Create your own custom Vinyl toy | Process breakdown

Taking a break from our usual content this week, I break down how we created our custom vinyl toy - from pricing to factory process!
OUR VINYL TOY
thehappytoolbox.com/merch/too...
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[@happytoolbox]

Here is a video on what manufacturer I used! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZO5iZWqqpWriKs

[@ZebulonPottery]

was the prototype vinyl or was it resin printed?

[@brot5246]

Interesting story. Back in the late 1990's I needed some ink for a shirt we were printing, so I called the ink manufacturer and asked to order some pantone 185. They said it was copyright color and I could not have it, so I get in touch with their ink mixer and he gave me the formula for "Strawberry red".

[@neptoons3223]

Cool

[@KaiBloodtalon]

This video was incredibly informative. Especially because of the cost breakdown.

[@zulphameyers6913]

Thank you so much for this. Really resourceful and inspiring.

[@happytoolbox]

Glad I could help!

[@zulphameyers6913]

@@happytoolbox May I kindly ask a question please. When submitting the artwork to the manufacturers did you only supply the them with a 3D render or did you have to send through the artwork in a different format. example: digital illustrations of each side of the vinyl toy? or do they recreate the artwork simply from the 3D render you supplied them with. :)

[@happytoolbox]

@@zulphameyers6913 Sorry for the delay! I sent side, top, front etc renders of the 3D model and I actually went ahead and sent the 3D model in .fbx format to them as well. I don't believe they need a full 3D model they can make it from drawings.

[@szrddmcustomtoy]

Maybe you can ask me for help.

[@panchalpurvang8724]

Hello ma'am, We are wooden toy manufacturers. If you want to make toys, we can.💐

[@3TQHAJSHNQ]

Thanks so much for making this. I recently have gotten pretty obsessed with modelling toys and this was the exact video I was looking for.

[@irawanrizkyunayat7111]

Thanks for sharing the process, really helpful!

[@bobasharks]

this is so helpful to see an overview of process of getting toys manufactured! and the happy toolbox is so cute! the price is actually not as high as i thought it would be for a smaller quantity

[@MikeM-pr7po]

Thank you sir! This is the most useful video I've seen so far

[@Lunamooniee]

Very helpful and up to date process video! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge:)

[@alexold8183]

Wow what a great breakdown. Thanks for putting it together

[@happytoolbox]

No problem!

[@Mortez88]

This was so helpful, I had no idea how easy mass producing your own stuff is!

[@kenosabi]

As long as your willing to put in the effort and have no issues telling someone when something is wrong, we live in a world where you really can have about anything made if you've got the money. Wild time to live. Lol.

[@colebeckham157]

You’re a hero for making this video my guy. Thank you!!

[@happytoolbox]

glad to help! Couldn't find anything out myself when I looked so figured I'd make a video of my experience!

[@BirdHouseCountry]

Fantastic video ! Very informative.

[@HandleToBeDetermined]

This vid was insightful, I'll use it as a reference in the future

[@Wol-Un99]

This is amazing! Thanks for this video, it will really help as I create my first vinyl toy.

[@happytoolbox]

Glad to hear it, good luck!

[@titounort]

This is amazing! thanks for al the tips!

[@Giovanikc]

Oh man, this video gave me more confidence to start a project like that on my own.

[@happytoolbox]

go go go!

[@musubi-bi]

really informational, thanks for going step by step!

[@biggywan9765]

God thank you, you’re like the only I’ve seen making a tutorial on this

[@siidnal1343]

this was EXTREMELY helpful!!

[@happytoolbox]

Glad to hear it!!

[@jarabito001]

hey man thank you so much for sharing this experience. really appreciated :)

[@meghanwebster9864]

Thanks for sharing the process!

[@happytoolbox]

No problem!

[@SlobZombie]

Great video, learned alot Really appreciate it

[@chaitanyaprasad6924]

Amazing Stuff!!!

[@noodless]

looks great btw!

[@kmecha-z4353]

This is very resourceful. it helps a lot :)

[@crudominiatures]

thanks so much for sharing this!!! it is good to be able to make myself an idea of the costs of doing a sofubi toy. Thanks again!! 😊🙌🏼

[@happytoolbox]

No problem! Prices were so hard to find when I was looking for info so glad this helped!

[@Akito_gachaglobe]

Thx I’ve been dying to make a vinyl toy You really helped me so thank you

[@happytoolbox]

Happy to share my experience!

[@Chillector]

This is so informative! I wish I could create & take courage to produce like that 🧡

[@happytoolbox]

You should!

[@mindwhacker]

Super helpful! Thx

[@FrankMontano]

Thank you!! Found this video very reassuring. I’ve been meaning to explore this same adventure. The tiny tool box looks great!

[@andreystark7548]

Thank you for share it to us Best Wishes

[@catherinelau929]

Thank you for this great video! During the whole process from concept to final product, what was the biggest challenge you encountered?

[@VictoriousGlory]

thanks, this was very informative

[@happytoolbox]

Happy to help!

[@codyeasonBGR]

This is great

[@kgmye]

Thanks 🙌🏻

[@happytoolbox]

No problem!

[@sarnax74]

so cool !!!! ty !!

[@MrElteegre]

Man this is like my dream tooo 😄👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@untitledlabel]

this is pretty cool, I recently interviewed Xelephant on his vinyl toy collection.

[@minifigbounty]

Thanks for this video! So informative! I do wonder, for a vinyl toy do you put a copyright on it or a patent? Thanks in advance for any info on this.

[@iandemoura4185]

Thank you for the video! I'm a Toy Designer in Brazil, i project educational wooden toys, but i was wondering about create my own products.

[@adrianzamora5765]

Great video, would you mind sharing which manufacturer you worked with or is that secret? I'm interested in doing something similar and it seems like this company did a good job.

[@joshuacarver3638]

Loved the video! Any chance you could post the material used in blender that made it look so good? I am an inspiring toy maker myself and would love to use that material to show off my builds to customers!

[@annualgiftman9472]

So cute! : )

[@happytoolbox]

Thank you!

[@Seaskunk]

I appreciated this informative video and the toolbox is very cute! Can you say again what 3D program you used? Also, if you had just wanted the one after all would you message the company and wouldn’t need to get the other 99 toys?

[@happytoolbox]

I used cinema 4d but blender Is free if you’re looking to get into 3D modeling. You have to order a minimum quantity and I found no one who would do just 1. The smallest amount I found is around 30. You do get your 1 single nice prototype but it isn’t in the final quality vinyl as the mass produced ones. It’s more of just a painted 3D print. But still cool to have.

[@Landon_Hughes]

Such a high quality video! You got another sub from me :)

[@happytoolbox]

Thank you!

[@stankwho]

I would get a 3d printer and prototype and mold on that. Make a small production run see if there's interest first before sending it out to a factory

[@Qoobee]

Great work man! and Nice toy! Do you have the name of the company that made the toy for you? I am also interested to make some vinyl toys. Thank you so much in advance :)

[@oBur3n]

Did you gave them the 3d model and details of your toy right away? Can you ask right away the manufacturer quote for all of (initial prototype, Mold&Mass production and packaging)? Really thanks for the video, it really helps

[@REIQ]

Wonder why you didn’t do the tools for it

[@SnappyScience]

This video was exactly what I needed. I have already started Alibaba research because I understand that part but I'm not a 3D designer so Upwork was a great recommend. Question, once you have the mould, if you did a second run but only wanted to change the colours, how complicated would this make that step? I imagine you don't need a new mould. Thanks again

[@happytoolbox]

I did not do another color run but I'm sure that would be pretty easy since the metal mold is the most expensive piece. Might have to try that out my self!

[@Pipi_Channel]

that was a really nice tutorial, can you tell me how much does your vendor originally put on the site for cost per piece? (cuz I'm assuming they had $5/piece on the site and at the end charging you many additional fees to pump it up to $38/piece )

[@stuart6478]

the point is, it's expensive for short runs. get over it

[@szrddmcustomtoy]

Yes, you are right, all these steps are correct, if someone wants to make vinyl toys, SZRDDM can help you from design to prototype realization, we are a custom toy factory in China

[@HelenaZaerra888]

Did you have to do the paint job yourself or is it made by the supplier ? Is it include in the price ? Thanks you 😊

[@rororomon9755]

Thanks for the video Very informative. Like the cute design. One question once the manufacturer created the mold do you get to keep it once you no longer need it?

[@happytoolbox]

Sorry for the delay, I believe you can request to own the mold but they might charge you extra since the ideally want you to go back to them to create more toys. I kept it with them since they were a good company to work with and I plan on going back and using the mold for a cheaper price point since it's already created.

[@RUSSIAN_SPY_INC]

@@happytoolbox WHAT WAS THE UNIT PRICE ROUND TWO, OR AT LEAST WOULD BE? (oops caps)

[@lostlegacyentertainment8905]

Hi first good video but i have a Question i am in the uk and i want to start a line of figures and toys but i have just one problem every custom toy makeer i look in to will not do under 1k units and i just cant pay for 1k units can you tell me a createor thet wood do about 30 or 100

[@MusicBeSweetYo]

I'm actually surprised at the level of quality and service you got for what you paid. I would have thought the initial costs would be much higher.

[@alfredmanzano680]

Super informative! Thank you! Insta sub

[@happytoolbox]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ryanpatrick1739]

2:44 what are the chances of finding Juliete in this video 🇧🇷

[@janbreburda]

This wants me to do my own little toy

[@MTB214]

Would they be able to help with the 3D design of it if you give artwork of it?

[@happytoolbox]

I believe some of these companies can do that. I would just request that as part of the job and I'm sure they could accommodate. I did another vinyl toy where I had a 3D model but did not have any joints or internal parts of the character and they were able to add those for me, so I'm sure it's not a far stretch for a company to do full 3D.

[@Davidwentworthart]

do you know if any of these places are able or offer production with recycled material? i'd love to make one that is more eco-friendly

[@happytoolbox]

Good question. I would love that too. I think it will be pretty hard through this method to achieve that unless you have someone on the ground floor in China. I’ll keep looking around but so far there isn’t an easy method

[@Christina24life]

So there’s no DIY mix for vinyl like the store bought resin mix?

[@happytoolbox]

To my understanding no because to cure Vinyl It needs to be a metal mold and then heated to a high heat to cure. So it’s not as DIY’able as resin etc. unless you have that type of equipment.

[@maxim115]

Is there a specific 3d file format or software for this? I'm using Blender and wondering if the OBJ files will work

[@happytoolbox]

OBJ files or FBX files should work out great with most vendors. I like FBX files because it keeps the structure of the file in-tact better.

[@dwillmaticw2621]

Which vendor did you go with? PM me?

[@thomasfung5065]

What about copywriting/protecting your design? How does one do that??

[@happytoolbox]

That's a harder problem. Mainly about trust with a company but when looking into copywriting a character it has to meet certain requirements and takes a really long time. Best bet is to look at the copyright website for whatever country you live in and go from there.

[@shodri92]

Oh man, I just discovered your channel and I'm sad I can't buy that toolbox anymore 😢😢😢😢

[@happytoolbox]

😭 we sold out so pulled the page down. Might do a re-do eventually and will let you know!

[@poorpolarbear]

hey did you have to pay customs in the US?

[@happytoolbox]

Yes, I think it was only $50 for shipping and customs

[@overkillforever1]

See, my issue is where can I find a manufacture for my toys. Like, I got sketches, I got resources to fund 3D sculpts, and I’ve got plans but I’m having a hard time getting a list of manufacturers that will produce my toys. Nobody lists out specific ones and I’ve constantly searched and having a hard time find them. I have Kickstarter plans for both a line of plush toys and vinyl toys and besides the plush toys being easier to be found, I can hardly find manufacturers for vinyl figures for the Kickstarter process. It’s like nobody wants to list out specific manufacturers for some reason.

[@happytoolbox]

I get it, I think part of the reason is that sometimes these manufactures actually change and people use many manufacturers per specific job. It's also the sense of they did so much research to find them so so can you. Just have to dig a little on Alibaba. I gave you everything but the manufacturer I used, you've got this!

[@szrddmcustomtoy]

You can try to get to know us😄😄

[@Mikelar_ee]

Overall how long was this process from start to finish? 3 months?

[@happytoolbox]

Took about 4 months for the whole factory process; from the first email to the final product at my door. The 3D modeling process took me about 3 hours.

[@Mikelar_ee]

@@happytoolbox Do you have a patent? How did you protect your model from the manufacturers copying your design?

[@happytoolbox]

@@Mikelar_ee in the process of getting my logo trademarked but didn’t go much deeper with the factory than stating that. Everything gets copied in one way or another so I’m not personally worried about it that much. Finding a good supplier and factory with a good reputation should help.

[@Mikelar_ee]

@@happytoolbox appreciate it 🙏🏾 best of luck man.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

@@Mikelar_ee yeah unfortunately you will often see the same factory selling YOUR designed toy for $1 a piece to anyone who pays. And often times if you ask for a sample, they’ll give previously produced toys to you. It’s just China and their lack of accountability.

[@MeauxGreenMusic]

Can you please share the supplier?? Would help to know since they are trustworthy. Thanks!

[@happytoolbox]

Made another video about that on my page! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZO5iZWqqpWriKs

[@alejandroovalles4823]

Hi! Love your toy. Can you give the name of the factory? That will help a lot of people

[@happytoolbox]

Posted it in my latest video!

[@alejandroovalles4823]

Thanks a lot!

[@calimantv]

pannetone? or rather PANTONE?

[@happytoolbox]

PANTONE

[@averyblox9778]

ima do that at 30k subs

[@noodless]

if you ever need a good packaging manufacturer next time, lmk cus ik a good one 😢

[@bluhbie9105]

Who?

[@crazycrookerr]

the Text on the Back of the box is total Hogwash. The I loved the video very cool process!

[@happytoolbox]

Great comment, very inspiring.

[@crazycrookerr]

@@happytoolbox I strive to inspire others what can I say? Loved the video 0 hate at all, just found the caption a tad cheesy !

[@myyoutube2910]

It's pan tone, not Pana tone. Great video, thank you very much!

[@happytoolbox]

I'll never hear the end of this :D Thank you!

[@myyoutube2910]

@@happytoolbox 😂😂😂 sorry bud

[@stefaniedc1128]

My brother, it’s not pronounced “pannetone”, it’s pronounced “Pan-Tone”. Like a frying PAN and the TONE of the song.

[@happytoolbox]

haha I'm going to get roasted till the end of time for this.

[@TrashcanScienceStuff]

i make toys using silicone molds/ resin 3d printed molds, working alone i can make 100 for about 4 usd per unit and from my location(morocco) i can ship them anywhere in the world for less than 9 usd, let me know if you want a deal in future projects.

[@adeadchannel4129]

Do you have any pictures of your product or a website?

[@Cortez04]

Hello where can i contact you

[@peterjohn5500]

Why'd you go with vinyl and not another type of plastic? Isn't vinyl considered toxic to kids?

[@happytoolbox]

Yeah this is specifically a "designer toy" it's not meant for kids. Kids toy manufacturing is another ballgame where material matters a lot more.

[@nateneesvig9978]

Pantone*

[@nateneesvig9978]

Extremely informative and helpful video though!

[@madshader]

It literally says 300 and you kept saying "30". Am I losing my mind? And he kept saying "Panatone". Have I been saying Pantone wrong all this time too? I'm so confused...

[@happytoolbox]

That’s why I put the asterisks saying *300 :( I read it wrong while recording. And you’re correct in your pronunciation.

[@slashbat2375]

Did you have to go to the bank because the money was going internationally? I really like to do EFTs just from my banking app, it sounds like such a hassle to go to the bank

[@thompsonevergreen8006]

Bro $60 come on now

[@roda2007MojoRodo]

pan-tone not panatone lol great video though

[@LuisMendoza-pp9qi]

You would've make it cheaper YOURSELF by 3D Printing a mold and use colored resin and the putting it together...it's some work but it would've cost you no more than 300 dollars

[@GuzForster]

Stop saying PanAtone please :D

[@happytoolbox]

okay BRB I'll go re-record this whole video thnx :D

[@wyattarthur5275]

This video's kind of useless, Like I guess but this is how to pay some body else to do the work, not how to make a Vinyl figure

[@happytoolbox]

Haha plenty of craft videos out there to watch. This is how I personally went about it because I don’t own a million dollar factory for mass production.

[@thedesignertoydragon6807]

@@happytoolbox great video, im making a toy too. questions, you said you got 100 units, and if you needed more you would pay just the unit price? so no minimums or setup fees? also have you looked at us manufacturers? i saw a company that does a aluminum mold but it only last 2,000 times and there is a setup fee of 500 per run.