Physical products are high-risk because of inventory costs. If you buy 1,000 units and nobody wants them, you are in trouble. Validate first, fulfill second.
Physical Test Matrix
| Strategy | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kickstarter | High | Big innovations (Electronic/Hard goods). |
| Dropship Smoke Test | Low | Fashion, accessories, consumables. |
| 3D Render Ads | Medium | Higher-end luxury or design goods. |
| Market Stall | Low | Local consumables or craft goods. |
🛑 Comparison: The "Retail" vs. "Pre-order" Model
| Metric | Traditional Retail | The Pre-order Model |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Risk | $10k+ in inventory. | $0 in inventory. |
| Brand Control | High (Custom boxes/labels). | Moderate (Testing with mockups). |
| Feedback Loop | Occurs after shipping. | Occurs during the campaign. |
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