Lessons Learned Shipping 500 Units of My First Hardware Product
3 days ago
- #entrepreneurship
- #hardware-startup
- #manufacturing-challenges
- The author, a software engineer, quit his job to launch Brighter, the world's brightest lamp, facing numerous challenges in manufacturing and logistics.
- Initial testing revealed the lamp was less bright than claimed, leading to a redesign that increased brightness to 60,000 lumens.
- Geopolitical issues, like unexpected tariffs, added stress and financial strain during production.
- Manufacturing issues included miscommunication with factories, leading to defective parts like the heatsink and control knobs.
- Customer feedback highlighted problems like short wires and defective screwdrivers, prompting quick fixes and improved customer support.
- Key lessons include the importance of detailed planning, overcommunication, rigorous testing, and considering geopolitical factors in manufacturing decisions.
- The author successfully validated the market early, charged sustainable prices, and prioritized customer support, leading to a rewarding experience despite the challenges.