Samples from rubber molds are appropriate for in-house testing, consumer testing and maybe some initial sales. Parts from a temporary mold are more appropriate for the initial sales period due to much lower costs.

The cost to make each item may be more than the selling price at first. That is not a problem. You are just trying to prove there is enough demand for the product at a certain price to justify the investment in mass production. That is when the cost per unit will come down. The final manufacturing cost must usually be less than one-forth the retail price for everyone in the distribution chain to profit.