Frequently Asked Questions About Product Development, Sourcing & Manufacturing
At Gembah, we help entrepreneurs, founders, and growing brands bring physical products to life — from early ideas to production-ready goods. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get about our services, pricing, process, and what to expect when working with us.
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GENERAL
What is Gembah?
Gembah is a full-service product development and manufacturing services firm. We help entrepreneurs, brands, and businesses turn physical product ideas into reality — from initial concept to design, sourcing, prototyping, production, and quality control.
Who is Gembah for?
Gembah is for anyone building or managing a physical product business. We work with creators, startup founders, professionals with side hustles, and established brands — whether you’re launching a product from scratch or optimizing an existing supply chain. Our services support everything from idea-stage development to full-scale production, manufacturer diversification, and ongoing supply chain management. Whether you’re scaling up or solving production problems, we tailor our approach to meet your specific goals.
What kinds of products does Gembah help develop?
We specialize in consumer products — including electronics, hardware, lifestyle accessories, fitness equipment, home goods, pet products, and more.
Do I have to use all of your services?
No. You can start at any stage — product design, sourcing, sampling, or manufacturing. Some clients come to us with a napkin sketch, others already have CAD files and need a better factory.
PRODUCT DESIGN & ENGINEERING
Can Gembah help me design my product?
Yes. Our team of industrial designers and mechanical engineers can take your idea from concept to manufacturable design. We’ll create sketches, CAD files, and detailed specifications that are ready for production. We also conduct product and market research for your concept.
Who is Gembah for?
Absolutely. Our design process includes vetted factories from our network during the design process, not after. This critical difference means: fewer manufacturing surprises, smarter unit cost decisions, and faster time to market.
Do I own the designs and files you create?
Yes. Once the design is complete and paid for, you own 100% of the intellectual property, including all design files.
SOURCING & MANUFACTURING
Where are Gembah’s factories located?
We source from vetted manufacturers in China, Vietnam, India, and Mexico, depending on your product type, quality requirements, lead time, and budget. We also have partnerships in the U.S. for certain categories.
How do you select the right factory for my product?
We match your product’s needs with our pre-vetted factory network. We prioritize manufacturers that meet your specs, budget, and timeline — and we verify their capabilities before introducing them to you.
Can you help me switch from my current manufacturer?
Yes. If you’re experiencing quality issues, delays, or cost concerns, we can help you find and transition to a better factory with minimal disruption.
Can I visit the factory?
Yes. Once a factory is selected, you’re welcome to visit. We can help coordinate a tour or virtual walkthrough depending on the region and factory availability.
PROTOTYPING, TOOLING & PRODUCTION
Do you help with prototyping and sampling?
Yes. After finalizing the design, we’ll work with a manufacturer to produce a prototype or pre-production sample so you can review the product before mass production.
Do you handle tooling?
Yes. For products that require custom molds, we manage tooling development with the manufacturer and provide transparent quotes and timelines. We also negotiate your tooling agreement with the supplier that specifies ownership, storage and maintenance.
How long does production usually take?
Production timelines vary, but here’s a general estimate:
- Product design: 4–8 weeks
- Sourcing & sampling: 4–12 weeks
- Tooling (if needed): 4–6 weeks
- Production: 6–12+ weeks
How much does it cost to create a prototype?
Prototype costs vary depending on the complexity of your product, materials used, and the type of prototype needed (visual model, functional sample, etc.) We’ll provide a detailed cost estimate during the design phase, so you’ll understand exactly what to expect before moving forward. The goal is to balance speed, accuracy, and budget to ensure your prototype gives you the feedback and confidence needed for manufacturing.
QUALITY CONTROL & LOGISTICS
How do you ensure product quality?
We offer third-party and in-house quality control services, including factory audits, sample inspections, and pre-shipment checks to ensure your product meets expectations.
Can you help with shipping and logistics?
Yes. While we’re not a freight forwarder, we partner with logistics providers and can coordinate shipments, customs clearance, and delivery to your warehouse or fulfillment center.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & LEGAL
How is my intellectual property protected?
We use NDAs and confidentiality agreements with all vendors, designers, and factories. You retain full ownership of your IP, and we protect your files and concepts throughout the process.
Can you help with patents or trademarks?
We’re not a law firm, but we can refer you to trusted partners who specialize in IP law for product-based businesses.
COSTS & PAYMENT
How much does it cost to work with Gembah?
Pricing depends on your product’s complexity and where you’re starting in the process. We offer flat-rate packages for design, sampling, and sourcing, and we provide clear estimates for manufacturing and production costs.
Can you help me get funding or financing?
Yes. We can help you explore both business and personal loan options through our lending partners. We can also bring in trusted crowdfunding experts if you’re planning a launch on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or other platforms. Whether you’re looking to finance development, production, or launch, we’ll help you find the right path forward.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. We believe in transparent pricing. All costs are clearly outlined in your proposal, and any changes are communicated up front.
GETTING STARTED
How do I start working with Gembah?
Start by booking a free consultation or filling out the short form on Gembah.com. We’ll review your idea and recommend the best path forward.
How long does it take to get a quote?
Typically, within 2–3 business days after your initial call and once we understand your scope and needs.
Will I have a dedicated contact person?
Yes. You’ll have a dedicated project manager who guides you through each phase and acts as your point of contact.
Can I talk to someone before committing?
Yes! Schedule a free consultation — no obligation. We’re happy to answer your questions before you commit to anything.
How do I know if my product idea is worth pursuing?
At Gembah, we help you validate your idea with real data — not just opinions. Through research and expert feedback we evaluate factors like market demand, competitive landscape, product feasibility, and cost-to-build. This gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward — or to pivot — before investing heavily. Our goal is to help you make smart, informed decisions at every step of your journey.
CROWDFUNDING & LAUNCH SUPPORT
Can you help me prepare for a Kickstarter or Indiegogo launch?
Yes. We’ve worked with many brands who launched through crowdfunding. We help ensure your product is manufacturable and support you with timelines, cost estimates, and prototype photos or samples.
Do you help with marketing or branding?
Yes. We work closely with a network of experienced marketing and branding experts who specialize in product launches, ecommerce, and brand strategy. If you need help developing your brand identity, go-to-market plan, or advertising campaigns, we can connect you with the right partners to support your goals.
REGION-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Do you source products from Mexico?
Yes. We have vetted factory partners in Mexico, especially for select product categories that benefit from shorter lead times or nearshoring strategies.
Can I produce in the U.S.?
In some cases, yes — especially for low-MOQ, high-margin, or specialized products. We can evaluate your product to see if domestic production is viable.
Do you offer sourcing from India or Vietnam?
Yes. For textiles, hard goods, and apparel India and Vietnam are often excellent alternatives to China.
Platform & Support
What is the Gembah Platform?
Our platform is your dashboard for managing your product development lifecycle — giving you full visibility into timelines, documents, communications, designs, and milestones.
Who will I be working with?
You’ll have a dedicated team that may include:
- A product manager
- Industrial designer
- Sourcing expert
- Manufacturing coordinator
We’re U.S.-based and global, with experts in every phase of product development.
How often will we communicate?
You’ll have regular updates via email, the Gembah platform, and video calls depending on the phase of the project. We value transparency and proactive communication.