to start new product, I validated the product with few people and they showed interest in the product idea.

Thank you in advance

[DaisyVo]

Hi @sonify199 

I noticed your question and went through your case carefully. You’re at the exciting stage of developing a custom physical product, and it’s great that you’ve already validated the idea with some people. Now, let’s break it down step by step so you can move forward efficiently.

1. Best Way to Develop a Custom Physical Product

Since you’re creating a custom product, you have two main options for prototyping:

• Print-on-Demand (POD): If your product is something like apparel, accessories, mugs, or phone cases, using POD services like Printify or Printful is a great way to test designs with low upfront costs.
• Custom Manufacturing: If you’re creating something unique (e.g., gadgets, home products), platforms like Alibaba, Sourcify, or ThomasNet can help you connect with manufacturers who offer prototyping services.

For prototyping in the U.S. or locally, you can use services like Xometry, Protolabs, or 3D Hubs if you need a 3D-printed or CNC-machined prototype.

2. Cost of Prototyping

• Print-on-Demand: Usually $0 upfront; you only pay per unit when an order is placed.
• 3D Printing: Starts from $50–$500 depending on the material.
• Custom Manufacturing: Can range from $500–$5000+ depending on complexity, materials, and required molds.
• Working with a Product Designer: Hiring a freelance product designer on Fiverr or Upwork can cost anywhere from $200–$2000, depending on expertise.

If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend starting small with a prototype through a local 3D printing service or working with a low-volume manufacturer on Alibaba to test your idea affordably.

3. Connecting with AutoDS for Dropshipping

Once you have a working prototype and are ready to fulfill orders, here’s how to set it up with AutoDS:

1. Find a Supplier: If you’re using AliExpress or a private supplier, make sure they can produce the product consistently.
2. List the Product: You can create a custom product listing in AutoDS, then connect it to a supplier that can fulfill orders on demand.
3. Automate Order Fulfillment: AutoDS can help with automating orders, but if your product is fully custom, you may need to handle fulfillment manually until you scale up.

If you plan to self-fulfill orders (store inventory at home or a warehouse), AutoDS may not be the best fit, and you might need a Shopify fulfillment partner like ShipBob instead.

Let me know if you need more details on any step, and I’ll be happy to guide you!

Best regards,
Daisy.