Browse Category: Helpful Articles for Inventors

What are your NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS?

In 2014, did you follow through with all of your New Year’s Resolutions? Here are some interesting statistics when it comes to New Years Resolutions (courtesy of http://www.statisticbrain.com/):

 

New Years Resolution Statistics Data
Percent of Americans who usually make New Year’s Resolutions 45%
Percent of Americans who infrequently make New Year’s Resolutions 17%
Percent of Americans who absolutlely never make New Year’s Resolutions 38%
Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution 8% – WOW!

It can be concluded based on the data above that it’s pretty tough to hold on to your New Years Resolutions. As an inventor, was it a goal to create your first product prototype? Or maybe to design your packaging? Inventions can take lots of time, and goal setting is incredibly important. Here  are a few tips to keep in mind if developing your product will be a New Years Resolution in 2015:

  • Set realistic goals. Most benchmark time-frames fail because of improper planning. Know how long a certain goal will take, and plan accordingly.
  • Stick to your timeline. If you stray from the allotted time, it will make your vision harder to achieve.
  • Consult a professional if you aren’t hitting your goals and moving backward instead of forward.
  • Be sure that you are satisfied with your idea before setting goals and timelines. Back-tracking is detrimental to your product success if it’s on a deadline.

Would you like some assistance in setting goals and preparing your invention for 2015? Our experts at Source Direct would love to hear from you. Give us a call today at 888-373-3876, extension 212. Consultations are always free.

Start planning for 2015 now! Get your invention on shelves before the next busy season!

SUCCESS STORY: Weave Scratcher

ws

SPOTLIGHT ON: Weave Scratcher, http://www.weavescratcher.com/

About the Product: The Weave Scratcher™ is the first of its kind; a hair tool made especially for Women who experience one of the most common factors in wearing hair weaves, braids or wigs…THE ITCHY SCALP!

aboutWS Products invented the Weave Scratcher™ in 2011 after surveying many women who became frustrated with the fact that there was nothing on the market that can relieve the annoying itch that comes with wearing a weave. As avid weave wearers, WS Owners already knew the common yet dangerous solutions women resulted too…patting of the head, use of a rat tail comb and bobby pins. Each resolution is quick but the ending results can be painful and eventually damaging to the scalp such as cuts, sores and at times disturbing the installation of the hair style. Knowing with continue use of these quick fixes would eventually lead to damages for all women a solution to the problem was born the Weave Scratcher™.

WS products carefully designed the Weave Scratcher™ to reflect many of the common items used but safer for the itchy scalp. A tool that is very light weight, thin like a rat tail comb with round soothing balls on a curve edge that does not come off like a bobby pin. The main concern was not only to create a tool safe for the scalp but also something that is stylish and can be used on the go. A tool small enough to carry in a wallet, clutch, purse or jacket pocket and that would be invisible to the eye while in use. This is how The Weave Scratcher™ came to be, it is “The quick fix…to relieve the ITCH!”

The Weave Scratcher™ is the first of a line of products with solutions for women that wear hair extensions. WS Products is excited about the Weave Scratcher and its outcome. It’s the #1 Itch reliever for women that wear hair extensions worldwide. Order yours today and not only will you be satisfied but YOU WILL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

Testimonial from the Inventor: “You are in good hands with Source Direct. I have nothing but good things to say about Ed Mauro and Source Direct. My experience with them have been great and very professional. They are a company that goes far beyond their call of duty and will do all that it takes to get the job done.”

Do you have an idea for a product? Call us today – 888-373-3876, extension 212!

We offer free consultations! Don’t delay – call today!

Avoiding Suspicious Activity – Inventors, Be CAUTIOUS!

“There is no greater fraud than a promise not kept.” – Gaelic Proverb

Fraud is everywhere. Lies, deciet, scams – it’s all around us. Sometimes we may see an opportunity that is too good to be true, and more than likely, it typically is. Take a look at this infographic (courtesy of http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/internet-scam-hotspots-infographic/).

scams

Understand, though, that there are ways to make sure you aren’t being scammed. One of the main reason why scam artists get away with their tactics is because consumers don’t do enough research. Before you say yes to anything, no matter how big or small, know the benefits (or even the consequences). Property can be stolen right from under your nose if you aren’t careful.

That’s where inventing scams come in. Our founder of Source Direct, Ed Mauro, was a new inventor back in the late 80’s and witnessed every scam and setback you can think of. “Come to us and we’ll manufacture your product and have it on every shelf, in every store, in the entire USA!”, before they’ve seen the invention or concept! Some invention support/promotion organizations alike to us (Source Direct) may turn down ideas – not every single invention will be a winner in the eyes of the organization. Ask for a complimentary consultation with Source Direct to see if your product may be a fit!

Over 25 years has passed since his first invention, and now Ed has brought his expertise to all Source Direct clients to make sure that the development of their product is seamless and non-stressful.

A few red flags of shady Invention Production Companies could be:

  • Saying YES to your product idea before seeing a prototype.
  • Asking for a large sum of money up front without a promise of services.
  • Promising that the item will immediately become a success – it’s all based on the market, economic climate, supply/demand, and product quality and usefulness.
  • Not having any past successes.
  • Lacking a website or a phone number associated with the company.

What should you ask the Invention Production Company for?

  1. Client Testimonials/References (for applicable clients – some may have confidentiality agreements).
  2. Website/Phone Number/Email
  3. Signed contract or proposal, clearly stating the project outline and expectations.
  4. Mailing Address – to an actual location (a red flag could be a P.O. box).
  5. Marketing samples from previous inventions.

Here are a few scam prevention articles that have been published for the benefit of aspiring inventors:

  1. http://inventors.about.com/cs/avoidingscams/ht/Invention_Scams.htm
  2. http://www.ipwatchdog.com/inventing/avoiding-invention-scams/ 
  3. http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0184-invention-promotion-firms

The faulty and shady techniques of inventor support organizations inspired Ed to create Source Direct, a resource for inventors who are looking for support from concept to completion. Source Direct is a member of the UIA (United Inventors Association of America) and the Inventorz Network. Past successes, products, and our mission can be seen on TheSourceDirect.net.

Do you have an idea for a product? Call us today – 888-373-3876, extension 212!

We offer free consultations! Our experts would be happy to hear from you, and find out more about your product. Ask for Nathan!

SUCCESS STORY: The Simple Organizer

Here’s another Success Story! This time, we are focusing on a great product: The Simple Organizer! 

simpleorganizer

The Simple Organizer is a very useful, versatile and adaptable product for your everyday organizational needs. Use The Simple Organizer in various settings including: on top of your desk, attached to the side of your computer, in the kitchen, in your bedroom, in the bathroom, in your vehicle and by your entryway. The four removable walls make The Simple Organizer able to be customized to fit your needs.

We developed this product from start to finish! It truly was an absolute success! 

Do you have an idea for a product? Call us today – 888-373-3876, extension 212!

We offer free consultations! Don’t delay – call today!

 

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.