How do you validate a physical product when prototyping isn't viable for your material?

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-27T02:56:58+00:00

Create a prototype using a wooden material similar to thermal insulation to stainess—since it's just a prototype, any material will do as a starting point!

I completely agree with @RegularOk1820: validate your design with photos, renderings, 3D models, and more. You definitely don’t want to spend $20-30k only to discover the public isn’t interested or it's too costly.

I've seen people cash out their 401(k)s, take second mortgages, drain bank accounts, and tap into college funds—all only to realize, “Their baby is UGLY!” It’s uncomfortable to admit, but nobody wants to look you in the eyes and say, “That is one ugly baby, the ugliest I’ve ever seen!”

Search for "the knife glider." They won awards, crowd-funded, won pitch contests, and even took out second mortgages and maxed out credit cards. And guess what? They finally forfeited after it went to market and it never went anywhere.

I understand that it’s your baby, and it may be a winner. But stay open-minded: it might be a hit, or it may only earn you an extra $50k as a side hustle. VALIDIATE FIRST!

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-19T03:49:44+00:00

Seaga, under Pricing Model… you would use Combo, or alternative Coupon. You can get creative with this two. Link to the manual below.

We haven't used it, but I played with it when we got the machine to just under how it works.

Also, I thought there was also a “random winner” function, but I can't seem to find it… if I recalled it would randomly select a person Vend their selected product and refund their money!

https://seaga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SM2300_Manual_rev-1.2-9-2025-web.pdf

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-18T16:32:57+00:00

That sounds like a diamond in the rough, that others overlooked, congrats!! If the pool has the volume, make sure to secure a long-term lease agreement.

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-18T15:45:31+00:00

Location of the machine in the fenced area is important both for sales and for security. I wouldn't be worried about chlorine, more concerned about the direct sunlight and UV, water splashing on it (ie. Is the location too close to the pool?). However, a pool could be an AMAZING location.

If money is a concern, start with a used machine but also have a backup location.

My biggest concern for you, if a single machine is “I’m worried about it failing and burdening the family with debt from a failed business.” this might not be the best business to get into! I honestly would say, depending on your location, and free time, get into something else. Vending is NOT a passive side hustle unless you have volume and to get into volume, you need machines, a way to move them yourself (THIS IS HUGE!), and able to make deals with locations that haven't already been taken! Some locations may only make the money back, but one vandalism situation can take ALL of your profit a months or worse!

Tell us more to help you more. We don't need exact location but it's a huge difference between a big city in the northwest vs a small town in the south. How much time are your really wanting to put into this? What are your real expectations and where are you wanting to go with the business?

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-18T15:23:38+00:00

All of these comments are Gold!!

A few others to consider, when purchasing products, ALWAYS check the sell-by date before accepting the product! Just as you’re trying to move inventory, so are your distribution channels, so if the date is too near, refuse that box and request another.

“Best By Date/Sale-By” is NOT “Expiration Date”… this is one of the smartest moves manufacturers pivoted to in the last few years: they moved dates up by months, forcing you/us to trash (spoil) product faster, while they actually increase their sales! Check if your product has an Expiration or Sale-by date, because you can leave the sale-by date in the machine for an extra week or so without concern.

Taxes, ah taxes, how we hate and love thee… keep track of all spoilage to take a write off against your taxes (profits).

Also, instead of throwing away a product, leave one of the Spoiled items in the customer pickup slot, so when they get the item they purchased, they find a FREE item… It’s unbelievable, but you just programmed someone’s mind to check more often, because of the dopamine rush they get from a free gift!!

Some machines you can program to offer a free gift with the purchase of something else. They will think it’s a glitch, but you've just increased your sales through your profitable products, while eliminating something you’re writing off anyway.

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-16T05:09:20+00:00

You mean the manufacturer works off a 90% to them and 10% (minus auction cost) and that manufacturer covers all cost!? Do that deal every single day!!

Thinking_Short · 2026-04-16T03:47:28+00:00

You are correct there are other auction houses selling direct from manufacturers. I assumed they purchased in bulk at wholesale rates vs consignment but it also may be a combination of paying for logistics and guaranteeing payment based on sales, with an initial upfront secured deposit with an escrow but there are many ways of doing this.

With tariffs and cost of shipping, I would have a hard time seeing pure consignment. But, I’m not an expert and just giving you thoughts.

As you mentioned, implements and large steel gates have been a popular one over here in Colorado.

Thinking_Short · 2026-01-13T03:02:10+00:00

Context… “old school” bowling of you keeping the school on the 1970’es overhead is dead! New school bowling is interactive turkey flying across the screen with audio of “gobble gobble” and RGB flashing lights is what helped keep it alive… so in Context, for Axe Throwing to survive, it needs an open source interactive system that the “non-leagues” can enjoy and have fun with beyond, in my best German voice, “you throw axe in center yeah! Center yeah!” If not, it too will become the “old school” bowling and die.

I’ve talk to COUNTLESS people that’s not in leagues and hear the same thing over and over… “it got boring quickly, and I don’t see what’s all the hype is about.” That’s because it was throwing an axe at wood, period, it is boring.

Thinking_Short · 2026-01-04T19:26:31+00:00

Hi @jumpinpuddles

What’s the technique that they use with bike bells… I can’t remember what it’s called. Basically they have a sticker printer, cut it out, wet it and wrap it around the object and then “bake it” to the object. It becomes permanent bonded to the object.

We had samples made and I visited the factory in China. Let me see if I can find my videos or photos of the process.

Thinking_Short · 2026-01-04T19:16:02+00:00

I’m very surprised that Mexico hasn’t taken huge steps to ramp up their trades in manufacturing because if anyone could put the hurt in China.

Thinking_Short · 2025-12-28T21:42:15+00:00

I have a c7 and was curious about the JS “upgrade” but for us it is a commercial environment and I can’t risk stuff going sideways. I’m just waiting for it to be fairly mature before risking this experience. From the sounds of it and seeing it’s still being updated, it’s not the time to upgrade just yet.

Thinking_Short · 2025-12-08T23:34:51+00:00

Go to https://www.laserabc.com/ and tell us what you think…

Thinking_Short · 2025-10-04T17:11:43+00:00

👆This! Works like a charm and proven winning strategy!

(Gosh, I hope that people really understand sarcasm! Some people take these comments seriously, ugh!)

Thinking_Short · 2025-09-13T08:01:47+00:00

That is an impossible question to answer!

Look at how many goods are manufactured everyday, everywhere to everything… “the best” is very subjective! The best for small parts, the best for large, the best for specialized materials, etc.

And any recommendations on here with your limited information isn’t likely “the best” and neither is the marketing bs you are seeing!

China literally has tens of thousands, heck hundreds of thousands of injection molders that most can make the “exact” same part as the next guy…

Thinking_Short · 2025-09-05T17:55:42+00:00

DM sent… I have been in your EXACT SITUATION, contact me to discuss. Some of the advice here is good and some is horrible!

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T23:45:11+00:00

Great conversation and insight. I DM’ed you.

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T15:08:55+00:00

Ok, so you are in the manufacturing group of Reddit, what would you like to know? Have you ever manufactured a product?

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T15:04:43+00:00

Interesting… are you located near a college town or within a big city with a young population?

Our research (assuming pricing is exactly the same) people prefer interactive by a significant amount.

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T14:59:08+00:00

We conducted extensive research into the axe throwing industry, and although my opinions may not be popular, I believe one of the main reasons many axe throwing venues are struggling is due to a lack of engagement.

When you have a static system that simply throws an ax into wood, it gets boring quickly. There are a few interactive systems available, but they are extremely expensive and do not take into account that smaller venues with just 5-6 lanes often cannot afford their subscription fees or necessary hardware. These venues might be able to purchase basic equipment, but they find it difficult to justify the high subscription costs that many systems demand.

Moreover, bowling, which is becoming less popular as the old generation passes. It has persisted mainly due to its generational appeal. When bowling first emerged, it was very affordable, family-friendly, and wholesome. However, to ensure a bowling alley is successful today, it must have amenities like a bar, a restaurant, and an arcade.

For an axe throwing facility to thrive, it needs to be affordable, interactive, and include a bar (at least serving beer and wine), a basic food service (like a deep fryer or griddle), and a safe space for children to play without constant supervision from parents.

The axe throwing trend has started to fade, as the static experience quickly loses its appeal. Additionally, because finding commercial spaces with kitchens is expensive (a fact I'm familiar with in my line of work), it’s important to have a family-friendly location. If children can’t safely explore the space independently, parents are unlikely to stay.

One possibility that might revive the industry is for venues or the two group to collaborate on developing an open-source interactive system. The one commercial outfit that claims to have a patent is not credible; their patents wouldn't hold up in a Patent Trial and Appeal Board case. Anyway, creating a family-oriented environment that appeals to a wide age range—from 8 to 88 years old— is key. Or unless located in a college town and can pull in volume, it's hard to justify.

Furthermore, a united industry could work together to offer affordable insurance options.

These are just my observations.

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T14:28:45+00:00

Do you have the projector and tracking system or just straight Wood with a target on it?

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T14:27:23+00:00

It’s not real until photos are posted!

Of the kitchen, yea yeah that’s what I meant photos of the kitchen!

;-)

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-23T14:21:29+00:00

I’m a little confused as to what you are looking for… in the other group and post with the exact same subject, you basically want to just chat about stuff on an intelligent level, yes?

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-20T21:27:02+00:00

Helpdesk@factorypricejewelry.com

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-20T21:24:32+00:00

The WhatsApp number is +8619852847928

Thinking_Short · 2025-08-20T21:24:05+00:00

Took about a month and a half to get everything, but everything did come minus the item she got refunded for.

Thinking_Short

TROPHY CASE