# Q&A with Miguel Hernandez, Creator of the PaloCam

- Show: [Predictable Designs Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast)
- Published: 2021-04-21
- Length: 47m
- Episode: 29
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam

## Summary

Miguel Hernandez, creator of the PaloCam, a pole-climbing camera for sports, discusses his journey with host John Teel, who analyzes Miguel's financials and technical design. Hernandez has sold 10 units at a loss, spending $680 per unit against a $275 sale price, due to high costs from 18 custom 3D-printed parts and 10 hours of manual assembly labor. Teel advises reducing part count via injection molding or urethane casting, outsourcing sub-assemblies to Asian suppliers like Seeed Studio, and using manufacturing partners to finance tooling and inventory through amortization and favorable payment terms.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam#t=0) Introduction: Miguel Hernandez and the PaloCam
- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam#t=15) PaloCam Product Overview and Early Sales Data
- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam#t=15) Cost Breakdown: 3D Printing and Assembly Labor
- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam#t=15) Reducing Manufacturing Costs: Molds and Sub-assembly
- [22:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam#t=1350) Sales Strategy and Crowdfunding Readiness
- [22:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam#t=1353) Financing Options: Manufacturing Partners and PO Financing

## Topics

- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- PaloCam (product)
- Fusion 360 (tool)
- Seeed Studio (company)
- Kickstarter (other)

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## Citing this page

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