Validate technical feasibility by showing samples to manufacturers before committing capital
Before investing in inventory or product development, confirm the product can actually be manufactured at scale. Take sample products to manufacturers and ask if they can make it. A manufacturer's 'yes' validates technical feasibility and gives you confidence to invest savings. This de-risks the production side of product-market fit.
When to use
When building a physical product or entering a new manufacturing category where you're unsure if the product can be made at acceptable quality and cost.
Don't do this
Assuming a product can be manufactured without validating with actual manufacturers, then discovering after placing orders that quality or cost makes it unviable.
1 Founder Who Did This
Bought sample metal rings from Marshalls, showed them to a manufacturer at a hotel meeting, and asked 'can you make these out of silicone?' The manufacturer said yes, giving them confidence to invest their combined savings.