If you’re looking to outsource the prototype development work to third-party engineers to build your product idea, you should consider asking them the right questions. These questions could help to ensure your product will see the light of day once you engage in their service. We tabulated some frequently asked questions below that you should be asking.
Are you willing to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement)?
Some are willing, while some are not. If you’re concerned over someone stealing your idea, you should ask this question.
Have you developed a similar prototype before?
Past project development experience can ascertain the likelihood that the developer can complete the project at hand.
What are your payment terms?
We would recommend 30:70 or 40:60 payment ratio. This means you pay a smaller upfront percentage of the total project amount and pay the rest once the project has been successfully delivered.
How many people will be working on my project?
This depends on the scale of your project. Sometimes, a developer can be wearing multiple hats. Some work in a team with different hats. Go for whatever makes you feel comfortable.
How fast can you deliver this project?
Time is always of the essence. We often want the project to be delivered yesterday! But let’s be realistic. Negotiate on a comfortable delivery timeline for both you and the engineer. While they are working on the project, you can work on other aspects of your product like brand, logo, banners, posters, websites and so on.
Can I make changes to the project after commencement?
Change requests are common in product development cycles because we humans often change our minds. The developer should allow some room for changes during the course of the project.
Will you be drafting a project contract that we can sign?
Sometimes it’s best to have a written agreement rather than just a gentlemen’s agreement. In case something bad happens. If it does happen, you have a contract to fall back on. However, if it’s just a small hobby project, you can consider foregoing this.
How will you ship the final physical product to me?
Ensure they have a delivery method that suits you. If your product is too bulky and expensive to be shipped by air, consider using sea shipping to save costs.
Will I get all the raw files and source files created for this project?
Raw files are computer files that are editable such as AI, PSD, DOC, TXT, PPT, STL files. Files that are not editable are PNG, JPG, WEBP, SVG, PDF, EXE and GCODE and these files are not raw because you are unable to edit their contents. You want to have the raw files so that you’re not vendor-locked-in.
Will I own the copyright over all works created for this project?
A smart question to ask. Always ask this and if you have to, draft an agreement to cover this important aspect. Do note that some portions of your project may be using open-source materials that you do not have a license for. Design and development work provided on freelancing platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork does not extend the copyright to you. The ownership of the creative still vests on the creator which is the freelancer. Thus, when engaging someone to build your product, you should explicitly request for this.
What sort of technical support can you provide after you deliver the prototype?
If it’s a significant product you are engaging someone to build, you may want to engage them after project delivery. This helps to resolve any future issues such as bugs or product changes.
Do you provide any warranty?
Most don’t unless it is a big project. If you need warranty coverage, do ask for it. However, it might cost you.
If the prototype proves to be successful, can you help to mass-produce it?
Have a little foresight is always beneficial in the long run. In case your product really rocks, you can ask the developer if they have the capacity to mass produce. Or at least, they could work with a factory to mass produce it for you.
Can you help to draft and file a patent for this product idea?
Another forward-thinking question. Who knows, your product might be novel and non-obvious which makes it patentable. Some prototype developers such as us can help draft and file a patent for your new invention.