In order to realise the aims of his business idea,
Kamprad needed a way of designing which would make it possible to maintain high quality standards, while at the same time making reductions in price
. The solution he came up with was based on common sense and a respect for the customer. He carried out detailed research in the different life stages and the needs of customers at each stage (e.g. setting up home for the first time, raising a young family, retiring etc.). From this, he was able to calculate what customers would be able to afford, while still having some money over. Then he sourced the right materials and the production units which had the expertise and capacity to produce goods economically. In many cases, he approached producers who were not part of mainstream furniture manufacturing. For example, a shirt manufacturer may well be suited to producing loose covers for settees and beds.