If you build it, it might break - or be dangerous, unreliable or otherwise not up to snuff.
That means that before a prototype is taken through the expensive and potentially wasteful process of mass production, it's best to have it checked out by some professionals.
For Everthere Carriers LLC, company principals wanted to ensure safety, quality and protection from liability, President Steve Threet said.
"At the end of the night, when I lay my head down, I know that someone isn't going to throw two 20-pound sacks of flour on the carrier and have it break," he said.
In fact, thanks to capacity testing done at Intertek Testing Service NA Inc. in Duluth, Ga., Mr. Threet and everyone that buys Everthere's folding cargo carriers know that it will safely hold 300 or 400 pounds, depending on the model.
"It held up very, very well," Mr. Threet said.
The testing procedures done for Everthere cost between $5,000 and $8,000 but were worth it because one of the first questions potential distributors ask often regards safety testing, he said.
"You may be more familiar with the product than anyone else, but there also may be blinders you have that others may not have," he said.
Although there are few regulations on hitch-mounted cargo carriers - and Everthere's testing efforts were voluntary - it's wise to always consider testing a product, said Neill Ferrill, a senior account representative at Intertek.
"It has a performance side, and also a marketing standpoint, as well as a manufacturing and liability standpoint," Mr. Ferrill said,
"Don't just say, 'Hey everything looks great.' Get another set of eyes."
Although testing is almost always prudent, in many cases it is a necessity, such as with most electronic products, which often have government safety regulations, Mr. Ferrill said.
It also is wise to look into testing as soon as possible, and definitely before going to production, he said. In some cases, companies hold off on testing because they might not realize it's necessary.
"Sometimes it's done almost as an afterthought. They may even have a warehouse full of a product. It's not pleasant news if have to do a redesign to pass," he said.
That could mean scrapping hundreds or thousands of products that already have been made.
Reach Adrian Burns at (706) 823-3352 or adrian.burns@augustachronicle.com.
Building a Business
Building a Business is a new, yearlong series in which The Augusta Chronicle follows the progress of a local start-up company, Everthere Carriers LLC, as it attempts to take its fledgling product to a national market. The following is the first story. Updates will be made monthly.
• Series will follow company's journey
• Area men get education in business as they mass-produce novel carrier
• Go to manufacturers, designers with ideas
• Trade show marketing is success for local business
• Patent process is easier with help
• As sales grow, Everthere is turning into full-time job
• Product's success is dependent on testing
• Local business picks up by latching onto Internet
• Company revamps Web site to draw business
• Everthere settles into new offices
• Negotiating lease can be challenging
• Family support is important to fulfilling dream
• Work-life balance is one key to success
• Licensing lets buyers tote interest
• Logo-product partnership is beneficial to both sides
• Everthere Carriers staff works together for success
• New hires ease burden of increased workload
• Everthere Carriers takes new product to health exposition
• Preparation is important at trade event
• Firm wrestles with issue of foreign labor
• Cheap overseas work has its drawbacks
• Everthere Carriers bids farewell to productive 2005
• Everthere Carriers has come a long way
• Q&A with Everthere's Steve Threet
