Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 1/21/2026Ristich is a design-driven product development and manufacturing partner. We help brands bring physical products, packaging, and retail experiences to life — from early concept and design through engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, and fulfillment.
We operate as a hybrid between a creative studio and a production partner, allowing clients to move from idea to execution under one roof.
We work with:
Consumer brands (emerging to established)
Founders launching new products
Marketing teams developing custom packaging or influencer kits
Companies scaling manufacturing or supply chains
Our services are best suited for teams that value design, execution quality, and long-term partnership.
Yes — but selectively. We’re a good fit for startups that:
Are serious about launching or scalin
Have a defined budget and timeline
Want a professional partner, not a DIY shortcut
For very early-stage ideas, we may recommend a discovery or concept phase before moving into production.
Our core service areas include:
Product design & prototyping
Packaging design & engineering
Retail displays & physical marketing assets
Manufacturing & supplier sourcing
Inventory management & fulfillment
Many projects span multiple services and are scoped as end-to-end engagements.
Both.
We frequently act as the final supplier, managing sourcing, production, quality control, and logistics. In other cases, we may provide design and engineering support while collaborating with a client’s existing suppliers.
The approach depends on the project goals, timeline, and budget.
Pricing varies based on scope, complexity, and timeline. Most projects fall into one of the following structures:
Fixed-fee design or development engagements
Design + production packages
Retainers for ongoing support
Design fees are typically separate from manufacturing costs, but may be credited or rolled into production when Ristich is the final supplier.
Yes. Most projects require an upfront deposit before work begins. The amount depends on the scope and structure of the engagement and will be clearly outlined in your proposal.
What happens if we don’t move forward with manufacturing?
Design and development fees cover the work completed and are non-refundable. If you choose not to proceed with manufacturing, you retain the rights defined in your agreement for the completed design work.
We’re always happy to discuss alternate paths or additional supplier options before a project pauses.
Timelines vary by project, but rough ranges are:
Concept & design: 2–6 weeks
Prototyping & engineering: 3–8 weeks
Manufacturing & delivery: 6–16+ weeks
We’ll provide a realistic timeline upfront and update you as the project progresses.
Yes. We work with a global network of vetted manufacturers across North America, Asia, and Europe, depending on the product, materials, lead times, and cost targets.
Absolutely. We treat all client information as confidential and are happy to sign an NDA before reviewing sensitive details.
Ownership and usage rights are clearly defined in each agreement. In most cases, once invoices are paid in full, clients receive ownership or licensed rights to the final approved deliverables, as outlined in the contract.
The best way to start is by reaching out through our contact form or emailing hello@ristich.us with a brief overview of your project, goals, timeline, and budget range.
From there, we’ll schedule an intro call to determine fit and next steps.