[sdiy] Kit production advice

[rob]

Hi
Nice project...

The markup depends on whether you want to make any money and the price 
point. If you can manufacture 50 or 100 and sell them you can probably 
add 10%-25% and make a return - for your next project! If your 
production volumes are much lower you'll need to carefully consider 
whether you add any profit, as the price will become unattractive. Most 
people do this as a hobby and are just keen to see their own PCB's paid 
for, thats what I do. I write off all my time and R&D costs, I couldn't 
hope to recover it.

Sell via a well designed website, forums and on ebay. This is a niche 
area so forums work well, a shop is not a good idea!
Try getting completed modules into the analog synth retail chain to 
profile your work, this does get you into shops.
Retailers also give great feedback, Filters are out and CV manglers are 
in. Well thats what they told me when I designed yet another LPF

There are a variety of volume manufacturers. China is cheapest, Ireland, 
Bulgaria and USA are all options.
PCBpool PCBart, Olimex, etc. Look out for taxes, import duty, shipping, 
lead times, max number of holes, standard drill sizes.

NEVER go into production volumes without building 1 or 2 prototype 
boards first. We all make mistakes.
I use Olimex to get a single PCB made. then correct the board around 50% 
of the time before going into production.
If you have a complex designs think about setting up a free beta program 
to ensure the design works.
Don't make 100 boards from a breadboard design. Always build your own 
design at least twice before selling it.

Make sure you have high quality build notes online for download, and 
pictures and samples.
Don't issue production boards with kludges - it shows you don't care.
Check the parts are easily available or supply the hard ones at cost.
Respond to every current and potential customer quickly and accurately.
Offer warranty, support, replacements etc
Be honest if the design does have mistakes - recall if necessary or 
offer partial refunds.
Keep solder pads to a size that first timers can make work.
Provide mounting holes.
Take pre-orders or keep your first production run to 50. There are not 
many SDIYers in the world.

Hope that helps
Rob
www.emulatorarchive.com



peter edwards wrote:
>
> I'm gearing up to release my first PCB and kit by the end of this 
> month (oh boy!)
> I know a lot of folks on this list design and sell boards and kits. I 
> would love some input from seasoned board/kit sellers.
>
>  The whole project is open source, but I am also going to be selling 
> boards and parts kits.
> It's for a 4 voice drone synth called the DroneLab.
> You can read about it here:
> http://casperelectronics.com/finished-pieces/drone-lab/drone-lab-v2/
>
>
> -What is the standard price mark up on boards and parts?
> -How do you calculate the value of R&D time? I figure that doesn't 
> factor too heavily into the price and you just recoup over time?
> -How do you sell your boards/kits? I have a website and plan on 
> contacting this mailing list and the electro-music forum but would 
> love to hear more ideas.
> -Where do you order boards from? I'm planning on using expressPCB and 
> ordering boards 50 or 100 at a time.
> -Any general words of warning or advice?
>
> ALSO
>
> I'm feeling pretty anxious about committing to the current design. 
> Once the board is made, there's no going back! (until the next 
> revision I guess).
> The current schematic is posted at the link I above. I would really 
> appreciate any input on the design.
>
> Thanks,
> Pete Edwards
> casperelectronics.com_______________________________________________
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>
>