Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ page covers the most common questions about working with Pro-Dev, including how the process works, how long it takes, and how we protect your IP.
Getting Started
How do I get started with Pro-Dev?
The first step is a free 30-minute consultation. There is nothing you need to prepare: just bring your idea, whether it is a sketch on a napkin or a half-built prototype. Send us a message through the contact form and we will come back to you within one business day.
Do you work with startups and first-time founders?
Yes. Many of our clients are first-time founders who have never launched a product before. We are used to guiding people through the process, explaining what needs to happen, why, and what it costs. If you are nervous about the process, that is exactly why you need a partner who manages the whole journey with you.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. We sign a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Undertaking before any project discussions begin. It covers all non-public technical, business, and proprietary information and takes effect from your very first consultation. You can download our NDA from the Support page.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes. We work with clients across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, and are open to enquiries from anywhere in the world. Our process is fully remote-friendly with documented scopes, structured updates, and clear communication across time zones.
How do I know if my physical product idea is worth pursuing before I commit to development?
That is exactly what The Pro-Dev Verdict is designed for. It is a fixed-price technical assessment of your specific physical product. A 60-minute session with our founder and a full written report delivered within seven business days. It tells you whether your product is technically feasible, what it will realistically cost to manufacture, what compliance requirements apply, and whether Pro-Dev is the right partner to take it forward. Get your own Pro-Dev Verdict
How do I know what to look for when choosing a product development firm?
We have written a free guide to Comparing Product Development Firms that walks you through exactly what to ask and what to look for. Download the PDF on our Support and Resources page, or click here.
Where do I start if I have a product idea but am not sure where to begin?
Download The Physical Product Playbook — our free straight-talking guide to designing and manufacturing a physical product. It covers what development really costs, what manufacturing involves, and what most first-time founders discover too late.
Do I need to have a fully developed idea before contacting Pro-Dev?
No. Most people who contact us have never developed a physical product before. That is completely normal. Some come with a sketch on a napkin. Some come with a rough idea in their head. Whatever stage you are at, get in touch and we will take it from there.
What happens after I submit the enquiry form?
You receive an immediate confirmation email with our NDA attached. Your idea is protected from that point forward. A member of our team will call you within one business day for a brief conversation about your project. No pressure, no obligation. If we are the right fit, we outline the next step and what it will realistically cost. If we are not, we will tell you honestly.
The Process
What is your process?
We follow a structured 8-stage process: Free Consultation, Design and Engineering, Prototyping and Validation, Packaging Design, Compliance and Certification, Manufacturing and Quality, Logistics and Delivery, and In-Market Support. Each stage has defined deliverables, clear responsibilities, and regular client communication. You always know where your project stands.
How much does product development cost?
Every product is different so there is no standard answer. Costs depend on the complexity of the design, the number of development stages required, the manufacturing process, and the target volume. We provide a detailed scope and cost estimate after the initial consultation, which is free.
How long does product development take?
Timelines vary significantly by product. A simple consumer product might take 6 to 9 months from concept to first production, while a more complex product with regulatory requirements could take 12 to 24 months. We provide a realistic timeline estimate after the initial consultation.
What industries do you work in?
We work across medical and healthcare, consumer products, industrial equipment, construction and architecture, food and beverage, and clean technology. If your industry is not listed, get in touch. The question is not what industry you are in: it is what your product needs.
Getting Started
Do I need to have a fully developed idea before contacting Pro-Dev?
No. Most people who contact us have never developed a physical product before. That is completely normal. Some come with a sketch on a napkin. Some come with a rough idea in their head. Whatever stage you are at, get in touch and we will take it from there
Design and Engineering
Can you develop products that include electronic components?
Yes. We support products with electronic elements including sensors, controllers, displays, connectivity features, and simple power circuits as part of a broader physical product development project. We focus on physical product development and do not develop software, apps, firmware, or AI systems. For products where electronics is one component of a physical product, our team has the capability to cover it.
What is In-Market Support?
In-Market Support is our ongoing product partnership service. Once your product is in market, we stay involved to help you manage customer feedback, continuous improvement, warranty issues, and manufacturing adjustments. Most product development firms deliver and disappear. We do not.
Do you offer CAD services as a standalone service?
Yes. CAD Services is available as a standalone service for manufacturers, engineers, and product companies that need production-ready 3D CAD and technical drawings without a full product development engagement. We specialise in Onshape and SolidWorks and are cross-platform compatible with all major CAD software. Retainer arrangements are available for ongoing CAD support.
Manufacturing and Logistics
Where do you manufacture?
We manufacture through our own supply chain with long-term factory partnerships across China and New Zealand. China is typically the right choice for higher-volume consumer products where cost efficiency and process capability matter. New Zealand manufacturing is available for lower-volume, higher-complexity products where local proximity is important.
Can you manufacture my product in New Zealand?
Yes. We have manufacturing partners in New Zealand as well as China. For some products, local manufacturing makes more sense depending on volume, complexity, and timeline. We will advise on the right approach for your specific product and market.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Minimum order quantities vary by product, material, and manufacturing process. For injection-moulded products, MOQs typically range from 500 to 2,000 units for a first production run. We work with you to find the right balance between MOQ, unit cost, and your initial inventory requirements.
Do you manage shipping and logistics?
Yes. We manage the full logistics chain from factory to your door through our own logistics partner. You agree one amount with us and we handle everything: freight, customs, documentation, and last mile delivery. We have shipped products to New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and other markets.
Do we have to use Pro-Dev for manufacturing if you design our product?
No. There is no obligation to use Pro-Dev for manufacturing. Some clients use us for design and engineering only and manage their own manufacturing. Others come to us with an existing design and use us for manufacturing only. We are flexible and work in whatever way suits your project and your business. The only thing we ask is that whatever stage you engage us, we do it properly.
IP, Compliance and Legal
How do you protect my IP?
We sign a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Undertaking before any discussions begin. Our supplier agreements are specifically structured for offshore manufacturing and enforceable in Chinese courts. You own 100% of your IP, your tooling, and your design files. Always.
Do you help with patents and IP strategy?
Yes. Pro-Dev provides IP strategy as part of our product development service, including prior art searches, patent type advice, filing coordination, and ownership structuring. We work in partnership with an experienced patent attorney we have collaborated with across many projects. We have secured functional patents for clients in the USA and Australia.
Can you help with compliance for international markets?
Yes. We have managed compliance for products sold in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Europe. We work with SGS, ITS, and other internationally accredited test labs for certification across NZ, AU, USA, and EU markets. We raise compliance requirements at the design stage so they are never a surprise later.
Are you committed to sustainability and right to repair?
Yes. We design with sustainability and right to repair in mind, focusing on responsible material selection, longevity, and repairability. Right to repair is increasingly a legislative requirement in the EU, Australia, and the USA, and designing for it from the start is significantly cheaper than retrofitting it later. Pro-Dev is a member of Plastics NZ, reflecting our commitment to responsible material use.
Commercial
Do you invest in products or enter into partnerships with clients?
No. Pro-Dev is a product design and manufacturing consultancy. We provide services on a fee basis and do not take equity stakes, invest in client businesses, or enter into commercial partnerships around the products we develop. You retain 100% ownership of your product, your IP, and your business.
Can you help me understand the R&D Tax Incentive?
Yes. Pro-Dev is a Government/IRD-Approved R&D Provider under New Zealand's R&D Tax Incentive. Eligible NZ clients may claim a 15% tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure. We can help you understand whether your project qualifies and what documentation is required.
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