How Ideas Become Great Products: Inside Development, Manufacturing & Launch

In this episode, we dive into the complete product journey—from the initial spark of an idea to the moment your product finally hits the market. Joining us is Matt, our Head of Business Development at inFlow, who brings over 10 years of hands-on experience turning innovative hardware concepts into real, successful products.

Matt shares firsthand stories and practical insights from his decade of leading inFlow’s transition from a software-focused company to one that also builds its own hardware—including products like our signature Smart Scanner and the brand new inFlow portable printer.

We’ll explore:
✅ The critical stages of product development and how to navigate them
✅ How to navigate working with overseas manufacturers and U.S. tariffs
✅ Strategies and lessons learned for a successful market launch
✅ Behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs from real product launches

Whether you’re part of a startup dreaming up your first physical product or an established brand expanding into hardware, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you bring your ideas to life.

Tune in and discover what it really takes to turn a prototype into a product customers love!

0:00 Teaser
0:13 Intro
1:17 How did you get into the world of hardware?
5:14 Was there a trigger point to sell hardware?
6:00 How do you come up with ideas for new products?
9:29 Do you do market research?
10:02 What was developing inFlow hardware like?
13:10 What obstacles did you face developing hardware?
13:44 How did you decide between local vs. overseas manufacturers?
14:25 How did you handle different timezones and cultures?
17:28 What’s the typical timeline for production?
20:15 How do you make an impact with packaging?
23:26 What’s the journey been like creating the inFlow printer?
26:43 Was there anything that caught you off guard?
27:20 Have you ever had to delay a launch?
28:18 How do you test your products?
31:32 Any tips for smooth distribution?
33:14 How do you measure success?
35:16 How has the U.S. tariffs impacted the landscape?
37:51 What’s one thing you wish you knew before launching your first product?
39:28 Outro

🛒 Shop our inFlow hardware (barcode scanners & label printers):
https://www.inflowshop.com/

🌎 Buy official GS1 barcodes here:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/gtin-barcodes

📖 Read the ultimate barcoding guide:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/blog/the-ultimate-barcoding-guide/

📖 Purchase "Barcode Your Small Business" by Matt on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/hUYWXqS

🎧 Listen to our Secret Life of Inventory podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2ynkKYhfivEWn6IRkA113D?si=2f45b350e474404b

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