Product testing does not have to be expensive if the scope is properly selected and the product is adequately prepared before testing begins. The highest expenses often do not result from the testing itself, but from errors detected too late, the need to redesign the product, prepare a new sample or repeat some measurements.
A well-planned process helps reduce this risk. That is why it is worth consulting the product with a laboratory before starting serial production or ordering a large batch from a supplier.
Do you have a product but do not know what tests will be needed? Send us its description, photos and available materials. We will help determine the next steps and prepare the process in a way that helps avoid unnecessary costs and corrections made too late.
1. Why are businesses concerned about the cost of product testing?
Testing is often associated with high costs, long waiting times and complex requirements. These concerns are especially common among companies introducing their own product to the market for the first time.
Businesses do not always know:
- what tests are needed,
- how many samples must be provided,
- whether existing documents can be used,
- which standards apply to a given product,
- whether each variant must be tested separately,
- what happens if the product fails the test.
Lack of this information makes it difficult to estimate costs. It is worth remembering, however, that a quotation should not be a random amount. It should result from the product design, its intended use and the actual scope of work.
2. What determines the cost of product testing?
There is no single price list suitable for every product. A simple luminaire will require a different scope of work than a device equipped with sensors, wireless control, a power supply and several operating modes.
The cost may depend on, among other things:
| Element | How does it affect testing? |
|---|---|
| Product design | The more complex the product, the more elements may need to be checked |
| Power supply method | Voltage, type of power supply and connection method are important |
| Additional functions | Sensors, controllers and wireless communication may increase the scope of assessment |
| Place of use | Different requirements may apply to products intended for home use, bathrooms, industrial halls or outdoor spaces |
| Number of variants | It must be determined whether one model can represent the entire series |
| Documentation | Complete information makes it easier to select tests and reduces the risk of misunderstandings |
The price therefore depends on the specific product, not only on its trade name.
3. Not every product requires the same scope of testing
The selection of tests should be individual. Two products that look similar may differ in design, voltage, materials, installation method or intended use.
For example, a luminaire used in a dry room may be subject to different requirements than a model intended for a bathroom or outdoor use. It is also important whether the product is sold as a finished device, part of a set or a component intended for further assembly.
For this reason, it is not worth ordering every possible test without prior analysis. On the other hand, necessary tests should not be omitted only to reduce the price. The correct scope should confirm the safety and compliance of the actual product.
4. The highest costs often result from lack of preparation
The most expensive situation occurs when a problem is detected after production has already started.
It may then turn out that it is necessary to:
- replace a component used in the product,
- correct the housing design,
- change cables or protective elements,
- prepare a new prototype,
- correct the instructions and markings,
- order new packaging,
- repeat some tests,
- delay product sales.
In such cases, the cost of the test itself may be much lower than the cost of correcting an entire batch of products.
5. How can product preparation reduce costs?
The best way to reduce expenses is to start discussing the product with the laboratory before approving its final version.
An initial analysis may help detect problems that are still easy to correct at the prototype stage. This may concern the design, components used, power supply method, markings or documentation.
Before testing, it is worth:
- describing the product application,
- indicating all available variants,
- preparing photos, drawings and diagrams,
- collecting documents concerning components,
- determining which sample will be tested,
- informing the laboratory about planned design changes.
This allows the laboratory to assess the scope of work more accurately, while the manufacturer reduces the risk of testing the wrong product version.
6. Can previous reports and supplier documents be used?
Yes, previous reports and component documents may be helpful, but they do not always replace the assessment of the finished product.
It is important whether the document actually applies to the component used, the same version and the appropriate testing scope. It is also necessary to check whether the product has been modified later.
Documentation for a power supply, LED module or controller may make the analysis easier. However, it does not automatically confirm that the entire product is compliant. The way components are installed, connected, cooled and protected is also important.
7. Does every change mean repeating all tests?
Not every change requires the entire process to be carried out from the beginning. However, it is necessary to assess whether the modification affects safety, operation or previous results.
A change in housing colour may not have the same significance as replacing the power supply, insulation material, controller or light source.
After a product modification, it may sometimes be enough to carry out supplementary tests only. However, the decision should result from a technical analysis, not from the manufacturer’s assumption.
8. When is the best time to submit a product to a laboratory?
It is best to do this at the prototype stage, before ordering a large batch and before final approval of the design.
It is also worth contacting the laboratory when:
- the product is being imported for the first time,
- an important component has been changed,
- a new model version is being created,
- the company does not know the requirements applicable to the product,
- the supplier has provided documents, but it is not clear whether they are sufficient.
Early consultation does not have to mean immediate full testing. It can first help organise the next steps.
9. How to prepare for a testing quotation?
It is worth attaching the following to the enquiry:
- product description and intended use,
- photos or visualisations,
- technical parameters,
- power supply method,
- list of variants,
- electrical diagram, if available,
- instructions or draft instructions,
- product markings,
- component documents,
- existing reports from previous tests.
The more accurate information the laboratory receives, the easier it is to determine the actual scope and prepare a reliable quotation.
10. Testing reduces risk, not only increases costs
Testing helps detect problems before the product reaches the user. It may reduce the risk of complaints, damage, sales suspension, product withdrawal or the need to correct an entire batch.
It is therefore not only a formal stage. It gives the manufacturer knowledge about the product and confirmation that the solutions used have been checked.
11. How can RCC help?
At RCC, we help select tests for a specific product, its design and intended use. First, we analyse the product, available documents and the company’s needs, and then determine what actions may be required. This means that the client does not choose a random set of tests, but receives a scope adapted to their product.
RCC performs, among other things, EMC, LVD, RoHS, photometric, engineering and design tests, machinery and furniture tests, as well as documentation verification. The full scope, together with descriptions of individual services, can be found on the RCC Research Services.
Do you not know which tests will be appropriate for your product? Explore our offer or contact RCC. We will help you organise the process and plan the next steps.