Browse Category: Product Development

The Importance of a Product Video

Hello, inventors! Nathan here! I handle the Sales and Marketing for Source Direct.

When your invention has been manufactured and it comes time to sell, a photo of your product will only go so far in the eyes of a buyer. What does your product do? What does it look like while it’s performing it’s primary function. Does it look good? If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a billion!

I am huge about  videos. I encourage all of our clients to get a professionally produced video as soon as their product is ready so they can utilize it in sales pitches. When your product is one of 1,000 on the desk of a buyer, a video may set you apart from the other applicants.

Here’s a few examples of some videos that we love, and that our inventors have created.

Gotta Potty

This video was created for the Gotta Potty Dog Training System, and it happens to be my favorite. It clearly shows what the product does, and features instruction from the actual inventor himself! We have been able to sell a lot of product by showing this video.

Shape and Bake

I enjoy this video because it shows the whimsy of this awesome product, the Shape and Bake. In it’s very infomercial style, it captures the primary function of the product and shows the multiple uses and designs that anyone can make.

Club Clean Floor Protector

Product demonstration videos and “tests” of durability are incredibly important to buyers. For a product such as this floor protector, it’s vital to show exactly what it does and in a clear and concise way.

Final Thoughts

As an inventor, you owe it to yourself and your product to get a high quality video created. One of the biggest reasons why people don’t follow through with a video – they think it’s more expensive than it actually is! Contact us today at 888-373-3876 x.213 and ask about videos – mention this blog and you’ll get our preferred inventor rate. A video could make ALL the difference when it comes to pitching your product to buyers and big box retailers.

So, you want to license your product, eh?

We get phone calls from inventors every day – and about 60% of them say “well, I just want to license my idea. Will you buy it from me?” A majority of the time, we say no. There are a few reasons:

  1. Selling an idea isn’t as easy as it seems. Potential buyers aren’t interested in purchasing thoughts. They could hire teams of people to do that.
  2. Investors will not purchase something with no chance of return. Of course, as the inventor, you’ll have the thought process of “my product is the best”, but until an investor has seen the sales numbers, they won’t believe you.
  3. It’s difficult to license something without a prototype. Do you have a fully functioning prototype? The likeliness of an inventor selling some notes on a sheet of paper and a drawing to an investor is incredibly low.
  4. Has it been tested? Is there marketability? Will people buy this product? It’s difficult to tell unless your product has been soft-launched!

This short and sweet blog is intended to usher in some realism with new inventors. You probably won’t sell your idea unless it’s been introduced to the marketplace in some way. We suggest that you invest, yourself, into producing a small order of your product and then show investors the potential.

When you watch Shark Tank, you’ll hear the Sharks ask “how many of these have you sold so far?” Even they agree with us – buyers want to see previous milestones met before they license anything. We can help put you in the position to attract potential buyers down the road.

Interested in taking the next step? Email Nathan at Marketing@TheSourceDirect.net today and let him know you found about us on our blog!

Patience in Inventing….is a virtue!

The inventing process does take a while. Most inventors are shocked to find out that their product may take months, if not years, to get to completion (and eventually the store shelves). There are many factors involved:

  • The complexity of the product – does it take extra engineering/design?
  • Changes – there will ALWAYS be changes to a final product’s design and function. During the production process, you (the inventor) may notice something that needs to be changed, or your invention support company may notice things that should be enhanced or fixed. Changes are inevitable.
  • Manufacturing Process – once the design and development is done, the product has to actually be manufactured.
  • Packaging and Shipping – upon completion of production, the product must be packaged and shipped to your fulfillment center.

It’s not an overnight thing! But, with proper marketing plans and sales strategies, the “waiting” time is incredibly valuable. You want to make sure your product is ready to be sold when it finally makes it to your warehouse! Be smart!

Source Direct Product Spotlight – Poop-n-Scoop!

Spotlight On: Poop-n-Scoop

We assisted Kevin in creating the Poop-n-Scoop because it solved a problem. I’m sure you can figure out what the problem is already. Who enjoys picking up dog poop with their hands? The answer is NOBODY! Hear from Kevin below on why he invented this product:

A Note From the Inventor: This is how I came up with the idea for Poop-N-Scoop. You may have a similar story. You’re taking your dog for a walk, he or she does their business and you do the right thing by cleaning it up. Most of us will take a bag from our pocket and pick it up. This is where my story begins. The bag I used had a hole in it and much of the warm mush squeezed between my fingers. Needless to say – very disgusting. After rigorous cleaning, I set out to find a better way to clean up after my dog. Checking pet stores and online offerings, I found nothing suitable to take on walks. An idea came to me after looking at my wife’s grabber/reacher (she’s kind of short) I thought if I modified it by adding shovels, I could solve any issue. A tool that picks up poop cleanly with a bag, no more bending over, Folds in half for taking on walks, hands free clipping onto your belt and no more poop squished between my fingers. I use grocery style bags that are around my house, tool stays clean, on -and on – meeting all of my objectives! Plus, many more important reasons to clean up – we more or less have to in most areas we live – mostly environmental and some parts of our country you could pay a steep fine if you get caught not picking it up (where I live, over $200). Plus, very important, your neighbors will like you again!

Kevin Montgomery (Inventor)
Kevin Montgomery (Inventor)

Congrats! Gotta Potty is moving quick!

Hi folks – Nathan here! I am the Sales and Marketing Manager for Source Direct. When a product has finished manufacturing and is ready to hit the marketplace, it’s my job to get it listed onto different retail websites. As most inventors know, it’s quite a process to sell a BRAND NEW ITEM. Our expertise has helped us get new products into the hands of buyers from many different retail organizations – EntirelyPets.com is one of them! Congratulations to our product GOTTA POTTY for making it to the big leagues! Here’s the link to purchase it on their website: http://www.entirelypets.com/gotta-potty-training.html

entirely

Shape and Bake – it’s finally here!

When Emina Hayrula, the inventor of Shape and Bake, came to us we were immediately excited. The product was fantastic, and she trusted US to make sure it was manufactured, designed, and produced correctly.

Fast forward to March of this year – the Shape and Bake is finished! Check it out below! (click the image to see a video)

Shape and Bake

Source Direct Inventor Meets Daymond John of SHARK TANK!

We love when our inventors get a chance to expand their brand. One of our long-time inventors, Karen Cooney (Inventor of BRAINY PAC) recently had a chance to sit down and discuss business with renowned entrepreneur Daymond John, founder of FUBU and one of the sharks on “Shark Tank”.

KarenDaymon

Congratulations, Karen! We’re happy to see your brand continue to grow! 🙂

Are you an inventor with a million-dollar idea? Ready to finally live your dreams of invention success? We can help. Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with us – you can be like Karen too!

Call us today: 888-373-3876 x.213