09 Jun 2025
A hand selects 4 stars out of 5.

What is product testing? 

Product testing is the process of evaluating a product’s performance, appeal, and market fit before mass production. It includes creating a prototype, gathering user feedback, and making improvements — all with the goal of reducing risk and improving product-market alignment.

For startups and small businesses, the phrase “test before you invest” couldn’t be more accurate. A prototype doesn’t have to be polished — in fact, keeping things lean and simple in the early stages can help you move faster, get real-world feedback, and avoid expensive mistakes.

 

Why is it important?

Testing your product early helps:

  • Spot design or usability flaws
  • Prevent over-investing in features customers don’t want
  • Align the product with your target market
  • Strengthen your pitch to investors with real user data

Whether you’re building a consumer gadget, a kitchen tool, or a component that requires plastic injection molding, early and affordable testing is vital.

How does that apply to injection molding?

If your final product will be injection molded, you can still test its function and user interaction before investing in tooling. In fact, you should. Building low-cost prototypes helps validate the concept while keeping upfront costs low. Use 3D printing, off-the-shelf parts, or even cardboard or wood mockups to simulate shape and functionality.

Once validated, Rex Plastics can help you optimize your design for injection molding — producing revisions for you or turning your rough prototype into a manufacturable product.

 

5 Ways to Test Products on a Budget

1. Build a Low-Cost Prototype with DIY Tools

You don’t need a full engineering lab to build a prototype. Leverage:

  • 3D printing or laser cutting
  • Open-source kits (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi)
  • Online tutorials for hands-on guides

Reducing the number of components and using a modular design will help keep things affordable, flexible, and easy to iterate.

2. Get Honest Feedback — Not Just From Friends

Friends and family will want to support you. That’s great — but it might not be useful. Instead, get a friend to ask their network, or tap into a relevant community. Whether it’s a local Facebook group or an industry-specific subreddit, feedback from real users beats flattery every time.

3. Host Targeted Focus Groups

One way to test how your product will sell, especially if your product is niche, is to gather a small group of people who match your ideal customer. Ask questions like:

  • What would you change about the product?
  • How much would you pay for this?
  • Would you actually buy it? 

Keep the session relaxed and conversational, and offer a small incentive (like a gift card or free sample) to thank them for their time.

4. Use Online Surveys or Omnibus Panels

If your product is for the mass market, you can buy a question in a larger online survey through companies like Ipsos or TNS. This allows you to perform essential market research on how people across demographics might respond to your idea, without breaking the bank.

5. Build an Ongoing Test Community

Big brands do it, and you can too: build a mini “customer panel” that you check in with regularly. Invite them to provide feedback as you refine your design and messaging. The bonus? They often become early adopters and champions for your product.

 

Rex Plastics: Committed to Startup Success

At Rex Plastics, we understand that innovation starts small. We’ve helped startups across many industries turn napkin sketches into real-world products using smart, cost-effective prototyping and plastic injection molding.

We offer design consulting, prototyping, and full-scale production — all under one roof. Whether you need advice on materials or want to understand how to move from prototype to mold, our team is here to help.

Ready to test your product idea?

Let’s talk. We’d love to help you build, test, and launch your vision — the smart way.

Contact us today to get started.