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Pre-Selling (Sell Before You Build)

entrepreneurship · medium · 1-2 weeks to create materials and sell, then build time

What is Pre-Selling (Sell Before You Build)?

Collect real payment or binding commitments from customers before building the product. Eliminates the #1 startup risk — building something nobody will pay for. If you can't sell it with a description and a deadline, the product isn't viable.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEstrong

How do you do Pre-Selling (Sell Before You Build)?

  1. 1.Create a compelling product description, mockups, and a specific delivery date
  2. 2.Offer early-bird pricing (30-50% discount) in exchange for upfront payment before the product exists
  3. 3.Set a minimum threshold (e.g., 10 pre-orders) that must be met to proceed with building
  4. 4.If threshold isn't met within 2 weeks, refund everyone and pivot — you just saved months of wasted effort
  5. 5.If threshold is met, build exactly what you sold (no scope creep) and deliver on time

How long does it take?

1-2 weeks to create materials and sell, then build time.

Is it hard to start?

medium.

Source: Nathan Barry — Authority (2013); Amy Hoy — 30x500 Academy
pre-selling · validation · revenue-first · risk-reduction · startup
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