Prototype Design

Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? No
Online Operation? No

Do you want to start a truly unique manufacturing business that has unlimited potential for growth and profits? If so, perhaps starting a business that designs and constructs manufacturing prototypes is the right enterprise for you. Designing and building prototypes is a highly specialized business that requires a great deal of construction knowledge, ability to work with various mediums, and all required equipment necessary for building a host of various products. The following steps can be taken to establish and market this type of new business enterprise: 1. Decide if the business will focus on designing and building manufacturing prototypes in general or cater to a more specified segment of the manufacturing industry, such as mall kiosks. 2. Design a complete marketing and promotional package including highlights of experience, capabilities, and specialized equipment and know-how. 3. Join manufacturing and business associations. 4. Acquire membership lists of the associations and initiate a direct mail and introduction telephone call campaign utilizing the newly designed promotional package. 5. List your company in manufacturing directories and trade-related publications. Following these five easy steps will place you in front of your potential market for this type of business venture. Generally, clients will want an estimate for their projects prior to awarding the contract, and this can be extremely difficult given the nature of prototype design. However, this is one of the few industries that allows for a certain percentage of gray area, in terms of a cost estimate. The objective is to always enter into the contract with a clear and concise estimate that includes a scope of work, product details, manufacturing time lines, and the potential pitfalls associated with the client's project.

Prototype Design Ideas

Notary Public

Be the go-to person when others need forms notarized.

Freight Broker

Match shippers and transportation services as a freight broker.

Logo Design

Here's a quick guide on how to get paid for creating logos.

More from Business Ideas

Growing a Business

At 24, She Was Fired From Her Advertising Job. Then an 'Incredibly Important' Mindset Helped Her Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business.

Melissa Ben-Ishay's brother Brian Bushell encouraged her to follow her passion — and it led to major success.

Side Hustle

She Turned Her Dorm Room Side Hustle Into a $10 Million Business — And Scored a $200,000 Shark Tank Deal Along the Way

When Philomina "Philo" Kane started making satin-lined hoodies in her dorm room, she had no idea it would one day become a multi-million-dollar brand.

Business Culture

Love Doesn't Have to be Tough — 3 Things to Do to Keep Harmony in Your Family-Owned Business

Family matters. So does being intentional in the workplace.