invention help?

Question

is there an invention place that will help me through the process with out me paying a dime??? if the invention is good and they help me they take a cut off the back end-- i looked in to a lot of places but they all want a cut off the front end and of course they are going to tell me oh wow this is good but will it go any where prob not so i am looking for a place that takes fees from back end and will only accept helping me if the invention is truly a good idea-- i think it is but i have no idea if the general public would any ideas??

Answer 1

It's very unlikely that you'll find anyone to offer invention consulting for no fee. Even if you have a really great idea, there are so many factors in getting it to market profitably, that it would be far from a sure thing. Look at the Segway. That was supposed to make Dean Kamen and his investors into billionaires. It hasn't happened.

If you think your invention is commercially viable, here's a better way to proceed. Write up a business plan and look for investors and/or loans to get the business started. The start-up capital will let you hire a consultant.

Answer 2

Tell you what- my e-mail address is [e-mail]. E-mail me with a brief description of your idea, and not only will I not steal it, I'll tell you whether it's actually any good (ie, whether I've heard of anything similar, if it sounds like something I might use, etc.).

You know how when you get a job, they pay you even before you're really benefiting the company? Well, that's the only place that happens. When you invent something, unless you want just about anybody to whom you tell the idea to steal it and make your fortune for themselves, you need to get a patent.

The going rate for a patent, and it can take years, is about $20,000 after the attorneys at the patent office and your patent attorney (you do have one, right?) are finished squabbling. But wait, there's more.

Then, depending on your idea, you need to find someone nerdy enough to actually be able to build it. I have no idea what yours is, but you could always try posting flyers at a local college or university. Students work for knowledge... and beer probably wouldn't hurt, either.

If your idea goes on to be as successful as, say, the Post It note, would you want to share 50% of billions over the next couple decades? If you pay some college student $1,000 and your lawyer $20,000, you might then be able to sell the idea, or lease it out.

You're getting into the world of entrepreneurialism... and people don't trust you for the same reasons you don't trust invention companies. Might as well get used to it. Good luck.