I’ll never forget the time I asked a factory to “just move the pen and scissors down a little” on a packaging layout. What came back? A sample where the entire arrangement was totally rearranged and the design I’d worked so hard on was completely off. Communicating with factories is one of the most exciting parts of the toy-making journey, but one vague email can lead to total toy-making mayhem.

If you’re not specific, clear, and intentional with your feedback, even tiny comments can snowball into major delays, color mismatches, or products that completely miss the mark.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down the three most common mistakes new toy makers make when working with overseas factories and how to avoid them with confidence.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

Why vague feedback like “a little shorter” can lead to big problems (and what to say instead).
The reason Pantone colors are your best friend in product development.
How rushing to approve samples from photos or video can completely backfire.
What a pre-production sample is and why it’s absolutely essential.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to say to a factory, how to give feedback, or when to say “go,” this episode is your crash course in clear communication and smart production practices. It’s packed with tips that will save you serious time (and money) as you scale your toy business.

Listen for These Important Moments

[00:01:05] - How using Pantone colors protects you from costly color mismatches and miscommunication with your factory.
[00:09:52] - Discover why vague comments lead to bad samples and how to give clear, factory-friendly directions that save time and money.
[00:14:37] - Hear my story of how one vague request wrecked an entire product layout and how you can avoid the same frustrating (and expensive) result.
[00:16:55] - Find out why approving samples from photos or videos is a huge risk and what has to happen before you say “go” to production.
[00:21:10] - Learn how hands-on sample reviews reveal hidden issues with materials, weight, or function and how this one step can prevent bad reviews, safety issues, and recalls.

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#283: 3 Costly Mistakes That Toy Creators Make with Factories

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