FAQ
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
What’s the first step to creating a custom product with IPS?
The first step is scheduling a free consultation with IPS through customproduct.com. We’ll review your concept, discuss goals, and explain how our 8-step product development process brings ideas to life — from design to delivery.
Can I bring my own design or do I need to start from scratch with IPS?
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.
How long does it take to develop a custom product from start to finish?
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.
Do you offer support for licensing or selling the final product?
While IPS doesn’t license or sell products directly, we support your success by delivering high-quality, ready-to-ship products that you can confidently pitch to retailers, investors, or licensees.
Global Contract Manufacturing
How does IPS ensure factory partners meet quality and safety standards?
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.
Can I visit the factory making my product?
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.
Do you manage manufacturing in countries outside China?
Absolutely. In addition to China, we manage production in Vietnam and Taiwan — diversifying risk and giving you the best sourcing options based on your product’s needs.
What happens if a factory makes a mistake or delays production?
IPS handles issues directly with the factory on your behalf. Our team has boots on the ground and long-term relationships that help us resolve problems quickly and protect your timeline and investment.
Product Design and Engineering Services
What design tools or software does IPS use?
Our engineers and designers use industry-standard tools like SolidWorks and Fusion 360 to develop high-precision CAD models and manufacturable designs.
How involved can I be in the design process?
As involved as you want! We collaborate closely with you on feedback, revisions, and approvals. You'll see renderings and prototypes before anything moves to production.
What if I need design help but don’t know much about engineering?
That’s totally fine — that’s what we’re here for. We’ll walk you through the design process, explain technical decisions, and ensure your product is functional and ready for production.
Do you handle packaging and branding design too?
Yes! IPS offers full packaging and graphic design services — from dielines to custom inserts — to ensure your product looks great on the shelf or online.
Prototyping and Manufacturing Solutions
What types of prototypes can IPS make?
IPS produces prototypes in various materials including 3D-printed plastic, CNC-machined parts, silicone, textiles, and more. We match the method to your product type and stage of development.
How many prototypes do I need before manufacturing?
Typically, 1–3 rounds of prototypes are enough. We test functionality, fit, and aesthetics before finalizing your design for tooling and production.
Is prototype production included in the project cost?
Prototype costs are quoted separately but are always explained upfront. IPS works to keep prototyping cost-effective and efficient.
Can you modify an existing prototype I already have?
Yes. If you’ve already built a prototype, we can review it, suggest improvements, and prepare it for mass production.
International Product Sourcing
How does IPS choose which country to source from?
We evaluate material availability, technical capability, cost, factory reliability, and shipping logistics to choose the best-fit country — whether that’s China, Vietnam, or Taiwan.
Will I save money by sourcing through IPS instead of going direct?
Yes. Our buying power, established relationships, and in-country teams help secure better pricing, quality, and accountability than going it alone.
What products are best suited for sourcing from Vietnam or Taiwan?
Products with labor-intensive assembly, textiles, or certain plastics and electronics often benefit from Vietnam or Taiwan due to cost and trade advantages.
What are the risks of sourcing internationally, and how does IPS reduce them?
Risks include quality issues, communication gaps, and delays. IPS reduces those by managing every detail — from factory selection and negotiation to quality control and shipping.
Quality Assurance in Manufacturing
What quality control measures does IPS provide during production?
IPS performs pre-production sample reviews, in-line inspections during production, and final random inspections before shipment. Our team verifies materials, dimensions, functionality, and appearance — every order, every time.
Can I get a quality report or product inspection summary?
Yes. IPS provides quality inspection reports, photos, and detailed documentation so you can review and approve before your product ships.
What if my product arrives with defects?
IPS takes quality seriously. If any product arrives with defects that were not approved, we handle resolution directly with the factory and work to replace or rework affected units quickly.
How does IPS ensure consistency over long-term production runs?
We maintain production consistency through detailed spec sheets, supplier training, repeat inspections, and ongoing communication with our factory partners.
Shipping and Import Logistics
Can IPS handle all shipping and customs for my product?
Yes. IPS offers full logistics support — from freight booking to customs clearance and final delivery. You can focus on selling while we manage the supply chain.
Do I need to understand international trade terms like FOB or DDP?
Not at all. We’ll explain any terms you’re unsure of and recommend the best Incoterms for your project. IPS can quote door-to-door pricing with no surprises.
Can you ship directly to Amazon FBA warehouses or 3PLs?
Absolutely. IPS is experienced with Amazon FBA compliance and can label, pack, and ship directly to Amazon or any U.S.-based fulfillment center.
What are the lead times for international shipping from Asia to the U.S.?
Standard ocean freight takes 25–40 days depending on the port and time of year. Air freight typically takes 7–10 days. IPS helps you plan ahead and avoid costly delays.
E-commerce Product Manufacturing
Can IPS develop a unique product for my online store?
Yes! We specialize in creating differentiated, custom-designed products that help e-commerce brands stand out from generic private-label competitors.
Do you work with Shopify, Amazon, or Etsy sellers?
Definitely. Many of our clients sell on Shopify, Amazon, and other online platforms. We design with shipping, packaging, and customer experience in mind.
What’s the minimum order quantity for e-commerce brands?
Minimums vary by product type and factory, but we help you find the lowest feasible MOQ that makes sense for your business. Some products start as low as 500 units.
Can IPS help with packaging that supports unboxing or influencer marketing?
Yes! We design and produce custom packaging that enhances unboxing experiences, reinforces branding, and looks great on social media.
Crowdfunded Product Development
How do I go from a crowdfunding campaign to full-scale production?
IPS bridges that gap. We take your concept, refine the design, prototype it, and manage all manufacturing and logistics to deliver rewards to your backers on time.
Can you help me budget manufacturing before I launch my campaign?
Absolutely. We provide cost estimates, lead times, and production plans so you can confidently set your crowdfunding goals and reward tiers.
What if I need to make changes to the product after the campaign?
No problem. Post-campaign revisions are common, and our design and engineering team works with you to refine the product before it goes to production.
Do you have experience with Kickstarter or Indiegogo projects?
Yes. IPS has helped several crowdfunded creators turn prototypes into fully manufactured products, supporting both first-time inventors and experienced entrepreneurs.
Custom Molded Plastics Production
What types of plastic molding does IPS offer?
IPS offers injection molding, blow molding, and rotational molding depending on your product’s shape, function, and production volume needs.
How do I know what kind of plastic material I should use?
Our engineers help select the ideal material — whether it’s ABS, PP, PC, or something specialty — based on durability, appearance, flexibility, and safety requirements.
Can you create tooling for custom molded parts?
Yes. IPS manages the entire tooling process, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability), mold creation, and trial runs to ensure your parts are production-ready.
What are typical lead times for molded plastic product development?
Tooling typically takes 30–45 days, with initial production following shortly after. IPS provides a full schedule so you can plan your launch.
