Browse Tag: scam

I Invented a Product…do I have to spend money?

Okay, so picture this: you just came up with the greatest idea ever. It solves a problem, is economical, and you’ve done testing to see if consumers will purchase this product on the market. That’s fantastic! Now, the next question that usually comes up is: will this cost me any money to make?

The answer is simple: yes, it will. Most inventors will go right into the development process with the mindset of “someone will just buy my idea and I’ll just get a percentage of the profits”. That is very rare and incredibly unlikely. There are many things to keep in mind:

  1. As an inventor (and the creator of this idea), it’s your responsibility to get this product to market, if you so choose.
  2. Work with reputable companies who can put your idea on paper, into the factories, and onto the store shelves.
  3. Have realistic goals set in place for the development of your product, and in the correct chronological order.

Licensing is something we hear about every day. “Just take my idea and send me money later.” Unfortunately, that’s not how this works! If that was the case, every inventor who ever lived would want to go this direction – it appears to be the easiest way. It may be easy, but it’s not probable.

To get high quality CADS, prototypes, samples, sourcing, manufacturing, and more – you’ll need to pay for it. It’s not uncommon. Just be careful when you do pay! Make sure the company you’re working with is not going to scam you.

Are you looking to move forward with an invention? Give us a call at 888-373-3876 extension 213 – speak to Nathan and mention this blog for a free product evaluation! 

I have an idea! What should I do next?

Lead-Successful-Invention2Every invention that has ever gone to market started as an idea in the mind of an inventor. The steps that they took directly afterwards are what made them either successes or failures. A lot of planning, development, and even money goes in to the creation of a product – it’s vital that you take the appropriate steps to see an invention to completion.

Here are a few helpful hints that past (and satisfied) clients from Source Direct have shared with us:

  1. Understand your product fully before meeting with an organization that promises to develop your idea. Know what the product’s primary function is, and stick to it. Inventor resource companies, alike to Source Direct, will only work with inventors who have a solid idea and a game plan.
  2. Beware of scam artists who claim to be able to “solve all of your problems with money up front”. You need to be able to trust the organization helping to create your product – they are the lifeline to your livelihood. Look through all documentation, understand milestones, and set realistic goals. Ask the company to show you past successes.
  3. Work with a company that will offer a FREE consultation. Source Direct always gives totally free consultations and evaluations. Some organizations will work with anyone and everyone, just to turn over a profit. Source Direct has a very particular on-boarding process, and it’s taken seriously!
  4. Do a search to make sure your idea has not been patented already. You can do a free search on at www.uspto.gov.
  5. The worst thing you can do is prematurely spend all of your money that you’ve allocated for the project. Know your budget, and make sure that the company you work with is reputable.

Most ideas/inventions fail in the early stages due to lack of preparedness, and not knowing where to go or who to talk to. With Source Direct, we have 25+ years in the industry to back us up!

Do you have an idea? Are you in the early stages of invention development? We’d like to help!

Give us a call at 888-373-3876, extension 212. You can also email Marketing@TheSourceDirect.net and a representative will be in touch with you within 24 hours. Our consultations are always free. 

Inventor Resources…where do you go?

When it comes down to finding the best resources for starting your invention journey, you should use caution and only work with individuals that you trust. There are many scams floating around the industry, so you should be weary! We have compiled a list of resources that we trust in:

  • United States Patent and Trademark Office – The USPTO assists independent inventors, small business concerns and university affiliated inventors through its Office of Innovation Development.
  • Source Direct – We help you design, construct, manufacture, market, and package your product! Source Direct is your one stop shop for making your invention dream a reality!
  • UIA (United Inventors Association of America) – The UIA is a Federally Registered Non-Profit Educational Foundation. Our commitment is to provide educational resources to the inventing community, while encouraging honest and ethical business practices within the industry service providers.
  • Inventorz Network – The Inventorz Network™ is the new collective voice of The Next Big Zing, Womentorz and Women Inventorz Network to create the ULTIMATE network and marketing tool for inventorz.

Would you like to be added to our list of resources? We are always looking for patent and trademark attorneys, aspiring inventors, inventor associations, and networking groups. For consideration, please email Marketing@thesourcedirect.net or call Nathan Daugherty, Client Networking Coordinator, at 888-373-3876, extension 212.