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

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Even with the recent increased tariffs on India, many of my clients and students have been seeking out new factory partnerships in this country. For decades, China has been the go-to destination for toy production, and they are indisputably the best at producing high quality goods quickly, but what happens when rising costs, shipping delays, and shifting global policies force toy makers to look elsewhere?

That’s the exact question that international toy expert and Source 4 India co-founder Joshua Punin has been exploring for the past 16+ years. With firsthand experience helping major brands expand across Asia and deep ties to India’s emerging toy manufacturing scene, Joshua has become a powerful voice advocating for alternative sourcing strategies.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Joshua and I cover:

• Why a shift in India’s import tariffs sparked a nationwide manufacturing movement.
• The surprising challenges and advantages of producing toys in India.
• What startup creators need to know before reaching out to Indian factories.
• Why sourcing outside of China isn’t about replacing, it’s about expanding your opportunities.
• How India’s skilled labor force, tax incentives, and infrastructure make it one to watch.

If you’ve been curious about what it would really look like to source outside of China, or you’ve heard whispers about India but didn’t know where to start, this episode is your starting point. Hit play to discover new possibilities and learn what it really takes to make that shift.

Listen For These Important Moments:

• [00:19:12] - Discover how policy changes and infrastructure improvements are creating real opportunities for both startups and established brands.
• [00:25:10] - Not every toy is a perfect fit, save time and money by understanding what India can (and can’t) do efficiently right now.
• [00:27:46] - Get clarity on production expectations so you can plan your launch and scale strategy with confidence.
• [00:28:44] - Shipping from India could be cheaper and faster than you think, especially if you're selling in Europe or the Middle East.
• [00:31:19] - Hear what Joshua looks for in potential clients and how to position your startup to be taken seriously by manufacturers.

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Building forts is a rite of passage for most kids and often the bane of organized parents. I can still picture my mom, coming home late from running her business, to find chairs flipped sideways, blankets draped across them, boxes forming doorways, and my brother and I, tucked away inside playing. It was 100% an eyesore to my parents and 1000% a safety hazard.

That universal problem is exactly what architect and TCA Accelerator student Carrie Shaked, founder of Design Laughter, set out to solve. Her buildable fort system transforms messy blanket chaos into stunning, structurally sound cardboard domes that are easy to assemble, customizable, and beautiful enough to live in your living room.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, you’ll listen in on a real 1:1 coaching call with Carrie. We cover:

• How her architecture background inspired a toy unlike anything else on the market.
• Why families cried (in a good way!) during playtesting.
• Smart email collection strategies and social media tips for camera-shy founders.
• How today’s manufacturing climate might give small startups an edge.

If you’ve ever looked at your child’s chaotic fort and thought, There’s gotta be a better way, this conversation will remind you that there’s room in the toy industry for your vision, too. Hit play on this episode to get inspired, and allow yourself to imagine bringing your unique idea to this industry.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<