In this episode of Upside, Ali and Zamir break down what really needs to happen before you launch a product. Rather than jumping straight into ideas and suppliers, they focus on the fundamentals that separate successful launches from expensive mistakes, starting with identifying the real problem your product is meant to solve.

What’s Covered in This Episode

Ali and Zamir begin by introducing the concept of the “itch”, the genuine customer problem that creates demand in the first place. They explain why products built around clear pain points stand a far better chance of success than those driven purely by personal interest or trend chasing.

The conversation then moves into the realities of market alignment. Pricing, perceived quality, and advertising feasibility are all discussed as non-negotiables that must be considered early. The pair highlight how certain product categories, such as restricted or heavily regulated items, can face major barriers to scale regardless of demand.

They walk through how to analyse the competitive landscape properly, using customer reviews, sentiment analysis, and marketplace data to uncover gaps that competitors are failing to address. This data-led approach helps define product specifications and avoids building something the market does not want.

The episode also covers the importance of planning. Ali and Zamir stress the need to set clear budgets, understand manufacturing options, and evaluate suppliers before committing capital. They emphasise that strong preparation reduces risk and creates flexibility once a product is live.

Throughout the discussion, the message remains consistent: passion alone is not enough. Successful product launches are built on research, realism, and a clear understanding of how the product will be positioned, priced, and promoted.

Key Takeaways

1. Start with the itch: Every product should solve a clear and meaningful customer problem.
2. Let data lead: Market research and competitive analysis should shape product decisions.
3. Quality matters: Cutting corners on quality undermines long-term value and brand trust.
4. Advertising feasibility is critical: Products that are easy to advertise and compliant scale faster.
5. Plan before you build: Budgets, suppliers, and constraints must be defined early to reduce risk.

To access more insights on building sustainable online businesses and avoiding common pitfalls in the reselling world, visit https://thiswayup.online/resources.