Product Launch Checklist Generator

A minimum viable launch can be done in 2-4 weeks if you have the product ready. A thorough launch with proper branding, website, marketing and fulfilment setup typically takes 1-3 months. Complex products with regulatory requirements (food, cosmetics, electronics) may take 3-6 months or more.

Key requirements include: registering with HMRC for tax, consumer rights compliance (Consumer Rights Act 2015), distance selling regulations for online sales, GDPR compliance for customer data, product safety standards, correct labelling, and appropriate business insurance. Some products require specific licences or certifications.

Costs vary hugely. A basic online launch can be done for under GBP 500 (domain, basic branding, Shopify trial). A professional launch with custom branding, photography, initial stock and marketing typically costs GBP 2,000-10,000. Physical products with manufacturing costs can require GBP 10,000-50,000+ in initial investment.

Marketplaces (Amazon, Etsy) provide immediate access to buyers but take higher fees and give less brand control. Your own website offers better margins and full control but requires marketing to drive traffic. Many successful sellers start on marketplaces to validate demand, then add their own website.

A trademark is not legally required to launch, but it is strongly recommended. Filing a UK trademark application costs GBP 170 for one class and provides 10 years of protection. Without a trademark, another business could register your brand name and force you to rebrand. Search the IPO register before committing to a name.

Product liability insurance is essential for physical products (covers claims from defective products causing injury or damage). Public liability insurance covers accidents on your premises or at events. Professional indemnity covers advice-based services. Typical costs range from GBP 50-300 per year for small businesses.

Start with all costs (materials, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, platform fees, returns, marketing). Add your target margin (aim for 50%+ gross margin on physical products). Research competitor pricing. Consider psychological pricing (GBP 29.99 vs GBP 30). Test with a launch offer and adjust based on demand.

VAT registration is mandatory when your taxable turnover exceeds GBP 90,000 in a rolling 12-month period. You can register voluntarily before this threshold, which allows you to reclaim VAT on business purchases but requires charging 20% VAT on sales and filing quarterly returns. Voluntary registration can benefit businesses with significant input costs.

Key success factors include: validated demand before investing heavily, professional branding and photography, a clear unique selling proposition, a pre-launch audience (email list, social following), a compelling launch offer, reliable fulfilment and customer service, and a plan for post-launch marketing and retention.

Start building your audience 4-8 weeks before launch. Create a coming soon landing page with email capture. Share behind-the-scenes content on social media. Reach out to potential customers and gather feedback. Consider a soft launch with friends and family. Offer early-bird pricing or exclusive access to your email list.