LAUNCH YOUR PRODUCT IDEA
"Ask An Expert", whenever you need help.
Design & Branding • Sourcing • Negotiating • Manufacturing • Labeling
Testing • Pricing • Importing / Exporting • Packaging • Shipping • Fulfilling• And More!
No Commitment Required. Upgrade, Downgrade, or Cancel at Any Time!
STARTER
$297/month
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 90 Minutes Total Support Time
• Video, Phone & Email Access
• Avg Response Time < 3 Days
PRO
$797/month
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 5 Hrs Total Support Time
• Video, Phone & Email Access
• Avg Response Time < 24 Hrs
• Full access to our Digital Library
"The best decision I ever made when starting my
business was hiring Liz." Ashley B., Founder, Citrus & Sage
See More Testimonials »
How It Works
Ask questions about manufacturing & beyond (see examples here)
Get fast, expert advice to move your project forward
Launch a successful product!
Why Get Support?
Save Time & Money
Inexperience can lead to expensive mistakes. Reduce the learning curve by having an expert by your side.
Get Connections
Get intros to factories and suppliers plus budget-friendly tools to help you design, market, and sell.
Operate With A Plan
A step-by-step plan is the antidote to being overwhelmed. Let a trusted advisor walk you through the launch process.
"When you sign up for a Launch Package, you’ll be
working directly with me as your guide.
I’ve helped hundreds of makers bring their ideas to life,
and can’t wait to help you do the same!" Liz Long // Creator, Learn To Make A Product
Meet Liz »
Apparel
Bags
Pet
Hard Goods
Soft Goods
Toys
Dear Entrepreneur,
If you have an idea for a product, you probably have a lot of questions too.
How do you design a physical product if you’re not a “designer”? Should you produce domestically? Overseas? Where do you look for factories? And what about the questions you might not know to ask? Topics like testing and labeling, business set up, branding and more. There’s a ton of information you may not even realize you need!
After working one-on-one with hundreds of product entrepreneurs and leading workshops for thousands more, I hear the same concerns again and again. Where do you find materials? Which suppliers should you trust? How do you know if a price is fair? What does importing involve? And the most common of all: "I know what I want to make, but where do I even start?!"
One-on-one support closes this knowledge gap and helps you navigate the launch process with an expert by your side.
While each person’s to-do’s will look different, the tasks, precautions, and best practices you will employ in order to successfully bring your product to life are universal. This formula for success is what I learned when I was knee deep in my own business and forced to evaluate our biggest blunders, as well as our course corrections and wins. It was further refined by countless hours of research and interviewing top industry experts for their best actionable advice, and then applying this information to countless client projects.
From apparel to home goods to medical devices, we've developed a step-by-step process for turning an idea into a successful brand.
Whether your goal is to be number one on Amazon, contribute to a cause you care about, or just earn a little extra income from a product-based side business, the right combination of passion, hard work, and support can get you there. Losing time, money, and your peace of mind is not a requirement of this journey; it’s simply an effect of making the trip without a guide. Schedule a free call with me to decide which support option is best for you.
WHAT WE'LL COVER TOGETHER
COMPANY SET UP:
Choosing a business structure, Formally outlining your product concept/business model, Basic financial management, Intellectual property considerations, Sales licenses and More!
BRAND FOUNDATION:
Where to find affordable design solutions (designer referrals available!), Creative direction with logos, taglines, brand messaging etc, Reviewing/negotiating branding proposals, Competitive analysis, Proof of concept and more.
PRODUCTION STRATEGY:
Budgeting, Setting a Target Price, Deciding between domestic and overseas production and more.
PRODUCT DESIGN:
Outlining design "to-do's" for your specific project, Creating a design brief, Where to find design partners (vendor referrals available!), Reviewing/negotiating design proposals, Best practices for carrying out development work, Testing prototypes and more.
SOURCING:
Finding factories and suppliers (factory referrals available!), Vetting potential partners, Negotiating minimums and pricing and more.
PACKAGING AND LABELING:
Cost considerations when choosing packaging, Packaging design, Understanding labeling requirements, Finding tag and label vendors (vendor referrals available!), UPC codes and more.
PRODUCTION:
Test runs, Outlining pre-production tasks, How to properly manage production, Understanding payment terms, Issuing purchase orders and more.
QUALITY CONTROL & TESTING:
Making a quality control plan, Third party "QC" (vendor referrals available!), Understanding CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requirements, Required and optional testing (lab referrals available!) and more.
SHIPPING & LOGISTICS:
Choosing a shipping company (vendor referrals available!), Navigating importing, Understanding tariffs, Finding a small batch warehouse (vendor referrals available!), Fulfillment by Amazon, and more.
COSTS & PRICING:
Outlining "Cost of Goods Sold", Choosing a pricing strategy, Establishing profit margins and more.
SALES CHANNEL SET UP:
Best e-commerce practices, Finding website developers, copywriters, product photographer etc (vendor referrals available!), Establishing wholesale terms, Third party resellers (Amazon, Etsy etc), Creating a launch plan, Digital marketing support (vendor referrals available!) and more.
FUNDING:
Crowdfunding considerations, Non-traditional funding methods, Accelerator programs and more!
SAMPLE SUPPORT QUESTIONS
Here are some common support questions that people use their package time to discuss:
"Where do I find a factory to work with? I’ve contacted some and they either aren’t a fit, or don’t get back to me." We’ll discuss where to look for factory partners, how to communicate with them (and get a response), and a step-by-step process for vetting potential partners. We'll also make referrals and introductions to trusted partners, depending on your needs.
"How do I decide between producing in the USA versus outsourcing?" We’ll discuss the pros and cons of domestic vs. overseas production, how to decide what's best for your business, and create a strategy for sourcing suppliers in the country you choose.
"I received a quote from a factory but have no idea if it’s fair. Do I need to negotiate?" We’ll discuss how to establish ‘market-rate’ pricing and review estimates together so that you understand what the supplier is offering (and what they may be leaving out or overcharging for). We’ll also talk about tips for negotiating, depending on your category, order size, the country where the factory is located etc.
"I am not a “designer”, so I don’t know how to turn the concept in my head into an actual product design." We’ll discuss how non-designers carry out product development (most people who launch a product do so because they have an idea, not because they have design skills!), ways to find great technical design partners, how you should vet them, and best practices for making the design process smooth and cost-efficient.
"I have no idea what to charge for my product." We’ll discuss how to calculate your cost of goods, the most common pricing strategies and sales channel options, and how to calculate and evaluate your profit margins.
"How do I figure out what testing is required for my product?" We’ll discuss how to comply with country-specific regulations, what formal testing is required for your product category, and what you should anyway. We’ll also chat about the in’s and out’s of product packaging and labeling.
"What are the best ways to ship my products? And when I’m finished production, what should I do with the finished goods? Send them to a warehouse? My living room?" We’ll discuss how to approach logistics (including importing or exporting, if needed), best-practices for finding a fulfillment partner, and how to factor these new costs into your pricing structure.
How should I decide how much inventory to order? We’ll discuss how to “order lean” and yet still be ready to launch. We’ll also chat about ways to pay for your production run, including non-traditional funding options (that don’t require venture capital or a ton of fundraising work!)
I'm not sure what to do next! It can be hard to prioritize your task list when launching a product. Wherever you are in the process, it's always helpful to have a conversation about what your next step(s) should be so that you keep your project moving along swiftly!
Plus any other questions you have about product development, sourcing, production, quality control, testing, shipping, fulfillment, pricing, funding and more!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I can’t decide which package is best for me. Can you help?
You can book a 10 minute info call to learn more about which package is best for your project here.
Will I be working directly with Liz?
Yes, Liz will be your expert guide as you launch your product. You can read about her background here. Depending on your package, you may also work with other team members on project management, research, and other tasks.
How does support work?
Support is on-demand. That means that whenever you have a question, problem, or are unsure of the next thing you should be doing, you reach out for help. With a Launch Package you'll receive your own scheduling link for phone calls as well as a private messaging channel where you can submit questions, upload files for feedback etc. You'll typically receive an answer same day (often by live chat!), with a max response time of 3 business days.
How do you keep track of time?
We use software to track your time used down the second! All support hours are flexible, meaning that you can request assistance whenever you need it via phone or email, with no minimum time requirements. If it takes just a few minutes to get you the info you need, that’s all that comes off your package. You can inquire about time used at any point by emailing support@learntomakeaproduct.com.
Does time carry over month to month?
We determine the total number of clients we can accommodate based on the total available support hours in a given month (which is why there is sometimes a waiting list). This means that each client has a set amount of time that cannot be adjusted. If you don't use all of your support time in a given month, we cannot carry it over
What if I need to upgrade/downgrade/cancel my package?
You can cancel or change your package at any time. It’s common for your workflow to change from month to month, so the packages are designed to grow or contract, depending on your current needs.
What if I sign up and then change my mind?
Our onboarding process takes time (both yours and ours) and there are a limited number of available support spots each month. Therefore, refunds are only issued if the following criteria are met: a) you have had an active package for less than 7 days and b) you have not used any of your support time. There is a 10% administrative fee deducted from all refunds.
Do you help with all product categories?
The packages are ideal for a wide range of consumer products including apparel and sewn goods, furniture and home decor, toys and children’s products, jewelry, accessories, pet products and more. We don’t service the following categories: food, high-tech electronics (but we can help with wearables), or heavy machinery.
Do you help with both domestic and overseas production?
Yes! We can help you decide the place to produce your particular product and create a strategy for sourcing manufacturers in the country you choose.
What if I need more time than the Pro plan allows?
You can purchase additional support hours at a discounted price.
TESTIMONIALS
"When it comes to sourcing, production and manufacturing, there’s no one better than Liz. She is very efficient in her use of time but is also completely transparent throughout the entire process. I know where the money I’ve spent is being allocated and there are never surprises. Liz and her team have been like having my own production department: helping me throughout the development process and looking out for my best interest every step of the way."
— Elyse M., Elyse Maguire
"Liz's deep knowledge of manufacturing is invaluable for entrepreneurial makers! She knows her stuff and equally important, she knows how to make it understandable for others."
— Cyndie S., The Collective of Us
"Hiring Liz has been a big help! She has the knowledge and contacts necessary to launch your company and advises you where to invest your money so that you don’t waste it. Also, she’s very friendly and efficient! Totally recommended this service."
— Javier E., 1205
"I can 100% say that I would not have made it as far and as fast as I did with my product if it wasn't for Liz. She helped me with everything: vendor vetting, hiring partners, comparing quotes, reviewing fabric, teaching me about quality control and so much more. I consider Liz to be a part of my team. She is valuable and SUPER easy to work with, and makes a strong effort to understand my business model and me as a founder."
— Suzanne S., Private Packs
"The best decision I ever made when starting my business was hiring Liz. She is such an asset to have on your team when navigating the manufacturing industry. Without her guidance, weekly check-ins, advice and coaching, I would still be dreaming about my business. She knows how to talk to vendors and factories, what questions to ask, and is always thinking ahead on what's next to keep things moving. Working with her to build my business has been invaluable and it gives me such peace of mind having her involved. I'm so grateful for the support of her and her team!"
— Ashley B., Citrus & Sage
"As a new entrepreneur in a field I know nothing about, I felt so lost and exposed with my lack of knowledge in the apparel manufacturing industry. Liz and her team helped me so much, gave me a feeling of security that I was doing the right thing and gave me real, practical advice specific to what I'm doing. I have a very small budget and I so glad I invested in this! I think I would have quit had it not been for Liz’s guidance. She tells it like it is, but in a gentle, kind, professional way. She's prompt and quick to respond. A great resource, with lots of knowledge and connections. Highly recommend!"
— Natalie O.,Pants for Peanuts
"At the beginning stages of our product development, we found ourselves with many questions and many problems to solve. Liz helped us move step-by-step to get our product built and ready to be manufactured. She did an amazing job of listening closely to the details about our product and she helped us think through each layer and each piece, and provided an amazing amount of insight and direction for the challenges that we brought to her. We’re extremely grateful that we had a chance to work with her and her team!"
— Adam L., Badass Backpacks
"Every decision counts when you’re a new company building a product. Liz’s talent was evident from our first phone call, and allows your business to piece together a high quality, compelling picture. Her advice on the potential benefits or weaknesses of each decision provides client comfort. If you’re a new entrepreneur, this type of support will give you a leg up and bring smoother roads ahead!"
— Myles O., Gigi Sharp
"If you are looking for a knowledgeable and dynamic industry expert, Liz is a wonderful choice. She accommodated my hectic work schedule and made time to participate in conference calls with my factory. I will never forget my official launch date when my goal was made a reality. Many thanks to an amazing professional!"
— Bryanetta H., Designer
"I can not speak highly enough about hiring Liz as a guide The knowledge and guidance she has given me has not only connected me with great factories but has also given me the tools to confidently move forward as I grow into larger production. For me, some of the most valuable aspects of working with Liz has been learning how to vet factories, knowing the right questions to ask, and the steps to take to eliminate any surprises and ensure you're getting the exact product that you're expecting and investing in. As someone who knew what I wanted but was completely foreign to the manufacturing process Liz held my hand through each step and I could not be happier with where I am. Her guidance and support has been immeasurable, worth every penny and more."
— Ryann S., Charlie Rowan Designs
"This service has been awesome! We spent 6 months trying to do a sourcing project on our own and we also spent a bunch of money on a consulting firm to help us do sourcing. Liz and her team outperformed both of those projects in 2-3 hours. It was really amazing. We will continue to use their help whenever we source something new."
— Josh Z., Sudden Coffee
"I love being able to check in any time I have an issue with my business. Liz is a brilliant sounding board and her advice has been priceless. She has a rare sense sense of sound business and marketing judgement, matched by great intuition. She is the ultimate professional with a network worth its weight in gold... not to mention a pure joy to work with!"
— Lynn T., Kudoz Belts
"I was totally lost until I met Liz. Her patience and enthusiasm for my project immediately put me at ease! Her deep knowledge of what I needed to do and her teaching me the steps to get there have been fantastic. I have three factories to choose from already! Finally, I just want to say that I don’t think there has been even one time that I haven’t heard back from Liz within 24 hours — even on weekends (shame on her!)."
— Mary S, Medical Apparel Entrepreneur
"With Liz’s help I found a factory and got the information and confidence I needed throughout the vetting and negotiating process to assure it was the right home for my business."
— Colin H., Blue Grit
"I am thrilled to be on my entrepreneurial journey with Liz. She and her team are efficient, creative, resourceful, organized and you keep our plan moving forward. I would highly recommend her to anyone starting a product-based business."
— Cary H., LotsaBravePeople