Concept case - Prototype cost

douglashyde

Im in my final year of marketing in University.

One of our modules requires us to write a concept case, Im trying to find some information on costings.

We are developing an new type of lawnmower, all the technology is available at the moment and doesnt require anything special.

I was wondering VERY roughly how much it would cost to develop a prototype? or if you knew were I could get this type of information.

Also, how much is the manufacturing cost of hi spec lawn mowers at the moment - or were could I possible get this information.

was.deevey

You might have a live chat with some manufacturers of similar on Alibaba.com in relation to their prototyping costs.. most will give you a skype to chat with them on, english may be a lil broken mind you

A friend of mine recently had lenghtly discussions with some guys in china about the costs of setting up the moulds etc for a new product and they were great and very upfront about what they would charge..BUT he had extensive drawings and CAD images of his mockup.

I know a lil dishonest, but if you claim to be releasing something soon you'll get answers.

DublinDilbert

It's really a how long is a piece of string question. Some companies would spend millions just on the industrial design and how it looks. It really depends what the specification for the product is. You could try split it into two phases;

Phase 1
Design/develop, prototype, testing, validation

Phase 2
Kickoff production tooling, setup production facility, formal validation

douglashyde

thanks Dilbert,

Is that a standard framework manufacturing companies use. You wouldnt have a reference if so?

rainbowdash

I would take it as far as I could and go to somebody like Dyson.

If its a case of taking a standard engine and attaching it to some sort of alternative body then you could get a fabricator to make a body and handles etc. for you, robbing the engine and stuff off an existing manufacturer.

Something else to google is rapid protyping.