Starting a business isn’t always about immediate success—it’s about learning, adapting, and pushing forward. At OKAD Agency, we worked with Trash Pitches, a board game for founders and IT professionals, to turn a passion project into a profitable venture. Here’s what we learned from the journey.

1. The Reality of Bringing an Idea to Market

Launching Trash Pitches wasn’t just about creativity; it was about problem-solving at every stage.

Key Takeaways:

• Prototyping is crucial—testing different versions helped refine the final product.

• Manufacturing challenges will always arise—understanding print and logistics matters.

• Financial planning is essential—unexpected costs can impact profitability.

2. Navigating Sales and Marketplaces

Selling on e-commerce platforms like Ozon came with both opportunities and obstacles.

Lessons from Marketplace Sales:

• Inventory management is key—storage fees can add up quickly.

• Pricing strategy matters—balancing affordability and profit margins is crucial.

• Platform policies can shift—staying updated on marketplace rules is important.

3. Overcoming Unexpected Setbacks

No entrepreneurial journey is without hurdles, and Trash Pitches had its fair share of surprises.

Challenges We Faced:

• Missed seasonal sales due to delays in launch and fulfillment.

• Warehouse fire incidents resulted in confusion over lost inventory.

• Adapting to shifting consumer priorities during global events.

4. Celebrating Wins—Big and Small

Despite the challenges, there were key milestones that made the journey worth it.

• Achieved break-even despite early setbacks.

• Sold out initial inventory and built brand recognition.

• Created a product that resonated with a niche community.

• Learned valuable lessons for future product launches.

5. The Biggest Takeaway: Resilience is Everything

Launching and selling a product is rarely a linear journey. Every misstep teaches valuable lessons, and persistence is key.

Final Thoughts

Starting a business—even a small product-based one—takes patience, resilience, and the willingness to adapt.

FAQ: Common Questions About Entrepreneurship and Product Launches

1. What are the biggest challenges in bringing a product to market?

Challenges include prototyping and refining the product, managing manufacturing logistics, financial planning for unexpected costs, and understanding sales platforms and regulations.

2. How do you succeed in selling on marketplaces like Ozon?

Success requires strategic inventory management, an effective pricing strategy that balances affordability and profitability, and staying updated on platform policies and algorithm changes.

3. How can entrepreneurs overcome unexpected setbacks?

Being adaptable is key—whether it’s navigating supply chain disruptions, handling lost inventory due to warehouse issues, or adjusting to shifts in consumer demand.

4. What are the most important financial lessons from launching a product?

Entrepreneurs must plan for hidden costs, allocate resources for marketing, and track profitability metrics to ensure long-term sustainability.

5. Why is resilience important in entrepreneurship?

Business success is rarely lin