How to Start a Prototype Design Business

Corporations and individuals are constantly coming up with new ideas for products, and they frequently need help bringing their concepts into reality. Prototype design businesses specialize in creating first-drafts of products that corporations and inventors think up.

Prototype design is highly specialized work, but the demand for this work is growing. As online resources and technological advancements make it easier and more affordable to build prototypes, an increasing number of corporations and individuals want to make their concepts a physical reality.

Learn how to start your own Prototype Design Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a prototype design business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Prototype Design Business
  2. Form your Prototype Design Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Prototype Design Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Prototype Design Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Prototype Design Business
  7. Get Prototype Design Business Insurance
  8. Define your Prototype Design Business Brand
  9. Create your Prototype Design Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your prototype design business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Prototype Design Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your prototype design business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a prototype design business?

The costs of opening a prototype design business can be substantial. In addition to having a workplace, Creative Mechanisms recommends that business owners also purchase a:

  • Single-tool CNC machine that’s programmable but can also be manually operated
  • Multi-tool CNC machine that’s programmable
  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer

Business owners who have a limited budget might be able to start out renting equipment at a nearby CNC shop. Although this requires working around the shop’s schedule, paying to use equipment on an as-needed basis is much less expensive than buying it outright (and having to maintain it).

Additionally, business owners might be able to get buy at first with only an advanced 3D printer. While a business will eventually need CNC machines, a capable 3D printer will be able to build some prototypes itself. A business can start out making only these prototypes, and expand into other work once the business has enough funds for a CNC machine.

What are the ongoing expenses for a prototype design business?

The ongoing expenses for a prototype design business are manageable. They include rent (if leasing a space), utilities, equipment maintenance, software licensing and material costs, as well as employee wages.

Who is the target market?

Most prototype design businesses focus on serving one of two distinct target markets.

Some businesses primarily work with corporations that want prototypes developed. These prototype businesses are often creating products from formal mechanical or engineering drawings, and they’re interacting with professionals who are familiar with the design and manufacturing process.

Other businesses serve individuals, who are often small business owners and/or inventors. These prototype businesses frequently create products from napkin sketches, and they often offer clients more assistance with the design and manufacturing process.

How does a prototype design business make money?

A prototype design business makes money by offering prototype services. Although the work ends in a physical product for the client, clients usually pay for the service because building a prototype frequently involves several steps. Charging for the service lets businesses adjust their fees based on the time required and work involved.

How much can you charge customers?

The rates that prototype design businesses charge vary greatly depending on a prototype’s complexity, the amount of assistance provided, the turnaround time and the equipment required to build the prototype. Basic rapid prototypes might cost as little as $100, while high fidelity connected prototypes can be $30,000. In some cases, a prototype might even be $100,000.

How much profit can a prototype design business make?

With prices ranging from $100 to (sometimes) $100,000, prototype design businesses bring in vastly different revenues. Some small businesses make respectable yet modest annual revenues, while others may have substantial revenues and profits. At $1000,000, making just 10 prototypes in a year would result in a $1 million gross annual revenue.

How can you make your business more profitable?

A prototype design business can increase its revenue by helping clients with more than just building prototypes. Many clients also need help with designing, developing, patenting, licensing and distributing their inventions. Some businesses also offer low-volume manufacturing.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your prototype design business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a prototype design business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A prototype design business is generally run out of a workshop. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a prototype design business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your prototype design business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Prototype Design Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Prototype Design Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a prototype design business

While a prototype design business can market through search engine optimization, pay per click and social media, more traditional advertising methods often see better success. Business owners can obtain membership lists from relevant associations, and either send direct mailings or make cold calls to all association members. Advertising in trade publications and Inventors Digest is also effective.

How to keep customers coming back

A prototype design business can set itself apart from the competition by offering a high level of service. Many clients will be willing to pay a little more if they’re well taken care of throughout the entire process of making a prototype.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who is highly detail oriented yet also very creative may enjoy running a prototype design business. Creating prototypes requires great attention to detail, but an ability to think outside the box is equally important to making products that have never been built before.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a prototype design business?

Prototype design businesses don’t necessarily have a “typical day” because each new prototype presents its own challenges. On any given day, business owners might find themselves:

  • Helping clients refine their conceptual ideas
  • Reading (and sometimes refining) product drawings
  • Working with any number of materials to build products
  • Problem-solving with others who have specialized knowledge
  • Helping clients alter and adjust their prototypes

For many business owners, the variety that each new prototype brings is a major reason to start this type of business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful prototype design business?

Running a prototype design business requires a significant amount of manufacturing knowledge, including expertise in product design and manufacturing. Business owners may find themselves working with many different plans and creating prototypes with a variety of materials.

In many cases, business owners already have an engineering degree. Those who don’t may want to complete an engineering program or hire an engineer to work with them. Many colleges and universities offer engineering programs, including lots of online options. The University of Southern Mississippi and Regent University are a couple of schools with online degrees.

As part of the engineering training, business owners frequently learn computer-aided drawing (CAD). Business owners who have an engineering background but would like to advance their CAD knowledge can take an online course from Coursera or a similar platform.

What is the growth potential for a prototype design business?

Most prototype businesses have a single facility where they build prototypes, but the internet makes it easy to serve clients from all over the world if a business wants to do so. An example of a business that primarily services a local area is Armstrong Rapid Manufacturing in Syracuse, NY. Kickr Design and Mako Design + Invent are two other businesses don’t focus on servicing a particular area.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a prototype design business?

Business owners must network, and not only with potential clients. Having a strong network of industry specialists gives business owners many consultants to draw from when they face problems and challenges that are outside their area of expertise. Ultimately, it’s business owners ability to help clients solve these problems and challenges that will make a prototype design business successful.

How and when to build a team

Business owners who have a strong network of industry specialists can start a prototype design business without any employees. Specialists can be consulted on an as-needed basis and paid a fee whenever they’re called upon. As demand for prototypes grows, business owners can hire employees to help with their workflow.

Useful Links

Real World Examples

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