I’m starting to get feedback on the product designs from the manufacturers. Even though I told them that it was only meant to convey an idea of what I had in mind, I think they are evaluating the designs as already fit for manufacturing because I sent them CAD files.

I’ve asked for a phone call with one of them in the morning. I have a feeling that I’ll need to jump on a plane and spend a day with each of them to get the information I need.

I would have done this already, but I didn’t see how I could get competitive quotes this way. I still can’t, but maybe by meeting their teams and seeing their factories I can choose a partner and go on from there. Right now, I risk losing their interest in my business if I frustrate them too much.

Feeling naive…