When to Start Thinking About Nonstick Coatings

1 Everything you need to know About Nonstick -coated housewares products FREE. When to Start Thinking About Nonstick Coatings The sooner in the product development cycle the better, for these here are no text books or training courses written on the subject . T but product development is a critical part of our industry's land- scape. Every season, every plan, every merchandise assortment involves Thinking of new ideas and new ways to revitalize, reenergize and reinvigorate sales. It starts with an idea, often a list of various ideas as a result of a brain- storming session. Then, through a steady blend of evolution and negotia- tion, the strongest of them eventually become products on a vessel to a distribution center.

2 This topic, and more, can The Product Development Cycle be found on the Product Knowledge website, in the In any given season, those dealing with product development must Product Knowledge section. deal with the development cycle for 3 to 4 seasons at the same time. And, since brand new development begins 12 to 18 months ahead of time, this means that projects for coming seasons are in progress right now. At the same time, they must manage orders and shipments that are either on the way, or are already here for the current season. Add to that products that are in the middle stages of development for the seasons in between, and it's easy to see how some details can get lost in the shuffle.

3 When should you Start asking About Nonstick Coatings ? This is a simple one to remember: the sooner the better. The compo- nents of a product are often where the hang-ups occur, so the sooner you ask all your questions or conduct all your research, the more likely you are to avoid problems in the development cycle. When it comes to Coatings , there is so much more than meets the eye, from new or changing technology, to standard (but often overlooked) criti- cal application information. One minor variation in information like the Go to: 1. Idea 8. Ship 2. Market and sell research In every season, those dealing with product development 7. must deal with the devel- Production, 3.

4 Design packaging opment cycle for 3-4 sea- sons at the same time. As the goods begin to ship, the next cycle begins. 6. Pre- production 4. Sourcing 5. Sampling change from pressed to cast aluminum can im- Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these prob- pact coating selection or application dramatically. lems from happening. For basic housewares prod- The Devil is in the details ucts, one easy and efficient way is to have a contact If you were asked to make a list of obstacles and with key secondary resources especially when it problems you faced on your last 10 projects, we'd comes to Coatings . bet that more than half were About issues you either Bringing it all together didn't think you had to raise or didn't know you had We bring it all together by taking the product de- to ask.

5 You are not the first and you won't be the last. velopment cycle, and the questions and issues dealt We at Whitford's retail marketing team started these with at each stage, along with the questions and is- newsletters for that very reason to share what we sues that you should be considering if a coating will have experienced and learned along the way. be or could be used (see chart next page). Go to: Questions we can answer for Stage Description coating considerations Idea This initial stage looks at ways of doing Are there any aspects of the product or things better either by improving an any problems that a coating could existing product or finding a product solve?

6 Could a coating bring a new that solves a specific need. aspect of technology or a new feature? Market Now that you have the ideas, are they What are the current coating trends? research feasible? Is anyone else doing it or Which coating is best for my product? something similar? If so, how can it be What options do I have to achieve my done better/differently? If not, why? Is desired price and performance level? there a real need for it? The list gets narrowed down to a core list. Design The core list has been evaluated and Could a coating save me money on edited, and now you look at how it will achieving a specific feature? Could a be made; can it be made?

7 Construction coating impact performance or simplify and features are all identified. Testing a production concern? requirements and standards are listed. Sourcing Which factories? Which countries? Are Are there factories that are better suited special applications or materials for my project? Does my existing fac- needed? Begin pricing and evaluating tory know how to apply this coating options at all factories. material? What costs are involved? Sampling Dialog with each vendor identified be- Can I evaluate two different coating gins. Pricing, sampling and testing are systems? What performance criteria under way. One vendor is selected at should I consider and how are they the end of this process.

8 Tested? Pre- First samples are made, tweaking of Does the factory have all the coating production specs, fittings, packaging and all com- samples and materials needed to com- ponents are put to the test. Deal with plete my samples? Can the factory get potential obstacles. Final samples are technical support during production? submitted for approval. Art for packag- ing to be completed. Production Once final samples are approved, pro- Obtain the marketing materials, logos & packaging duction begins with the ship date fast and use and care information for the approaching. coating being used. Ship Product makes the selected vessel and Help with customer questions and help & sell gets underway to the selling floor.

9 In training sales associates to be fully armed to sell and move the product. The Whitford Retail Marketing team is always and money. You can contact us quickly and easily ready to help you at any stage (or at all stages) of at this email: the product development cycle. Make sure to con- Want more information like this? Log on to our tact us with any question or challenge to save time website: Go to: The Cookware Manufacturers Association lends a helping hand to the PKN. he Cookware Manufacturers Association us access to the Buyer's Guide information, and T (CMA) has been a US independent, authori- tative source of valuable information on cook- it is now part of our website.

10 All of this content greatly enhances PKN, adding information on ware and bakeware since 1922. In late 2004, the such important topics as cooking methods (es- CMA began to offer retail buyers a comprehen- sential to understanding the other topics), sub- sive series of educational papers. strates, and handles and their attachments. In 2011, after the redesign of The Product We (and those who use our site) are grateful Knowledge Network website, the CMA granted to the CMA for their help! Where good ideas come to the surface Email: web: Whitford 2012. Created by the Retail Marketing Team at Whitford, the PKN offers you everything you need to know About Nonstick -coated housewares products.