Does anyone here know how I can get my invention manufactured and on the shelf without spending my own money?

Question

I have an idea for a product that I want to use almost every day. My sister wants one when it is produced. I don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to get it made. Has anyone here had their invention made? I went to the American inventor website and put in my information. I haven't heard back yet. Please help. I have a really great idea, just need to get it made.

I have not made a prototype. It would cost tens of thousands of dollars. I already took my drawings to a local machinist. He wants lots of dough!

Answer 1

have you made one, and then took it to the bank and showed it to them asking for a loan to put it into production?

Answer 2

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis
* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese
* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie
* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Well, I'm no expert but I know many product design companies take what are called "inventor submissions" I would suggest calling a company you think might be interested in your type of product and ask them if they take submissions and if so, what would they like to see from you? A model of the product? A short reel showing how you use the product? Etc...

Then you would probably submit your idea in a nicely put together press package about your idea and if they liked it, they'd have you go to their office to discuss it more.

I know that if they decide to use your idea, you can get a percentage of the sales. I'm not sure how big that percentage is.

If you're really serious about this, you will have to invest a good deal of time and some money into the whole process, but it is possible :)

Answer 4

You have to be careful with some of those Internet "ideas" companies. If you want to get your device in the market you need to get a copyright for it. That keeps in from being taken from you. So you are going to have to spend some of your own money. Once you have the copyright then you can market it to companies. One thing to do is to check out my "Protect and Grow"your business blog. Your idea is your business, and it better to get the best on your team when you first get started. Follow the link and get started on the right foot. A great idea can make you very successful, but not if you never do anything with it and not if someone takes it from you before you get started...