#234: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Working with a Toy Factory

Making It in The Toy Industry with The Toy Coach

Time for a little tough love toy-coaching: If you're struggling to develop a pre-production sample of your toy that you're proud of, the problem might be you! This week on the podcast, you'll learn 3 common mistakes that new toy creators make when working with overseas factories. This episode includes insights from my full time work in the toy industry and my 1:1 client work. When applied correctly, the 3 lessons taught in this episode will save you time and money in the toy development process.
Why You Should Be Pantone Obsessed
Being Pantone-obsessed can make or break your toy design. In this episode, I’ll break down the magic of Pantone color matching and why having a Pantone booklet in your toolkit is non-negotiable.

Get Specific or Get Ready to Pay Another Sample Fee
Vague instructions are the kryptonite of successful toy production. I’m sharing a personal story of how such nonspecific language led to a production disaster.

Slow Down On Pre-Production Approvals
Pre-production samples should be approved SLOWLY and with care. In this episode, I’ll tell you why. This episode will transform your view of pre-production samples to avoid production mistakes.
Episode Cliff Notes:

• Discover how a universal color standard can save you time and money in your toy production. [00:01:44]
• The major pitfall of using vague language in your product development requests. Learn how to be specific and clear to ensure your toy comes out exactly as you envisioned, without unnecessary delays. [00:14:09]
• Why it’s crucial to always review a physical pre-production sample, rather than relying on photos or videos, to catch any overlooked issues and ensure your final product is flawless. [00:21:24]

After this episode you'll be aware of the top 3 mistakes most new creators make when working with a factory and how to avoid them.

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