Frawgs Floating Mats Product Sourcing Case Study
See how Importivity helped Frawgs source, develop, and launch marine-grade floating mats with enhanced features, reliable production, and nationwide reach.
Why FRAWGS Needed a Sourcing Partner
This section explains the obstacles that made professional sourcing essential.
Quality & Consistency at Scale
Frawgs needed a manufacturer capable of producing floating mats that met both performance and safety standards, marine-grade foam, slip resistance, reinforced hardware, without sacrificing consistency as volumes increased.
Design Differentiation & User-friendly Features
They aimed to stand out in a crowded market, so they required enhancements like roll-up design, bright, vibrant branding, optional carry accessories, and easy storage features.
Efficient Logistics & Distributor Reach
Getting the product from factory to retailer while maintaining cost efficiency and meeting delivery timelines across the U.S. was critical. They needed packaging, shipping, and supply chain transparency to support distributor relationships.
Importivity’s Product Sourcing Approach
In this product sourcing case study, our approach with Frawgs was more than just finding a factory; it was about creating a full system that turned an idea into a market-ready product.
Factory Sourcing & Vetting
We identified and audited Chinese factories with proven marine-grade foam capabilities, ensuring Frawgs could launch with dependable quality and capacity.
1
Design & R&D
Our team refined foam density, slip resistance, and UV protection, while adding practical features like integrated carry handles to enhance usability.
2
Custom Accessories & Upsell Strategy
We developed a branded storage and carry bag; doubling as both a protective case and a profitable upsell item that reinforced FRAWGS’ brand presence.
3
Logistics & Packaging
We designed cost-efficient packaging that reduced freight costs while safeguarding mats during long-haul shipping. This step highlights how every detail in a product sourcing case study impacts margins and customer experience.
4
Compliance & Quality Control
Strict QC protocols and compliance checks safeguarded consistency from prototype to full production, minimizing risk across the supply chain.
5
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Related Resources for Product Prototyping
To help your business follow the same playbook used in this case study, we’ve created a library of free product sourcing resources.
BOM Template
Organize Prototype Components and Costs
A must-have for product sourcing projects, this template organizes every component and provides visibility into prototype and production costs.
RFQ Template
Standardize Supplier Quotes for Prototypes
Use this to standardize supplier outreach and ensure accurate comparisons when product sourcing, helping you make faster and more confident decisions.
Factory Vetting Checklist
Validate Prototype Suppliers On-Site
When product sourcing overseas, this checklist ensures suppliers meet compliance, quality, and capacity standards before you commit.
Landed Cost Calculator
See the True Cost of Your Prototype
Essential for product sourcing decisions, this tool reveals the true landed cost, including freight, duties, and tariffs, so you can protect your margins.
What This sourcing Case Study Achieved
Faster time-to-market, lower landed costs, and durable prototypes gave Frawgs a competitive edge.
Consistent Quality
Through rigorous factory vetting and multiple rounds of sampling, Importivity ensured the Frawgs floating mats met strict durability standards. The final product was UV-resistant, slip-resistant, and designed to withstand repeated outdoor use, giving customers confidence and minimizing warranty issues.
Competitive Advantage
Beyond the core product, we introduced innovations like a branded carrying and storage bag. This add-on not only protected the mats but also created a new upsell opportunity; positioning Frawgs as more than a commodity brand and helping them stand out in a competitive market.
Expanded Distribution
With reliable suppliers and streamlined logistics, Frawgs achieved nationwide distribution. Faster restocking cycles reduced stock-outs during peak summer months, keeping retailers and end-consumers satisfied while supporting sales growth.
Healthier Margins
By optimizing packaging dimensions for freight efficiency and negotiating improved supplier terms, Importivity helped Frawgs significantly improve landed cost structures. These savings directly boosted margins while allowing the brand to reinvest in marketing and growth initiatives.
Innovation & Upsell Opportunities
At Importivity, product sourcing is more than just connecting brands with factories; it’s about creating opportunities to innovate, differentiate, and maximize revenue.
Custom Storage Bag Design
We developed a branded storage and carry bag that not only made transporting the large mats simple but also elevated the perceived value of the product. Customers saw it as a premium add-on, not just packaging.
Built-In Cross-Sales
By positioning the bag as a natural companion product, Frawgs unlocked a powerful upsell. Most buyers of the floating mats opted to purchase the bag as well, increasing average order value and creating a new revenue stream.
Stronger Brand Recognition
The bag was more than functional… it became a walking advertisement. With bold logos, bright colors, and professional finishing, the accessory reinforced FRAWGS’ brand identity in retail stores and on social media.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Practicality also mattered. By making storage easier and protecting the mats from damage, the bag extended product lifespan and improved customer satisfaction; helping to drive repeat purchases and positive reviews.
Why China Still Makes Strategic Sense for Product Sourcing
Even with Section 301 tariffs, China remains the global hub for rapid prototyping and product sourcing. Its dense supplier networks allow specialty foams, coatings, and hardware to be sourced in days rather than weeks, while advanced manufacturing capabilities like CNC cutting, lamination, branding, and packaging are often available under one roof. These efficiencies, combined with economies of scale, keep per-unit costs competitive even after tariffs, protecting margins for businesses producing at scale. Just as important, China’s mature logistics infrastructure ensures faster speed to market, helping products like Frawgs’ floating mats reach U.S. shelves ahead of competitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team!
Is importing from China still worth it despite Section 301 tariffs?
Yes. Even with tariffs, importing from China remains one of the most cost-effective and reliable strategies for scaling products like Frawgs floating mats. China’s dense supplier networks and advanced manufacturing capabilities keep costs competitive and timelines short.
How does Importivity reduce risks when importing from China?
Importivity vets every supplier through on-the-ground audits, compliance checks, and quality control inspections. By combining our Supplier Vetting Service with transparent landed cost analysis, we ensure that importing from China doesn’t expose your business to hidden costs or production delays.
What resources can help me prepare for importing from China?
Our free RFQ Template, Bill of Materials Template, and Landed Cost Calculator give you practical tools to manage supplier quotes, calculate costs, and standardize communication. These tools are designed to help brands approach importing from China with clarity and confidence.
How does importing from China compare to sourcing in Vietnam or Mexico?
China is the global hub for rapid prototyping, offering unmatched speed and supplier density. However, Vietnam and Mexico can sometimes provide tariff advantages and lower MOQs. That’s why we built our Manufacturing Comparisons hub; so you can see how importing from China stacks up against other countries and choose the right market for your goals.
Can I prototype and scale in the same Chinese factory?
Often, yes. One of the biggest advantages of importing from China is that many factories can handle both small-scale prototyping and large-volume production. Importivity helps you choose manufacturers that can scale with your business so you don’t waste time switching suppliers. Explore our Prototyping Case Study to see how this works in practice.
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