Latest

27
Jan
When you see NRND, don't panic

When you see NRND, don't panic

The IC you selected six months ago just showed an NRND flag. Your instinct is to panic and redesign. That
2 min read
26
Jan
G03 AQL

G03 AQL

Your inspection report says "passed." Your ops team says quality is handled. But many teams ordering inspections cannot
3 min read
22
Jan
This is how $200 saves you $200,000 (Pre-shipment inspections)

This is how $200 saves you $200,000 (Pre-shipment inspections)

Your supplier just sent you photos of the finished goods looking perfect. Those photos are marketing, not evidence. If you
2 min read
20
Jan
G02 Golden Sample

G02 Golden Sample

I've seen founders send perfect drawings and tolerance stacks, then act surprised when the production unit feels "
2 min read
19
Jan
Crowdfunding is not free cash

Crowdfunding is not free cash

The most common misconception I hear from founders: "We will launch on Kickstarter and the backers will come."
2 min read
15
Jan
Lawsuits don't ship products

Lawsuits don't ship products

Hardware founders often think the supplier contract is protection. In practice, it rarely is. After a decade of building hardware
2 min read
14
Jan
G01 MOQ: Minimum Order Quantity

G01 MOQ: Minimum Order Quantity

Your supplier just quoted you 3,000 units minimum. You only need 500. Now what? Don't walk away
2 min read
13
Jan
Hardware is the CAC. Subscription is the Profit

Hardware is the CAC. Subscription is the Profit

Most hardware founders think subscriptions are an "ownership tax" that customers hate. They're right to worry,
2 min read
07
Jan
This will kill your hardware startup

This will kill your hardware startup

You just launched your consumer product, and everything looks great. Sales are growing, CAC is decreasing, and you just wired
2 min read
05
Jan
You think you are qualifying a supplier.  In reality,  the supplier qualifies you.

You think you are qualifying a supplier. In reality, the supplier qualifies you.

Your title is costing you money in China. Quietly. Every week. Here is the truth: factories do not sell to
3 min read