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Ken Howard offers a "turn key" product development through project management, manufacturing and distribution solution for Inventors, TV Producers, Advertising Agencies and Toy Companies of all sizes. With emphasis on researched based - new product opportunities, product innovation and "wow appeal". Ken Howard provides both a dynamic and cost effective solution for the toy and game industry.
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After designing almost 1,000 products and manufacturing many millions, I have many stories to tell where clients have come to me after spending many thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars trying to get a designer here... then a printer there... a manufacturer... a distributor… a retailer... a distributor… setting up logistics.... etc etc, all believing they could make their board game or toy themselves and that it “won’t cost too much!!”. Afterwards, after spending a small fortune and getting nowhere they then come to me to undo all the problems, terrible situations and issues they have had to deal with ONLY to start all over again. As well, when it all seems too late, people approach me to help clean up a manufacturing mess without any thought given to how they will distribute or market their idea.
I will save you time, money and anxiety. Money is energy....come to me first to professionally make and design your toy, game, idea or product. I have been doing this in Australia since 1990, and internationally since 1998. See the testimonial examples of my work in the banners on my home page. I am able to show you the pathway to market and how things ACTUALLY get done. I don’t want to take on new clients, unless they AND their ideas are really exceptional. With a vast amount of experience in design, manufacture and now project management, I truly am the ONE-STOP shop (as it were) to handle any job no matter how small, big, simple or complex. Do you really want to try and handle it yourself?
Finally do not forget about marketing. Too many times, I come across clients who have run out of money spending it all on product development with little left over for promotion of their product. I could invent a flying car, but if people do not know about it, I will not sell any. You must put a lot of effort, time and money into marketing and that is where we offer to take you BEYOND the first steps of Design and Manufacture. I have successfully had clients’ projects placed internationally after strong and focused marketing campaigns including toy fairs, approaching my numerous contacts and media advertising.
SIX SIMPLE RULES
1If you are going to DESIGN the idea yourself, at least have someone like me IN the industry evaluate if the artwork is good enough and up-to-date. I will be honest and tell you if I like it OR if I don’t.
2If you are going to MANUFACTURE the product yourself, do you know that most times the “factory” will consider you as a one-hit-wonder and will charge you accordingly? I do have the buying power from not only producing in my own factory but I also have numerous regular suppliers I deal with. I DESIGN and MANUFACTURE for many international branded and well-known companies, not just for advertising agencies, TV shows and Movie Producers.
3The 4 or 5 times RULE: your MANUFACTURING cost should be around a quarter or a fifth of the planned retail cost. I am able to organise MANUFACTURE in China, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and USA.
4Your MARKETING budget SHOULD be at least 100% of the initial development and manufacturing budget, but from experience 300%+ actually BRINGS good results. Do not forget trade fairs (toy fairs, game expos, supplier trade fairs etc)! We attend and exhibit at these worldwide and do represent many clients as well at them.
5NO ONE WILL BUY YOUR IDEA (at the start)! BUT they may once you have proven sales over time AND they pay BIG! Self publishing is the quickest way to market with a greater return than royalties.
6Do not forget that I AM A PUBLISHER, meaning I CREATE (ideas from scratch); DESIGN (& re-DESIGN); MANUFACTURE; MARKET & PROMOTE and INTRODUCE (to buyers & publishers for DISTRIBUTION). Being a HUB within the TOY INDUSTRY worldwide, it really does come down to “who you know” as they say!
Ken Howard Ed.D
www.kenhoward.com
December 2011
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