Has anyone here ever developed a product

[phorsenuf]

and managed to market it?

My husband and I developed a product and looking in to how to market it. We've put together a prototype and are applying for a patent.
We definitely don't want to go with one of those invention companies.

I don't know if it would be best to make them ourselves and try to sell online and at trade fairs or try (like millions of other people) to get a company to pick it up.

Has anyone been down this route? I've been researching online but I'd love to hear some first hand experiences.

 

[mum4jenn]

You should consult with an attorney that does this type of thing. There needs to be a patent search to see if something like this is already out there. Just because YOU have not seen it out there anywhere does not mean that it does not exsist. This might save you a lawsuit later.

I have not done this but I used to work with someone who had a ddand sil who did. It took years of work but I think they did sell the idea to a place like Walter Drake or something.

Good Luck

Also you probably would want to get a company to manufacture this for you so it is as professional as possible.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I read an article not long ago about an entrepreneur that did something very similar to what you want to do. She joined a forum and list group for her niche and came to know the ins and outs in that manner.

I would google market (your niche) forums and groups, similar product forums and groups and see what you can find out. I would probably lurk a lot and hold my cards close to my chest at least until you have the patent.

 

[petchie]

and managed to market it?

My husband and I developed a product and looking in to how to market it. We've put together a prototype and are applying for a patent.
We definitely don't want to go with one of those invention companies.

I don't know if it would be best to make them ourselves and try to sell online and at trade fairs or try (like millions of other people) to get a company to pick it up.

Has anyone been down this route? I've been researching online but I'd love to hear some first hand experiences.

A great site of moms that have brought ideas to fruition http://www.mompreneursonline.com/phpBB2/index.php

 

[Imzadi]

Wholesale trade shows. I've attended many of them & worked booths for friends. If your product is liked by the customers & buyers, word spreads quickly. Your booth will be filled with people. That alone says alot, especially to bigger companies looking to market the next big thing.

If you attend the big trade shows, like in NY, LA, and I think Atlanta(?) you won't have to look for the big companies. They will make their way over to your booth. They are at the shows anyway and are looking over the busy booths and the ones that they have heard by word of mouth to go to.

We've had QVC and a couple beauty magazines come over to our booth and introduce themselves to us. Make sure you have samples available for these people along with a little press packet or info blurb. They need to be able to test it out back in their office, without the pressure of you there. If they like the product enough, they need to have a sample to show the higher ups who will make the ultimate decisions.

If your product is something like a lotion, have little sample bottles or squeeze packets made especially for the trade shows. Many times people stop by just for the samples and don't seem interested in buying. But there are so many booths, they are on information overload. After they've tried it out at home, if they like it, these are the people who will then go to your website and buy for themselves or buy for their store.

 

[phorsenuf]

Thanks for all the replies thus far.

Mum- I've been studying the US patent office for quite some time looking for a patent like our product. So far there is nothing remotely close. And believe me I've searched the patents every way imaginable. With them being online and having patent librarians available to help, it's been an extensive search that I've been able to do sans attorney.

I do need to try to find some kind of forums I suppose to gleen more information. Believe me though, not a hint of the product will ever be divulged there.

Petchie- I'll definitely check that site out. Thanks!

Imzadi- thanks for the info about trade shows. I'm thinking that might be a good way to go.