7 Proven Steps of the New Product Introduction Process

7 phases of the NPI process

The NPI process consists of 7 stages for a product to be launched smoothly. We’ll go through each of the NPI phases below.

Get an idea

When you have a rough product concept, you can use market research to understand your product’s market value, your target customers and what problems they are currently facing, the competition it may face, and the estimated total cost. Then you can put forward a targeted idea based on these characteristics.

And you can try tools to make this process efficient. Suppose you are a seller on Amazon, you can use Jungle Scout and get all kinds of useful data, such as estimated monthly sales, fee calculators, competitor intel, and so on.

Create a design sketch

After you decide what kind of product you want to make, you can draw a sketch for a simple representation of your idea. Or you can create a more detailed representation, such as a virtual 3D model of your product by using software technologies CAD. You can also directly ask your supplier for help. Tell them your ideas and requirements, and let their designers help you draw the sketch.

Make product samples

Now, you can start developing your prototype. There are no rules for how to make a product prototype. It depends on your product, requirement, and budget. In this process, you should notice your budget, because the fees sometimes cover a large part of your investment before mass production.

Take plastic toys for example. You can use 3D printing to make a physical prototype, and then decide whether to open molding according to the effect of the prototype. The costs of opening molds are always high.

For garments made of expensive fabrics, you can ask your supplier to choose an alternative material for a prototype. You can check the style and workmanship, testing whether the factory can use specific printing methods to realize your desired patterns.

Then, you can ask the supplier to modify the sample as required. In real business, it is rare that the first samples will meet your expectations. Most of them need refinements many times. The final sample must meet your standard, including all the details, features, and quality.

Place an order and start mass production

Once the final sample is approved, it is time to place your order. If you are a small business owner with a limited budget, you can place a small order first to see the market reaction.

Then your supplier will arrange mass production. It is a key part of the whole NPI process. You should control the manufacturing lead time and product quality. If lead time delays or problems with product quality occur, you may get a loss.

Arrange a quality inspection and shipping

Before goods are shipped out of China, many buyers will find an inspector for checking, such as third-party auditors or sourcing agents like Jingsourcing. We provide not only inspection service of third-party auditors but also offer a very flexible quality inspection plan. We will do the check according to your focus.

For example, if you print a complex pattern on a hoodie and want to check if the pattern is clear and if there are any printing mistakes. We then inspect the product based on your focus, send you videos or pictures during the inspection, and communicate with you in real time.

Regarding shipping, if you have your own freight forwarders, you can ask them to do it. If not, you can ask your supplier for help, like Jingsourcing. We have long-term cooperative freight forwarders. We can help you get a competitive price and deliver the goods directly to your designated place.

Launch your products

After you receive the goods, it’s time to enter the market. You can market your products according to your budgets, leaving a deep impression on your customers.

Get feedback and improve your product

This is the final phase of the NPI process. After a period of product sales, you can review product performance by evaluating sales volume and profit margins, and also collect customers’ feedback for further improvement.