26 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Print the legend

I'd find someone you trust that has done before what you want to do, but doesn't seem to want to steal ideas (or doesn't have the means to). Read small business/entrepreneur boards, and then reach out to someone. I help someone about once a month in your position, usually with one or more of the following:

CAD work
Finding machine shops
Sourcing from China
Ecommerce and shipping
Kickstarter advice
BOM review (DfC/DfM)

So far, I've only charged for the CAD work (hourly), as I like seeing people move things forward. If you're serious and think I can help, shoot me a PM. If not, look to find someone that is 1-2 steps ahead of you in a somewhat different field (so they are unmotivated to steal anything from you) and make it happen!

And if you're coming up with 2-3 ideas a day, roll the dice and trust someone. If they steal it, you have what, 600 more ideas a year? smile

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27 Reply by IanJohnson

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Re: Print the legend

Depending on what kind of thing it is, it is easier now than it has ever been to invent and produce something on your own.  It is still hard if it is something that will use anodized aluminum, injection molding and be something you could package for a retail store.  On there other hand there are niches where those things aren't necessary, Filastruder being an example.  The problem with niches is that since most people haven't heard of them, you haven't either unless it happens to be your interest.  Finding areas like that which are relatively unknown and underserved by the mainstream is an art of its own.

In the context of the whole world and everyone on the internet, a tiny market might be 100k people, which is plenty big enough for a one man band.

28 Reply by IronMan

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Re: Print the legend

Tim is correct in that the biggest value for his company right now is the Filastruder name (Tim, Hope you copyrighted it!).  The Filastruder brand reflects his strength in providing a well-designed and high quality product.  Very difficult to develop a brand.

Regarding Patents:
Patents (even badly written ones) are the most powerful while they are unpublished as your potential competitors cannot see what specifically you are protecting.  A Provisional application ($130.00) which allows you to brand "Patent Pending" all over your product, is NEVER published and is effective for one year at which point you must file a full Utility application ($5,000+ for a good Attorney).  From that point, you have 18 months until the application publishes...

BTW, in my earlier post, I said I sometimes have to work around Patents, but I have never stolen anyone's product...it goes like this:
If I have an idea or am working on a project resulting from an in-house idea and then I come into an infringement issue; then I will work around that issue so my project can succeed.

however;

If an inventor submits an idea that we had not thought of, and then I work around their Patent, then that's stealing.  I have never done that and never will.

Do not let your ideas gather without acting on the best ones.  I have done this for myself and with other inventors and have created successful products and helped start 2 sustainable companies which are doing very well.

With that in mind, I too am willing to assist you...PM me if you want some guidance!

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29 Reply by Hazer

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Re: Print the legend

Im just gonna be the hater in this discussion. A good idea is worth nothing if you do nothing with it. And most 'entrepreneurs' work harder than most other people to make their product a reality. Having a great idea is not just gonna land you a fortune just  because you though it. Quite frankly, someone has probably already though it too. They just simply done less than even you with that idea (props for making the prototypes).

I can also promise you that no matter what you do, someone will copy it. And if you do not jump up, patent it and aggressively market it with triple the amount of effort you put into your 9-5, then someone can see your prototype once, tell someone else, and someone else can do that effort and make the 'piles' you think you deserve.

In short, get off the couch and make reality. Actions make money. Thoughts are worth as much as a fart if nothing is done with them.

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30 Reply by cmetzel

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Re: Print the legend

I have just recently joined meetup after convincing my wife it wasn't a dating app.  I have joined a few inventor entrepreneur groups and plan to go to one on 10/15 to start the process and gather information. 

I'm convinced there is a place in this world for inventors, otherwise there would be no licensing deals.  I'm not at a place where I can take the risk of starting a business right now without a good deal of help.  I have one kid starting college and two kids under 5.  Not the time for a life savings gamble right now.  I will be contacting a few off you for further advice though, thank you for the generous offers.

31 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Print the legend

Lots of good "food for thought" and great suggestions.  Makes me wonder how I can help also.
If you have any use for a businessman that knows how to make things happen let me know.
Seems to me you just got offers from some of the greatest minds you've ever had the pleasure to work with.  Sounds like a very powerful arsenal to me.  I guess the ball is in your court.

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32 Reply by Tin Falcon

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Re: Print the legend

Her is a guy that took an Idea from his son  and turned it into a successful business. doing all design work r & D production distrubution and sales.  Not saying it is easy but it can be done.

http://www.brickarms.com/

Tin

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33 Reply by wire10ga

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Re: Print the legend

Tin Falcon wrote:

http://www.brickarms.com/

Just goes to show you that you can make a business just about out of anything.  Never would have thought about that niche for legos.

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