# How to Outsource Product Development

- Show: [Predictable Designs Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast)
- Published: 2022-12-21
- Length: 19m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development

## Summary

Host John Teel explains how to outsource electronic product development by balancing experience, cost, location, and trust. He advises hiring specialized engineers with relevant product experience, using independent design reviews to mitigate risk, and paying via fixed-price milestones to control budget. Teel also distinguishes between proof-of-concept prototypes using off-the-shelf modules and manufacturable custom PCB designs, warning against switching software like Altium or Eagle mid-project.

## Chapters

- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development#t=15) Introduction and Key Hiring Factors
- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development#t=15) Experience, Specialization, and Location
- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development#t=15) Payment Structures and Milestones
- [0:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development#t=15) Interviewing Developers and Vetting Questions
- [14:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development#t=840) Proof of Concept vs. Manufacturable Prototypes
- [14:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development#t=840) Software Compatibility and Transition Risks

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- Texas Instruments (company)
- Upwork (tool)
- Fiverr (tool)
- Altium (tool)
- Eagle (tool)
- Hardware Academy (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [IDology #4 - Tips on outsourcing product development](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2022-12-14-idology-4-tips-on-outsourcing-product-development) (IDology)
- [142: Preparing Your Product for Manufacturing Overseas](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-09-21-142-preparing-your-product-for-manufacturing-overseas) (Product Startup)
- [Cheap Respins And A Time Machine - Multiscience Mercenary Marketplace](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-06-04-cheap-respins-and-a-time-machine-multiscience-mercenary-marketplace) (The Amp Hour)
- [SpaceX, Enclosures & Startups - Urging Unemployment Ullagone](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-12-04-spacex-enclosures-startups-urging-unemployment-ullagone) (The Amp Hour)
- [205: Advances in Electronic Product Engineering Methods](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-12-14-205-advances-in-electronic-product-engineering-methods) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Predictable Designs Podcast.