Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business

Azhelle Wade | The Toy Coach | Toy Creators Academy
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How do I bring my toy ideas to life? How can I pitch my toy concept to top toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel, or Goliath Games? What does it cost to make a prototype, and where can I get one made? Are there toy manufacturing options outside of China? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on this weekly podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. In addition to mini toy masterclasses, and step-by-step guides, each episode is designed to help you take immediate action toward developing, presenting, licensing, and producing your next big toy or game idea. Learn how to find the right factory, negotiate manufacturing costs, and use successful sales techniques to get your product noticed by major toy companies.Meet Your HostAzhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach, has been in the toy industry since 2010. With 3 toy patents, multiple toy awards, and a track record of managing multi-million-dollar toy lines for companies like Toys R Us, Party City, Madame Alexander, and Creative Kids, Azhelle brings passionate and enthusiastic toy industry expertise to every episode. Join thousands of toy creators and entrepreneurs who are making their toy dreams real with Making It In The Toy Industry!

  1. #285: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Michael Harring

    -5 ДН.

    #285: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Michael Harring

    Should you launch your toy on Kickstarter? That’s the question that we’re going to explore today.  TCA alumni Michael Harring, launched Wayward Ghouls and his line of Squeaks toys on Kickstarter as what he says is “just a test.” With the goal of $49,000, Michael’s almost at 50% with a $19,000 pledge but he shared in our interview that for some reason, pledges have stalled.  In this week’s episode, you’ll hear a real coaching call between Michael and myself, where we dig into what’s actually working, what might be holding things back, and how to make progress when your audience is small and your campaign starts to stall. I’ll share why embracing “done is better than perfect” can move your launch forward, how even a tiny list can lead to big results, and how to tweak your offer without losing your creative vision. Plus, you’ll get tips for building long-term IP loyalty, even on a budget. If you're planning to launch your toy on Kickstarter or wondering if you should, this is the episode you’ll want to hear before you hit publish. Learn more at www.toycreatorsacademy.com Listen for these Important Moments! [05:12] -  Why testing your toy idea on Kickstarter is still worth it even with limited reach. [17:35] -  How to assess your offer, pricing, and product mix when momentum slows down. [28:10] -  Why perfection can hurt your progress and how to get feedback that leads to clarity. [41:20] -  Simple strategies that turn tiny lists into powerful backer communities.  [53:45]  -  How to think beyond the campaign and build lasting fan loyalty on any budget. Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    1 ч. 3 мин.
  2. #284: What the End of De Minimis Means for Toy Creators

    3 СЕНТ.

    #284: What the End of De Minimis Means for Toy Creators

    For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you’re not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. The change, quietly confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, caused immediate disruption. Over 25 countries (including the UK, Germany, and Japan) paused shipments to reassess compliance. Platforms like Temu and Wish began overhauling logistics, while DTC creators abroad faced surprise duties, delays, and frustrated customers. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down what the end of the De Minimis Exemption actually means for creators like you. This change isn’t just about shipping fees and forms, it’s about who wins, who loses, and how you can thrive in a newly leveled playing field. Using a mind map, I’ll guide you through the four big areas impacted by this shift: the immediate chaos it’s caused, what strategies and tools are suddenly more valuable, what old tricks are now holding brands back, and who’s rising to the top as this new landscape takes shape. This episode is a wake-up call and a strategic roadmap, all in one. Listen for These Important Moments: [00:09:12] - Avoid tariffs and delays. Warehousing in the U.S. now gives you speed, savings, and a serious competitive edge.[00:11:53] - New customs rules are hitting Temu and Shein hard, giving legit brands room to shine and reclaim their sales.[00:21:00] - Stable SKUs and digital add-ons help offset costs and keep products flowing under new import rules.[00:25:50] - Solo sellers outside the U.S. now face bigger delays and thinner margins. Without a warehouse, you’re stuck.[00:29:54] - U.S.-based creators, brands with warehousing, and fulfillment partners are leading the pack. Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    36 мин.
  3. #283: 3 Costly Mistakes That Toy Creators Make with Factories

    27 АВГ.

    #283: 3 Costly Mistakes That Toy Creators Make with Factories

    I’ll never forget the time I asked a factory to “just move the pen and scissors down a little” on a packaging layout. What came back? A sample where the entire arrangement was totally rearranged and the design I’d worked so hard on was completely off. Communicating with factories is one of the most exciting parts of the toy-making journey, but one vague email can lead to total toy-making mayhem. If you’re not specific, clear, and intentional with your feedback, even tiny comments can snowball into major delays, color mismatches, or products that completely miss the mark. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down the three most common mistakes new toy makers make when working with overseas factories and how to avoid them with confidence. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why vague feedback like “a little shorter” can lead to big problems (and what to say instead).The reason Pantone colors are your best friend in product development.How rushing to approve samples from photos or video can completely backfire.What a pre-production sample is and why it’s absolutely essential.If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to say to a factory, how to give feedback, or when to say “go,” this episode is your crash course in clear communication and smart production practices. It’s packed with tips that will save you serious time (and money) as you scale your toy business. Listen for These Important Moments [00:01:05] -  How using Pantone colors protects you from costly color mismatches and miscommunication with your factory.[00:09:52] - Discover why vague comments lead to bad samples and how to give clear, factory-friendly directions that save time and money.[00:14:37] - Hear my story of how one vague request wrecked an entire product layout and how you can avoid the same frustrating (and expensive) result.[00:16:55] - Find out why approving samples from photos or videos is a huge risk and what has to happen before you say “go” to production.[00:21:10] - Learn how hands-on sample reviews reveal hidden issues with materials, weight, or function and how this one step can prevent bad reviews, safety issues, and recalls.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    28 мин.
  4. #282: Why Toy Companies Are Switching to Manufacturing in India with Joshua Punin

    20 АВГ.

    #282: Why Toy Companies Are Switching to Manufacturing in India with Joshua Punin

    Even with the recent increased tariffs on India, many of my clients and students have been seeking out new factory partnerships in this country. For decades, China has been the go-to destination for toy production, and they are indisputably the best at producing high quality goods quickly,  but what happens when rising costs, shipping delays, and shifting global policies force toy makers to look elsewhere? That’s the exact question that international toy expert and Source 4 India co-founder Joshua Punin has been exploring for the past 16+ years. With firsthand experience helping major brands expand across Asia and deep ties to India’s emerging toy manufacturing scene, Joshua has become a powerful voice advocating for alternative sourcing strategies.  In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Joshua and I cover: Why a shift in India’s import tariffs sparked a nationwide manufacturing movement.The surprising challenges and advantages of producing toys in India.What startup creators need to know before reaching out to Indian factories.Why sourcing outside of China isn’t about replacing, it’s about expanding your opportunities.How India’s skilled labor force, tax incentives, and infrastructure make it one to watch.If you’ve been curious about what it would really look like to source outside of China, or you’ve heard whispers about India but didn’t know where to start, this episode is your starting point. Hit play to discover new possibilities and learn what it really takes to make that shift. Listen For These Important Moments: [00:19:12] -  Discover how policy changes and infrastructure improvements are creating real opportunities for both startups and established brands.[00:25:10] - Not every toy is a perfect fit, save time and money by understanding what India can (and can’t) do efficiently right now.[00:27:46] - Get clarity on production expectations so you can plan your launch and scale strategy with confidence.[00:28:44] - Shipping from India could be cheaper and faster than you think, especially if you're selling in Europe or the Middle East.[00:31:19] - Hear what Joshua looks for in potential clients and how to position your startup to be taken seriously by manufacturers. Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    49 мин.
  5. #281: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Carrie Shaked

    13 АВГ.

    #281: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Carrie Shaked

    Building forts is a rite of passage for most kids and often the bane of organized parents. I can still picture my mom, coming home late from running her business, to find chairs flipped sideways, blankets draped across them, boxes forming doorways, and my brother and I, tucked away inside playing. It was 100% an eyesore to my parents and 1000% a safety hazard. That universal problem is exactly what architect and TCA Accelerator student Carrie Shaked, founder of Design Laughter, set out to solve. Her buildable fort system transforms messy blanket chaos into stunning, structurally sound cardboard domes that are easy to assemble, customizable, and beautiful enough to live in your living room. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, you’ll listen in on a real 1:1 coaching call with Carrie. We cover: How her architecture background inspired a toy unlike anything else on the market.Why families cried (in a good way!) during playtesting.Smart email collection strategies and social media tips for camera-shy founders.How today’s manufacturing climate might give small startups an edge.If you’ve ever looked at your child’s chaotic fort and thought, There’s gotta be a better way, this conversation will remind you that there’s room in the toy industry for your vision, too. Hit play on this episode to get inspired, and allow yourself to imagine bringing your unique idea to this industry. Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    1 ч.
  6. #280: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Courtney Smithee

    6 АВГ.

    #280: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Courtney Smithee

    Ever wondered why all baby toys are so bright and loud? all primary and neon colors? Aesthetic-focused moms are craving a change. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m bringing you a powerful coaching session that spotlights someone who's filling that market opportunity. Playcor is a brand on a mission to make toys that look as beautiful as the homes they live in. Courtney Smithee, an interior designer turned toy inventor and student of Toy Creators Academy, is the founder of Playcor, a line of high-end, neutral-colored silicone toys that blend beautifully into modern homes. These aren’t just kids’ toys in a different colorway, but they’re multifunctional age-appropriate playthings that double as home decor. Imagine a designer-quality scalloped bowl that doubles as a rattle, and decorative silicone balls that are both chic and safe for play. That’s Playcor. In this episode, you’ll hear how Courtney is managing product development, navigating international factory communications while pregnant, and finding clarity in the chaotic early stages of launching a toy brand. We dig into her most challenging SKU, how she’s simplifying her marketing strategy as a mom of three, and the major mindset shifts that helped her go from overwhelmed to intentional. We’ll also celebrate some BIG wins like the moment guests walked into her home, saw her toy prototypes on display, and didn’t even realize they were toys. So if you’ve got a creative idea and you’re wondering if it has a place in the toy world, let this episode be your sign. Tune in, get inspired, and imagine what you could create, maybe even inside Toy Creators Academy with me by your side. Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    44 мин.
  7. #279: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Kieche O’Connell

    30 ИЮЛ.

    #279: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Kieche O’Connell

    The most innovative toy ideas I’ve ever seen come from people outside the toy industry. When I met Dr. Kieche O’Connell, the creator of Catoms, I was completely blown away. She found a way to merge her love of science and the periodic table into a collectible plush toy line. Kieche’s deep understanding of chemistry and the unique traits of each element gave her the ability to create an expansive world of characters with complex personalities and traits that drive her brand’s storytelling forward. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m sitting down with Kieche, a PhD chemist turned toy creator, who reimagined the periodic table as a world of personality-packed cat characters called Catoms, each inspired by the traits of real chemical elements. During our coaching session, we talk through the highs and lows of product development, how her experience in Toy Creators Academy and in TCA Accelerator Program helped her move from concept to physical toy prototypes, and why Catoms has so much potential in today’s toy market. You’ll also hear about her Licensing Expo win, the mindset shift that helped her get over her fear of social media, and how authentic storytelling can transform the way you market educational toys to both kids and adults. Listen for these Important Moments! [00:00:30] – Learn how to turn a science or education background into a unique toy concept that stands out in the industry.[00:09:25] – Discover how early pitching (and winning at Licensing Expo) can give your toy idea real industry traction.[00:20:10] – Get a simple strategy for overcoming fear of social media and sharing your toy brand with confidence.[00:31:03] – Understand the full plush toy development process from pivoting your product to communicating with factories.[00:41:00] – Learn how to refine your brand, develop packaging, and shift your target audience for long-term growth. Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    53 мин.
  8. #278: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Manish Punwani

    23 ИЮЛ.

    #278: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Manish Punwani

    Ever feel like your toy or game idea is too niche or catch yourself wondering if you’ve really got what it takes to break into the industry? Maybe you’ve been sitting on a killer concept, or you’re already knee-deep in prototypes and second guesses. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m chatting with TCA alum and current Accelerator student Manish Punwani, who proves that with the right guidance and a whole lot of passion, even the most unexpected game themes can find their place in the market. Manish shares his journey from working in merchandising to launching Cricket or Nothing, a suspense-filled, strategy card game that turns the classic sport of cricket into a brainy, poker-like duel.  You’ll hear why he walked away from his first concept and instead went all in on cricket. We talk about what it really takes to prepare for a Kickstarter campaign and how you can start laying the groundwork now. You’ll also hear why tapping into passionate cultural communities is a genius launch, and how TCA coaching helped Manish see both his idea and his audience in a brand new light. This episode gives you a glimpse of what it really looks like to build a game from the ground up while learning, pivoting, and connecting with the right people along the way. If you want to be a part of Toy Creators Academy and get the opportunity to join the Accelerator as a graduate, visit toycreatorsacademy.com today. Listen for these Important Moments! [00:06:08] - Find out why Manish scrapped his original game concept and how trusting feedback can lead to a better product fit.[00:11:11] - Discover how this game turns cricket into a mind-game-packed, poker-style showdown that grabs attention even from non-cricket fans.[00:09:19] - Hear how Manish realized licensing wasn’t the only option and why launching it himself became the smarter move.[00:20:19] - Learn why marketing to fans who already love your theme (like cricket) is the fastest way to build a loyal audience.[00:27:06] - Get practical tips on how to use low-cost ads and landing pages to grow a ready-to-buy audience for your launch.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail! Support the show Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

    53 мин.
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How do I bring my toy ideas to life? How can I pitch my toy concept to top toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel, or Goliath Games? What does it cost to make a prototype, and where can I get one made? Are there toy manufacturing options outside of China? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on this weekly podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. In addition to mini toy masterclasses, and step-by-step guides, each episode is designed to help you take immediate action toward developing, presenting, licensing, and producing your next big toy or game idea. Learn how to find the right factory, negotiate manufacturing costs, and use successful sales techniques to get your product noticed by major toy companies.Meet Your HostAzhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach, has been in the toy industry since 2010. With 3 toy patents, multiple toy awards, and a track record of managing multi-million-dollar toy lines for companies like Toys R Us, Party City, Madame Alexander, and Creative Kids, Azhelle brings passionate and enthusiastic toy industry expertise to every episode. Join thousands of toy creators and entrepreneurs who are making their toy dreams real with Making It In The Toy Industry!

Информация

  • Автор
    Azhelle Wade | The Toy Coach | Toy Creators Academy
  • Годы выхода
    2020 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    286
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © 2025 The Toy Coach
  • Сайт подкаста
    Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business

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