# He Got Tired of Waiting. So He Built the Product Himself.

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Podcast: [Creator News Live: Discussing the latest tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers](https://stenobird.com/podcast/creator-news-live-discussing-the-latest-social-media-tools-tips-and-tactics-with-industry-experts-innovators-creators-and-storytellers-2534467)
Published: 2026-09-04T18:35:00+00:00
Episode link: https://social-media-news-live.simplecast.com
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a2f939b8-f0e7-47c5-95ec-043d0e7d7081.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3645

## Resource

What happens when the product you want doesn't exist, or the version that does exist isn't good enough? ------------- Doc Rock , Director of Strategic Partnerships at Ecamm and creator of Doc Popps, decided to stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. He found a manufacturer, spent a year refining the product, and pre-sold it directly to his own audience. Doc shares what creators should know before turning an idea into a physical product, from testing demand and negotiating minimum orders to pricing, prototypes, shipping, and unexpected manufacturing costs. We also explore why creators should build more things they own, what he learned rebuilding The Flow in public, and why publishing content is only the beginning of getting it seen. Key Points Start by solving a problem you already understand or something that continually frustrates your audience. Ask your audience what they want before investing heavily in a product idea. Pre-selling can validate demand before you commit to a full production run. Manufacturer minimum order quantities may be more negotiable than they initially appear. Expect manufacturing problems, delays, shipping costs, tariffs, and other expenses you didn't anticipate. Don't rush prototypes. Doc spent a year refining materials, colors, molds, and acoustics before he was satisfied. Think beyond courses and sponsorships. Physical products can give creators something tangible that they actually own. Building in public gives your community a chance to participate in what you're creating. Don't “post and ghost.” Promote your work, build relationships with your audience, and give people more to discover when they find you. Resources Doc Rock: Doc Rock Merch: https://docmerch.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/docrock The Flow: https://www.yo…

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