1. Legal & Business Setup
Choose a business name and check domain availability.
Register your LLC:
Research state-specific requirements.
File LLC paperwork (can be done online in most states).
Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
Open a business bank account and set up payment processors (Stripe, PayPal).
Draft a basic business plan:
Mission statement.
Revenue model: Collar sales + subscription service.
Budget allocation.
Secure basic liability insurance for product and operations.
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Hardware Development Prototype Stage
Finalize hardware requirements: GPS module, LTE module, accelerometer, power management, and wireless charging. Purchase prototyping components: ZX905 board or equivalent, battery, antennas, etc. Development boards like the Walter or Nordic Thingy:91 for testing. Test individual components: Connect and debug GPS, LTE, and accelerometer modules. Design and 3D print a temporary enclosure.
Transition to Custom PCB
Finalize the feature set for a custom PCB.
Hire a PCB designer or use DIY tools (e.g., KiCad).
Source components from reliable suppliers.
Send the design to a PCB foundry (e.g., JLCPCB) for prototypes.
Test the assembled PCB with all components.
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Software Development Backend
Choose a cloud provider (AWS, GCP, or Supabase for simplicity). Design the backend schema: Tables for user accounts, device data, subscription tracking. Set up the server: Implement MQTT for real-time data or REST API for periodic updates. Develop endpoints for: Device registration. Data logging (GPS, battery, steps). Subscription management. Secure the backend: Use JWTs for authentication. Encrypt data in transit and at rest.
Frontend
Build the customer-facing dashboard:
Map interface for tracking dog location.
Charts for fitness data (steps, activity).
Subscription management UI.
Create the admin panel:
User account management.
Monitoring devices and subscriptions.
Optimize for mobile and desktop.
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Subscription Service
Set up a recurring payment system (e.g., Stripe, Paddle). Integrate billing with the backend: Automate account suspension for missed payments. Generate invoices. Test ultra-low-cost data plans with providers like Soracom or Hologram. Optimize device data usage to fit within the cheapest data plan.
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Manufacturing
Design the production enclosure: Choose materials (plastic or aluminum with a GPS window). Add weatherproofing features. Source manufacturers for: Enclosures (3D printing for prototypes; injection molding for production). Custom PCBs. Final assembly. Run a small production batch (e.g., 50 units) for beta testing.
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Marketing & Sales
Build a simple landing page: Highlight features and benefits. Include a call-to-action for preorders or waitlist signups. Set up social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). Launch a Kickstarter or crowdfunding campaign to gauge interest and raise funds. Target early adopters: Pet bloggers, dog trainers, and tech-savvy pet owners. Gather testimonials and reviews from beta testers. Prepare for an official product launch: Paid ads on Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Collaborate with pet influencers.
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Operations & Scaling
Set up a support system: FAQ page and ticketing system (e.g., Zendesk). Email and live chat support for troubleshooting.
Refine production and supply chain logistics: Negotiate better rates with suppliers. Streamline assembly processes.
Monitor recurring revenue and churn rates: Focus on improving customer retention.
Start planning v2 of the collar: Add advanced sensors (e.g., heart rate, SpO2). Introduce more features in the subscription app.
Breakdown by Priority
Immediate: LLC setup, prototype assembly, backend and frontend MVP.
Short Term: Marketing landing page, beta test units, secure funding.
Medium Term: Production scaling, subscription service optimization.
Long Term: Advanced features, app updates, market expansion.
Tools to Use
Project Management: Trello, Asana, or Notion.
Design: Figma (UI), Fusion 360 (hardware enclosures).
Development: Supabase (backend), React (frontend).
Manufacturing: JLCPCB (PCBs), Alibaba (components).