How Much It Really Costs to Start Making Products
“I want to make products, but I’m scared I can’t afford to start. How much does it really cost?”
This is one of the most common questions I hear from artists and creatives who are thinking about turning their work into products. And honestly? It’s a good question. Product creation does cost money, but not in the scary, all-at-once way most people imagine.
Let’s talk about what actually goes into the cost of starting, so you can plan instead of panic.
First: the cost surprise no one tells you about
When I first started making products, the biggest surprise wasn’t the manufacturing cost. It was realizing how many small decisions added up- samples, packaging tweaks, shipping choices, and timing.
None of it was outrageous on its own. But without a plan, it felt overwhelming.
That’s the difference between fear and clarity. Not the numbers; the strategy.
The biggest mistake: thinking in totals instead of categories
Most people get stuck because they ask the wrong question.
Instead of asking “How much does it cost to start?”
Ask “What types of costs should I plan for?”
There will always be a cost to start, but once we break down all the costs at the beginning, it is so much easier to make a plan.
Here are the main categories that matter:
1. Product development costs
This is the phase where you test and refine, not mass-produce.
Think:
Samples
Small test runs
Minor revisions
This is where many creatives assume costs will be huge, but often, this phase is very manageable when you start small and intentional. I like to order samples and also get samples of packaging- all the different materials and paper samples- this way I am only paying for one shipping fee and I will have all the materials to move forward in the decision making process. At this point, if you don’t like the samples or packaging you have not gone all in and spent a lot of money- you can pivot!
2. Manufacturing costs
This is the part everyone fixates on, but it shouldn’t be the first thing you solve.
Manufacturing costs depend on:
Product type
Materials
Quantity
Where it’s made
You don’t need to solve this perfectly upfront. You need ranges and options- not exact totals. Once you have a ballpark you can adjust materials or quantities to see what changes your price point.
3. Packaging costs
Packaging is one of the most misunderstood areas.
Here’s the truth:
Your packaging does not need to be perfect at the beginning.
Start simple. Functional. Clear. You can evolve it as your product line grows. Many people overspend here early because they think packaging has to look “final” on day one.
It doesn’t. My washi tape labels have had 3 evolutions. My tea towel belly bands… 5! Each one gets better and more honed in on the things that I want to share about my brand.
4. Shipping and logistics
This is another area where fear creeps in.
Shipping costs vary, yes, but they’re predictable once you understand:
Weight
Volume
Timing
Shipping method
The key is to include shipping before you finalize pricing- not after. This alone eliminates most pricing panic.
5. Business setup and tools
This category is usually smaller than people expect and it’s rarely the thing that should stop you from starting.
We’re talking about:
A basic website or sales page
Payment processing
A simple system to track orders and inventory
You don’t need advanced tools at the beginning. You need functional ones. I tracked inventory in a Google Sheet for years, and it worked just fine.
Where people actually get stuck isn’t the tools- it’s the decisions.
Many creatives assume manufacturing itself will be the biggest barrier. In reality, the bigger issue is not knowing what to ask. That’s what leads to over-ordering, over-customizing, or choosing the wrong production path entirely.
Once you understand the process, the costs stop feeling scary because they’re intentional, not reactive.
Planning beats panic… every time
Starting products isn’t about having unlimited money. It’s about:
Understanding cost categories
Making informed decisions
Investing step by step, not all in one go
You don’t need to do everything at once. You need a plan that matches where you are right now.
Final thought
Money fear doesn’t mean you’re bad at business.
It means you don’t have a clear framework yet.
Once you understand what actually goes into product creation and what doesn’t- the fear loses its grip.
Want a clear, step-by-step breakdown of product costs, timelines, and decisions?
My book walks through product creation without fluff, fear, or shortcuts. It is a book chalk full of answers to my readers most commonly asked questions.