Plushie Manufacturing
Since we’re on the subject of getting plush manufactured, here’s a handy F.A.Q. of sorts to help get you started!
So, you have an idea for a plushie. Or perhaps you make an adorable character that everyone wants and you can’t keep up with demand! Maybe it’s time to get your adorable character factory made into a ton of plushies! How do you make that happen..?
1. Choosing a company/factory:
There are several options to choose from here. Two companies come to mind that artists have worked with when deciding who to go with to create your plushie.
Shinedown Productions (http://www.shinedownproductions.com/) Shinedown is often recommended by artists who have worked with Tonya Tart and have had great experiences. You can also ask her for a packet that includes pricing, including a special price tier for a 100 piece test run. The price of the prototype sample includes unlimited revisions which many artists find very helpful in making their plush perfect! The minimum quantity that Shinedown requires for your order is 500 pieces.
Gann Memorials (http://www.gannmemorials.com/Welcome-to-Gann-Memorials/) Gann boasts many years in service and big-name clients. However, artists who have worked with Chris Gann say that the experience was less than stellar. Chris can be very aggressive and unprofessional. His samples are lower-quality and he won’t easily refund you if you aren’t satisfied. Gann has their own U.S.A. factory if you don’t want to have your plush made overseas. There doesn’t seem to be a minimum order quantity required.
**GANN REVIEWS** (Please read if considering Gann)
http://quietnova.tumblr.com/post/157374408593/dragons
There’s also the option to avoid the middle-man and work directly with a factory which could be cheaper overall. This method is not recommended if it’s your first foray into mass-producing plush as there are things you’ll need to take care of yourself that may be too challenging such as getting your plush shipped to your home country. A factory might also treat you like little fish in a big pond and take care of their larger clients before you, making you wait forever.
2. Getting Your Prototype Sample:
To make your sample, the factory will need clear images of your character. You can make a reference sheet of your character showing the back, side and front view. Also add things like an aerial view and any extra notes (like beans in the feet etc.). It’s even better if you can make the plush and send it to the factory so they can work off your pattern and re-produce it how you want. The factory will send you a photo of your first sample! You will have a certain amount of revisions you can make (or in the case of Shinedown you’ll have unlimited revisions). It’s best to try and get the plush perfect with less revisions, so try to make all of the changes as clear as possible. Red-line over the image, write notes and possibly find images of plush similar to what you want. You’ll keep going back and forth with the factory until your sample is perfect.
3. Having the Plush Made!
Your sample will be sent to you so you can show prospective buyers. This is great for taking pre-orders, running a kickstarter, or pitching to stores. Once you’re ready to go into production, you might have to pay the full price or at least half up front which is the cost per piece. Then you will also need to pay for the shipping from the factory to your home. You can choose between air and sea, air is faster and more expensive. Sea is cheaper but slower. Also be aware that when your plush arrive to your home country you may have to pay customs fees so be prepared for the worst.
4. Checking the Final Plush
When you finally receive your plush in the mail, check over all the boxes and make sure everything is how it should be. It’s practically guaranteed that at least 10% of your plush will be defective somehow, or generally not as good as the others. If you get 500 plush made, there will probably be about 50 “odd-looking” ones, so be prepared for that as well.
5. Selling your Plushies!
Now you finally have your plush in hand, it’s time to sell sell sell! If you sold any pre-orders or did a kickstarter, make sure to send out those packages as soon as you can. You can sell your new product at conventions and shows, or list them online! And you can also breath a little better now that your plush are safely in your hands :D
