TONY NIXON 54964 wrote:
>
> I've developed a PIC project which has been selling quite well for the
> last 15 months or so. The trouble is that it is in kit form and thus
> mainly appeals to the electronics enthusiast. I am now getting
> enqiries from some small businesses about it, but in it's present
> form it is not much good to them.
>
> Is there an avenue of help available to develop this into a more
> marketable product, or what directions can someone take on thier
> own in this situation?
>
> Any help appreciated.

It would depend on the product. We have a few manufacturers here
that would be quite willing to make anything. It is usually also
cheaper to buy your components through them, as they get better
price breaks than what you'd be able to squeeze out of the
distributors (for the first while anyway).

Look into having your own enclosures made as well. If you are going
sell more than 5000, you'd be surprised at how much you can save.
Of course you can have "Nixon's Nuker" molded into the plastic, which
will also impress everybody you know :)

Another thing. Save yourself *BIG* bucks by going surface mount.
Although we work with 0805, the 1206 components are usually much
cheaper.

(Yet) Another thing. Avoid having wires soldered onto the board.
Taking into acount the number of comebacks and the assembly costs,
it may be cheaper to have a socket soldered on and then have
harnesses made up.

Let us know how it goes.

--
Friendly Regards

Tjaart van der Walt
mailto:tjaart@wasp.co.za
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