List of the common questions we receive from new or potential clients.
Got questions about developing and manufacturing a custom product? Our comprehensive FAQ covers everything you need to know about working with IPS — from concept design to global sourcing, prototyping, quality control, and delivery.
Custom Product Development
The first step is scheduling a free consultation with IPS through our Contact Us form. There is no obligation, and our first consultation is free. We’ll review your concept, discuss goals, and explain how our ConceptForge™ 8-step product development process brings ideas to life — from design to delivery. We can learn about your product concept and let you know if we think we are the right resource for you moving forward. If we don't think we can help you, we will be honest and let you know we might not be the right partner for you, and suggest some other resources that may help!
You can absolutely bring your own design, sketches, or CAD files. We’re flexible and will work with you at any stage — whether it’s just an idea or a full design in hand. Our design services using in-house engineers or third party design firm partners will insure a professional continuation of your existing designs, concepts, sketches or CAD files.
While IPS doesn’t license or sell products directly (with some exceptions), we support your success by delivering high-quality, ready-to-ship products that you can confidently pitch to retailers, investors, or licensees. We understand product compliance and guide you through the requirements for each distribution channel you chose to sell through. As your production partner, we can support you as a resource on your sales and marketing efforts.
Timelines vary depending on complexity, but most custom product development projects take 4–8 months from concept to shipment. We move fast but never cut corners. We provide our customers with a development and production timeline for each product for proper planning. If new challenges arise during the custom product development stage, we work hard to insure our target schedule remains intact.
Global Contract Manufacturing
IPS only works with vetted, long-standing factory partners. Every factory in our network is inspected for safety, environmental practices, technical capability, and social responsibility. We have relationships and partnerships with reputable third party inspection and safety companies (QIMA, UL, Bureau Veritas) and us them for every order we produce. We generate custom safety specification checklists for every product we develop, and test them to the highest standards.
Yes, factory visits can be arranged depending on your location and the factory’s policies. IPS also provides regular updates, photos, and production reports to keep you in the loop. With some factories in remote locations, most clients choose to let IPS perform factory visits and inspections on their behalf, but we are happy to accommodate our clients requests!
Absolutely. In addition to China, we manage production in Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia and Thailand — diversifying risk and giving you the best sourcing options based on your product’s needs. If your product is better suited for production in a different global region, we’re equipped to explore new sourcing options. No matter where we manufacture, our commitment to strict quality standards remains unwavering.
IPS acts as your direct line to the factory, managing any production issues swiftly and effectively so you don’t have to. With experienced team members on the ground and long-standing relationships with our manufacturing partners, we’re able to identify and resolve challenges early — whether it’s a quality concern, timeline delay, or material discrepancy. Our deep integration with the factory floor allows us to protect your schedule, budget, and product integrity at every stage of the process.
Product Design and Engineering Services
Our engineers and designers use industry-standard tools like Pro-Engineer, Autodesk Inventor, and Fusion 360 to create high-precision CAD models and production-ready designs. These powerful platforms allow us to develop detailed, accurate representations of your product that prioritize functionality, structural integrity, and manufacturing efficiency. This approach not only saves time and reduces costs but also enhances the creative quality and success of the overall project.
You can be as hands-on as you’d like throughout the design and development process. We work closely with you at every stage, inviting your input on sketches, CAD renderings, material choices, and functional details to ensure the final product aligns perfectly with your vision. You'll have the opportunity to review and approve each round of revisions, and we provide 3D renderings, physical prototypes, and real-time updates so you're fully informed before anything moves into tooling or production. This collaborative approach ensures transparency, confidence, and a final product you’re proud to launch.
That’s completely fine — many of our clients don’t have engineering backgrounds, and that’s exactly where IPS adds value. Our team specializes in translating ideas into engineered solutions, guiding you step-by-step through the design process in a clear, approachable way. We take the time to explain technical decisions, offer design recommendations based on real-world manufacturing experience, and make sure your product is not only innovative but also feasible, functional, and production-ready. You bring the vision — we’ll handle the technical side and make sure it’s built to succeed.
Absolutely! IPS provides complete packaging and branding design services to ensure your product makes a strong first impression — whether it’s on a retail shelf, an e-commerce listing, or in an unboxing video. Our team creates everything from structural die-lines and protective inserts to eye-catching graphics, brand elements, and compliance labeling. We focus on packaging that not only protects your product but also reinforces your brand identity, enhances customer experience, and supports marketing efforts across all channels.
Prototyping and Manufacturing Solutions
IPS produces high-quality prototypes in a wide range of materials — including 3D-printed plastics, CNC-machined components, silicone, textiles, and more — tailored specifically to your product’s design, functionality, and development stage. Whether you need a visual model, a functional prototype, or a pre-production sample, we select the best prototyping method to meet your goals. Wherever possible, IPS matches prototype materials and finishes as closely as possible to final production specifications, giving you a realistic preview of how the product will look, feel, and perform. This helps refine the design, improve manufacturing efficiency, and reduce costly surprises down the line.
Typically, 1–3 rounds of prototypes are sufficient to refine and validate a product before moving into tooling and full-scale production. Each prototype iteration allows us to test and evaluate critical aspects such as functionality, fit, ergonomics, material performance, and visual appeal. During this phase, we work closely with you to gather feedback, make adjustments, and ensure the product aligns with both your vision and manufacturing requirements. By thoroughly validating the design early on, IPS helps reduce risk, avoid costly rework, and ensure a smoother transition to production.
Prototype costs are quoted separately from the overall project to provide full transparency and flexibility. At IPS, we always explain these costs upfront, outlining the materials, methods, and timelines involved so you know exactly what to expect. Our goal is to make prototyping as cost-effective and efficient as possible while still delivering high-quality, functional models that accurately represent your final product. We focus on maximizing value at every stage — ensuring you get meaningful insights and real-world testing without unnecessary expense or delays.
It depends on the level of finish and quality of your existing prototype. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective and efficient to start fresh rather than trying to revise or repair what you already have. However, we’re happy to review your prototype, assess its potential, and provide clear recommendations on the best path forward — whether that’s refining the current model or starting from scratch.
International Product Sourcing
When determining the ideal country for your product’s manufacturing, IPS conducts a thorough evaluation of multiple critical factors to ensure optimal results. We assess the availability and sourcing of raw materials, the technical capabilities of local factories, production costs, infrastructure reliability, and shipping logistics. Our goal is to match your product with the most suitable region based on its unique requirements — whether it involves precision-molded plastics, textile goods, electronics, or complex assemblies. With trusted factory partners in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Thailand, IPS offers flexibility, risk mitigation, and the ability to adapt to shifting global supply chain conditions — all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and accountability.
In most cases, yes — working with IPS often results in significant cost savings over sourcing directly on your own. That’s because we leverage over 25 years of established factory relationships, volume purchasing power, and in-country expertise to negotiate better pricing, maintain consistent quality, and avoid common pitfalls that can result in hidden costs or delays. While it might seem cheaper to go direct, language barriers, unclear expectations, lack of oversight, and poor communication often lead to quality issues, rework, and missed deadlines. IPS removes that risk by managing every aspect of the sourcing and manufacturing process for you, ensuring you get high-quality products at competitive prices without the stress or uncertainty.
Vietnam and Taiwan are excellent sourcing options for specific types of products, particularly those that require skilled labor, high assembly complexity, or materials that benefit from regional specialization. Vietnam is often ideal for textiles, soft goods, labor-intensive assemblies, and certain plastic and rubber products thanks to its competitive labor costs and growing manufacturing infrastructure. Taiwan, on the other hand, is well known for its high-precision manufacturing capabilities, especially in electronics, molded plastics, and metal components, with an added advantage of political stability and strong IP protection laws. IPS evaluates your specific product needs and matches them with the most suitable country — balancing cost, quality, capacity, and trade advantages to help you scale efficiently.
Sourcing products internationally can come with several risks — including inconsistent product quality, language and communication barriers, intellectual property concerns, extended lead times, and difficulties in monitoring production progress. These challenges can cause costly delays, reputational damage, or product failures if not managed properly. IPS significantly reduces these risks by acting as your trusted on-the-ground partner. We carefully vet all factories, negotiate favorable terms, conduct in-person inspections, and monitor every stage of production to ensure compliance with your specifications. We also handle all communication, quality control, and logistics coordination — giving you peace of mind and full visibility from start to finish. Our local teams and longstanding relationships give us leverage that simply isn’t available when trying to navigate the sourcing process independently.
Quality Assurance in Manufacturing
IPS follows a multi-stage quality control process to ensure your product meets or exceeds expectations every time. Before mass production begins, we conduct a thorough pre-production sample review to confirm that materials, construction methods, and product details align with your approved design. During production, our team performs in-line inspections at critical stages to catch and correct any issues before they escalate. Finally, before shipping, we carry out a final random inspection using established AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards to assess the finished goods for consistency, accuracy, and overall quality. From verifying material specs to checking functionality and visual presentation, IPS applies these controls to every order, offering unmatched transparency and reliability.
Absolutely. IPS provides comprehensive quality reports for every project — including detailed inspection checklists, high-resolution photographs, measurement verifications, and notes on any variances or corrective actions. These reports give you full visibility into the quality of your product before it ever leaves the factory. You’ll be able to review and approve the shipment with confidence, knowing that it meets your specifications and standards. This documentation is especially valuable for clients who cannot travel to the factory themselves and want peace of mind during the production process.
Product quality is one of our highest priorities, and IPS has systems in place to prevent defects — but if something does go wrong, we act fast to make it right. If any units arrive with issues that were not previously approved or within acceptable tolerance, our team immediately investigates the root cause with the factory. We then work directly with them to repair, rework, or replace the affected products, depending on the situation. Because we maintain long-term relationships and accountability with our factories, we’re able to resolve these matters quickly and with minimal disruption to your supply chain.
Maintaining consistency over multiple production runs is a key part of our service. IPS documents every detail of your product — including dimensions, materials, finishes, and packaging — in comprehensive spec sheets and quality control guidelines that the factory follows with each order. We also train factory teams on your product’s unique requirements and perform recurring inspections throughout each batch to ensure compliance. In addition, we maintain ongoing communication with the factory to reinforce expectations and adapt to any material or process changes. This system allows IPS to deliver consistent, reliable quality — not just on your first order, but on every repeat production that follows.
Shipping and Import Logistics
Not at all — that’s part of our job. IPS will walk you through any trade terms you’re unfamiliar with and help you choose the best Incoterms (like FOB, CIF, or DDP) based on your shipping needs, risk tolerance, and budget. We regularly quote door-to-door pricing, so you can see the full landed cost of your product up front — with no hidden fees or surprises. Whether you prefer to manage shipping yourself or have us handle it all, IPS gives you clarity and confidence every step of the way.
Yes — IPS provides complete logistics and shipping management services, giving you a seamless experience from factory to final destination. We handle everything, including freight booking (air, ocean, or express), customs documentation, tariff classification, import duties, and last-mile delivery. Whether you need goods delivered to your warehouse, a fulfillment center, or multiple retail locations, IPS coordinates all moving parts on your behalf. Our logistics team ensures compliance with international regulations while optimizing for cost and speed, so you can stay focused on your business while we take care of the entire supply chain.
Absolutely. IPS is highly experienced with Amazon FBA and third-party logistics (3PL) requirements. We handle labeling, barcoding, carton specifications, pallet configurations, and shipping documentation to meet strict FBA guidelines and avoid delays or chargebacks. We can ship directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the U.S. or any global region they operate in, as well as 3PL warehouses you partner with for e-commerce or retail distribution. Our logistics team ensures your goods arrive organized, compliant, and ready to move.
Lead times depend on the shipping method, destination, and season. Standard ocean freight typically takes 25–40 days, depending on the origin factory, U.S. port, and customs processing. Air freight is faster, usually 7–10 days, and is often used for time-sensitive shipments or smaller quantities. IPS works with you early in the planning phase to align production schedules with shipping windows, helping you avoid unexpected delays, stockouts, or missed launch dates. We also provide tracking and proactive updates throughout the journey, so you’re never in the dark.
E-commerce Product Manufacturing
Yes — that’s exactly what we specialize in. IPS works closely with e-commerce brands, influencers, and digital retailers to create custom-designed, original products that stand out in crowded online marketplaces. Whether you’re launching your first product or expanding an existing line, we handle everything from concept and design to prototyping, sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging. Unlike traditional private-label products that rely on stock molds and generic features, our solutions are fully customized — helping you build a unique brand identity, increase perceived value, and create stronger customer loyalty.
Absolutely. IPS has extensive experience supporting sellers on platforms like Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, Walmart Marketplace, and beyond. We understand the specific packaging, labeling, and logistics requirements each platform demands, and we tailor our solutions to fit your distribution model. Whether you’re fulfilling orders via Amazon FBA, a 3PL, or your own warehouse, we design for convenience, durability, and a premium customer experience — from product functionality to unboxing aesthetics. Our goal is to help you scale efficiently while maintaining quality and brand consistency.
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) vary depending on the type of product, materials used, and the capabilities of the selected factory. IPS helps you find the lowest feasible MOQ that makes sense for your budget and market strategy — typically starting around 1000 units for simpler items. For more complex products, the MOQ may be higher due to tooling, materials, or production line setup costs. We’re flexible and work to find the right balance between order volume, unit cost, and scalability to support both new and growing online brands.
Yes — IPS offers complete packaging design and production services tailored for e-commerce and social-driven marketing. We create packaging that not only protects the product during transit but also elevates the unboxing experience — a key factor for driving influencer engagement, customer satisfaction, and repeat business. Whether you need custom-printed boxes, inserts, tamper-proof seals, or sustainable materials, our team ensures your packaging reflects your brand’s personality and creates a memorable first impression. From Instagram-worthy unboxing moments to eco-conscious shipping solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Crowdfunded Product Development
Transitioning from a successful crowdfunding campaign to full-scale production can be complex — but that’s where IPS steps in. We specialize in bridging the gap between concept and delivery. After your campaign funds, we help refine your product’s design, create working prototypes, and prepare it for manufacturing through our trusted global factory network. Our team also manages tooling, quality control, production oversight, shipping, and even Amazon or 3PL fulfillment coordination — ensuring your backers receive their rewards on time and to your quality standards. With IPS, you don’t just get a factory — you get a full development and production partner.
Absolutely. Planning ahead is crucial for a successful campaign, and IPS can provide detailed cost estimates, recommended minimum order quantities (MOQs), realistic lead times, and a high-level production plan — all before you go live. This allows you to set your funding goals and reward tiers with confidence, knowing your numbers are grounded in real-world manufacturing costs. We’ll also help you identify cost-saving opportunities, understand shipping fees, and factor in packaging, fulfillment, and logistics — giving you a clear roadmap from funding to fulfillment.
That’s completely normal — most crowdfunded products go through some level of refinement after the campaign ends. Whether it’s improving usability, simplifying the design for manufacturing, or incorporating backer feedback, IPS has the in-house design and engineering expertise to guide those changes without derailing your timeline. We work with you to ensure any adjustments maintain your original vision while making the product more practical, cost-effective, and scalable for production. Our goal is to deliver a product that delights your backers and sets the stage for long-term success.
Yes — IPS has helped numerous entrepreneurs, startups, and creators turn successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns into real, delivered products. We’ve supported first-time inventors navigating the process for the first time as well as experienced teams who need a reliable partner to scale. Our understanding of crowdfunding timelines, reward fulfillment, and backer expectations means we know how to move quickly, communicate clearly, and avoid common pitfalls. From tech gadgets and lifestyle accessories to sporting goods and unique consumer products, we’ve seen it all — and we’re ready to help you succeed too.
Custom Molded Plastics Production
IPS offers a range of plastic molding solutions tailored to your product’s unique design, functionality, and production scale. Our core capabilities include injection molding for high-precision parts and tight tolerances, blow molding for hollow components like bottles and containers, and rotational molding for large, durable parts with complex geometries. We help determine the best molding process based on factors like wall thickness, part complexity, quantity requirements, and end-use application. No matter the method, IPS ensures the right tooling, materials, and quality controls are in place for consistent, cost-effective production.
Choosing the right plastic material is essential to achieving the right look, feel, and performance for your product — and IPS helps guide that decision. Our engineering team evaluates factors like mechanical strength, flexibility, heat and chemical resistance, surface finish, and compliance needs (e.g., food grade, BPA-free, recyclable). We regularly work with materials such as ABS for durable enclosures, polypropylene (PP) for lightweight and chemical-resistant parts, polycarbonate (PC) for high-impact applications, and specialty polymers for demanding environments. Our material recommendations are always aligned with your product’s intended use, manufacturing goals, and cost targets.
Yes — IPS handles the entire tooling process from start to finish. We begin with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) to ensure your design is optimized for molding, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency. Our team then manages mold creation through one of our trusted factory partners, ensuring the tool is built to spec with high-quality steel or aluminum, depending on expected volume. Once the tool is complete, we run T1 samples (first shots) for testing and review, making any final adjustments needed before moving to full-scale production. Every step is managed by IPS with regular updates, photos, and performance reviews, so you're fully informed throughout.
Lead times vary based on the complexity of the product and mold, but most injection mold tooling takes approximately 30–45 days to complete. After tooling is approved, initial production can begin shortly after, usually within 1–2 weeks. IPS provides you with a full project timeline from the beginning, outlining each phase — including design finalization, tooling, trial production, approvals, and shipping. Our goal is to help you plan accurately for your product launch, meet retailer deadlines, or align with your marketing schedule, all while ensuring the end product meets your quality and performance expectations.
