Pls advise on how to launch a product idea

[cantdrv55]

I have a pretty simple product idea but I don't know how to go about manufacturing it. My plan is to make them or have them made for me, then sell the product myself to major brick and mortar retailers and through my own online store. If you have any experience in this or if you have any insight whatsoever, pls give me some advice. The product is for the general public, no particular demographic. Thanks.

[island911]

Plastic, metal, pottery, fabric . . . what type of manufacturing?

[TerryBPP]

Is it a Dodge or GM product?

[cantdrv55]

Originally posted by island911
Plastic, metal, pottery, fabric . . . what type of manufacturing?

It's wearable fabric/plastic. I'd like it packaged, maybe 5 to a box.

[on-ramp]

don't forget to file for a patent.

[cantdrv55]

Originally posted by on-ramp
don't forget to file for a patent.

Thanks. That's why I'm reluctant to provide a more complete description of the product.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Chris,

the first thing you want to do is protect your idea. A solid patent process is going to run you $5K or so, but could run into $20K very easily. Just protecting the G9Girl logo ran into serious $. Have you considered a licensing deal? You won't have to worry about production, inventory, sales...

Looking forward to seeing it someday. In fashion, wearable computer-anything is becoming the rage.

[techweenie]

Originally posted by cantdrv55
I have a pretty simple product idea but I don't know how to go about manufacturing it. My plan is to make them or have them made for me, then sell the product myself to major brick and mortar retailers and through my own online store. If you have any experience in this or if you have any insight whatsoever, pls give me some advice. The product is for the general public, no particular demographic. Thanks.

A consumer product has to be made very cheaply to be profitable at retail. A typical COG would be 20% of suggested retail price. Usually this means offshore manufacture and large quantities. If you create and ship your product successfully in low volume at a high price, it will inevitably be 'knocked off' at a lower price point by an established company in the field. So the patent is your first order of business.

We're just now nearing completion of a five-year effort to get a product fully developed and to the market, and we would not have succeeded without the partnership of an established company in the market segment. And trust me on this, ideas never seem to land in only one place at a time. Your best route is to get whatever it is to market quickly -- even if you make a smaller margin per unit, i.e., via licensing.

[cantdrv55]

I've just purchased a book licensing products, sounds like that's the way to go. Now, I just have to figure out how to create the first one or two so I can present the idea. Tech, how do you protect your product idea if you use an outside manufacturing source while waiting for your patent to clear?

It isn't a fashion item by any stretch of the imagination, Shaun. I don't have that much creativity in me. It isn't even high tech.

When and if it's launched, I'll let you all know. As far as I can tell, there isn't anything else like it on the market.

[island911]

Originally posted by techweenie
. . .. Your best route is to get whatever it is to market quickly -- even if you make a smaller margin per unit, i.e., via licensing.

I can't believe I'm typing this, but; tech is riofsihb. . .tech is righ. .. tech is . .. tech is right!

(whew, that was tough)

Getting product to market fast is key. ...tho' some exceptions exist -- so tech is only partially right. -ah, I feel better now

cantdrv55 - I now work with a group which is pretty much a turn-key product development group. Some groups have only design, some have only engineering/manufactuing, some only marketing. Having it all covered is our theme.
We also have excellent manufactuing contacts in China, as well as here in the States.

We are slammed right now with projects, but if you like, we could review what you have and get a cost/time proposal, for what we expect it would take to get to production.

NDA's (non-discloser agreements) are common (you won't offend anyone if you require one) . . .non-discloser is simply implied, for most of our customers.

[techweenie]

Originally posted by cantdrv55
I've just purchased a book licensing products, sounds like that's the way to go. Now, I just have to figure out how to create the first one or two so I can present the idea. Tech, how do you protect your product idea if you use an outside manufacturing source while waiting for your patent to clear?

It isn't a fashion item by any stretch of the imagination, Shaun. I don't have that much creativity in me. It isn't even high tech.

When and if it's launched, I'll let you all know. As far as I can tell, there isn't anything else like it on the market.

Protecting an idea is simply not possible. What you can protect is a methodology. Therefore, your patent needs to cover all potentially workable methodologies to 'realize' the product.

We faced this in dealing with mainland Chinese companies, in that our product was in a category already very popular there (electric bicycles). Your best protection in that situation is to make the mainland manufacturer your partner. their own self-interest is your best protection. Otherwise, you'll be spending megabucks with lawyers and the only victory you can hope to achieve will be phyrric. (witness the Razor scooter phenomenon)

[vash]

my sister is a patent attorney. i have had some great ( i thought so) ideas, that i wanted to try. she said the VERY first step is to check online, at some patent registry. sorry forgot the address. to see if someone beat you to the punch. then hire a patent attorney to do what tech says. turns out i am a lazy fool, and have yet to launch something.

[on-ramp]

United States Patent and Trademark Office

http://www.uspto.gov/

[M.D. Holloway]

cantdrv55 - please e-mail at mhollowa@nch.com. I have access to many toll manufaturers that would take this on for you. Also, the idea of patent protect is good only if the following requirements can be met:

1) Do you have the resources to enforce the patent? Just cuz you get a number means nothing.
2) Do you have a very different technology or design that sets you apart form the rest of the market? Be prepared to have your patent copied and knocked off by someone overseas - unless you file for an international patent, this will happen.

Patent protection is fine but market execution and sales/distribution is were you will really succeed. Have you figued out your channel to market and how you plan on peddling the item?

Please e-mail, I have been down this road many many times. I think I can help you out.

[Hurra912]

Being an Industrial Designer, I deal with consumer products every day, and I have to agree that getting it out to market quickly is key.

While patents are essential, they typically only protect your product from being copied for about a year, (less if its a good product). Some countries don't even recognize patent laws, and don't consider it stealing to copy a product. They call it reverse engineering.

If you're getting help producing the prototypes make certain you have confidentiality contracts in place, and at least have your patent pending before you go to your potential buyers. Make sure you have a good lawyer, and resources to keep the project going. You don't want to drag your feet with moving forward. Hesitation in the consumer product world is a downward spiral.

Good luck,
Wayne

[juanbenae]

is that your bike shorts with a sock sewn in the junk area idea?

[austin552]

Originally posted by k911sc
is that your bike shorts with a sock sewn in the junk area idea?

Yes and now the new female version with built in camel toes...

[cantdrv55]

LOL!