Product Launch Lessons: My Folding Hand Fan Story

Have you seen my latest launch? I'm excited to share some behind-the-scenes insights into the product development process for my new folding hand fan collection. It's been a rewarding journey, and one that reinforced a crucial lesson about sampling.

My new folding hand fan collection, featuring the Wildflower Dreams and Colour Crossing designs.

In the early stages, I made a decision that, in hindsight, wasn't the best. I'd worked with a manufacturer before and had a good relationship with them. Based on that positive experience, I felt confident that the product would be great, so I went ahead and ordered samples and started planning my launch, aiming for the peak of summer.

However, when the first samples arrived, they didn't quite meet my expectations and weren't something I'd want to offer my customers. While it wasn't a major disaster, it did highlight the importance of thorough sampling to ensure the quality I expect. The manufacturer wasn't willing to make the necessary changes, so I had to find a new partner, build rapport, and get new samples made up. Thankfully, this new partner was fantastic, and the samples were exactly what I'd envisioned.

The key takeaway for me was a powerful reminder: investing in thorough sampling is essential. It might feel like an expense you'd rather avoid, but it's infinitely better than ending up with hundreds (or thousands!) of products you can't sell.

This whole process did push my launch timeline back a bit, which was a little disappointing as I'd originally aimed for a perfect summer launch. However, here in Brisbane, it's still plenty hot, and with Mother's Day just around the corner, plus the fact that many people (especially those of us navigating perimenopause!) appreciate a bit of personal cooling, the timing still felt like it had its merits. So, I decided to go ahead and launch!

Closed Folding Hand Fans

For those curious, here's a quick rundown of what makes these fans special:

• Ultra-lightweight and Portable: At only 30g with the pouch, they're designed for ultimate convenience and easy carrying in your handbag.

• Unique Designs: I created two distinct patterns: the vibrant 'Colour Crossing' (a bold and playful geometric design, as I wanted a design that popped!) and the delicate 'Wildflower Dreams Cream' (a more subtle floral option, knowing geometric designs aren't everyone's cup of tea).

• Quality Materials: Smooth satin fabric and durable bamboo handles.

• Handy Pouch: Each fan comes with a bright orange velvet pouch for protection and easy spotting in your bag.

• Subtle Branding: Each handle is subtly engraved with the Loopla brand name, and the Loopla logo is also featured on the bright orange velvet pouch.

Orange velvet pouch to protect your fan and easily find it in your bag.

You can check out the new folding hand fan collection in the Loopla online shop.

If you're a product based business looking to incorporate unique and eye-catching surface designs for your products, I'd love to explore collaboration opportunities with you!

And for surface designers who are ready to take the leap into product manufacturing but feel a bit overwhelmed, I offer one-on-one mentoring where I can provide guided support and share my experience.

I hope this behind-the-scenes peek has been helpful and inspiring.