Top 10 Design Sharpener Alternatives & Competitors

Design Sharpener is a product design firm based in Colorado, specializing in industrial design and product development. Founded in 2012, the company has built a reputation for its strong mechanical aptitude and diverse skill set. Their portfolio includes consumer goods and various plastic products, showcasing their versatility in the design landscape.

Below are 10 agencies, including TEQZO Consulting, Idea Reality - Product Design, Kickstart Design, Cortex Design Inc., Flynn Product Design, Bay Computer Associates, Inc., WeNext Technology Limited, 4D Products, EXEON, Oxford Product Design:

Top 10 Alternatives to Design Sharpener by 7BE

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  • TEQZO Consulting

    We are Solution First.

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    Pros:

    Competitive pricing with lower hourly rates
    Diverse capability in consulting solutions
    Established with a larger employee base

    Cons:

    Based in India, may have time zone challenges
    Less personal touch compared to smaller firms
    Fewer design awards than others

    $25 - $49

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2014

    $1,000+

    Bengaluru

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • Idea Reality - Product Design

    Making new product ideas a reality

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    Pros:

    Strong personal touch in client relationships
    Located in the UK, good for European clients
    Flexible approach to product design

    Cons:

    Higher hourly rates compared to Design Sharpener
    Limited focus on industrial design specifically
    Smaller team may limit project capacity

    $50 - $99

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2013

    $1,000+

    United Kingdom

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • Kickstart Design

    Kickstart Design

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    Pros:

    Young team with fresh, innovative ideas
    Strong focus on user experience design
    Based in the US for local clients

    Cons:

    Higher hourly rates than Design Sharpener
    Relatively new in the industry
    Limited variety in project type experience

    $100 - $149

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2020

    $1,000+

    Milwaukee

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • Cortex Design Inc.

    Award-Winning Product Design and Manufacturing

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    Pros:

    Award-winning design firm with proven experience
    Turnkey solutions with manufacturing capabilities
    Established company with extensive portfolio

    Cons:

    Undisclosed pricing may deter price-sensitive clients
    Larger team might mean less personalized service
    Location in Canada may complicate client relations

    Undisclosed

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2008

    $1,000+

    Toronto

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • Flynn Product Design

    Next Gen Product Development

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    Pros:

    Focused approach to niche product design
    Established with a strong portfolio
    Personalized services due to smaller team

    Cons:

    High minimum project size might limit accessibility
    Higher hourly rates than Design Sharpener
    Based in the UK may limit US client engagement

    $150 - $199

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2003

    $10,000+

    Bristol

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • Bay Computer Associates, Inc.

    Software & Electronics | Product Development

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    Pros:

    Specialized in high-precision product design
    Established presence across various industries
    Offers a wider employee resource pool

    Cons:

    Hourly rates are undisclosed, possibly high
    Larger company might lack personal touch
    Predominantly focused on electronics

    Undisclosed

    10 - 49

    Founded in 1989

    $1,000+

    Cranston

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • WeNext Technology Limited

    WeNext 3D Printing - Fast lead time with No Minimu

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    Pros:

    Expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies
    Large workforce for meeting high demand
    Cost-effective rates compared to similar firms

    Cons:

    Located in China, potential quality control issues
    Communication may present challenges
    Less direct design experience in consumer goods

    $25 - $49

    50 - 249

    Founded in 2015

    $1,000+

    China

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • 4D Products

    Creative design that delivers pioneering products

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    Pros:

    Reputed agency in the UK market
    Strong focus on commercial success
    Experienced team in the field of design

    Cons:

    Base in the UK, potentially inconvenient for US clients
    Undisclosed hourly rates could be a barrier
    Limited size may restrict project variety

    Undisclosed

    2 - 9

    Founded in 2008

    $1,000+

    United Kingdom

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • EXEON

    Design & engineering for future mobility.

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    Pros:

    Innovative solutions for future mobility
    Strong engineering and design integration
    Larger team for extensive project handling

    Cons:

    Focused niche may not suit all clients
    Challenges in transferring traditional design to tech
    Higher costs due to specialization

    $50 - $99

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2013

    $1,000+

    Kraków

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design

  • Oxford Product Design

    Making things better, by making better things.

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    Pros:

    Collaborative approach ensures client satisfaction
    Focus on patentable designs for competitive edge
    Established in the UK with market recognition

    Cons:

    Higher minimum project size may restrict access
    Hourly rates are above Design Sharpener
    More bureaucratic processes in larger companies

    $100 - $149

    10 - 49

    Founded in 2013

    $5,000+

    Oxford

    Verified

    Focus

    100% Product Design

    100%100% Product Design


Comparisons

Cost of services

  • TEQZO Consulting offers a competitive hourly rate of $25-$49, making them a budget-friendly option for clients.

  • While Kickstart Design has a higher hourly rate starting at $100-$149, their expertise may justify the investment for quality design work.

  • Flynn Product Design's minimum project cost is higher at $10,000, which may deter smaller clients but suits larger projects.

Geography

  • Design Sharpener operates in the U.S., providing local services which can be advantageous for national clients looking for in-person collaboration.

  • Competitor Idea Reality is based in the UK, ideal for clients needing European design perspectives or access.

  • TEQZO Consulting is based in India, offering cost-effective solutions for clients looking to source services internationally.

Technologies

  • WeNext Technology Limited specializes in advanced 3D printing technology, suitable for clients needing rapid prototyping services.

  • Cortex Design, with award-winning manufacturing capabilities, is ideal for clients requiring end-to-end product development services.

  • Bay Computer Associates utilizes high-end medical-grade design technologies, ideal for clients in the medical or industrial sectors.


Recommendations

  • Launching on a limited budget

    TEQZO Consulting is the best choice for budget-conscious clients needing effective solutions without sacrificing quality.
  • Collaborating with U.S.-based agencies

    Design Sharpener or Kickstart Design should be considered for clients who prioritize local collaboration and in-person meetings.
  • Looking for long-term digital partnership

    Flynn Product Design can cater to clients seeking steady, high-quality support in product design over the long term.
  • Requiring niche B2B industry expertise

    Bay Computer Associates offers specialized knowledge in high-end medical and industrial design, making them a suitable partner for specific B2B needs.
  • Solving business problems with custom solutions

    Cortex Design is well-equipped to tackle unique business challenges through tailored product design and manufacturing.

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