Browse Tag: inventorz network

Interview with Ed Mauro, Source Direct Founder

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Our founder, Ed, was interviewed today on the Innovation Divaz radio show!

The Innovation Divaz really know the who, what and why of inventing, and love that they can share their knowledge connections and great women invented products with their audience. Meet Melinda Knight – business woman, inventor and expert social media and celebrity gifting guru! And her co host, Dhana Cohen who has been inventing products, businesses, marketing contests, and events for over 20 years! The Innovation Divaz not only co-host this fantastic talk show, they also run the ULTIMATE connection platform for the entire inventor industry at www.inventorznetwork.com! 

 

Source Direct is a member of the Inventorz Network, and looks forward to the opportunities still to come with their organization! Want to listen to the full interview?

Use the player below:

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!

A Q&A With Ed Mauro, Our Founder

We have recently joined the Inventorz Network, and our founder, Ed, was asked a few questions about Source Direct. Here’s a full transcript of the interview!

How long have you been part of the inventor world?

In 1987, I invented my first product, and it has been a whirlwind ever since. My goal was to create a product that solved a common problem in the golf world, and it has absolutely done that (and more!). With the invention of the Club Clean, we saw a market for more golf-cart centric products, so we ran with it! Club Clean is still selling strong after 25 years!

What Products have you invented and what was your success story.

After I invented the Club Clean, I came up with other products to go along with it, such as the Spike Swipe, Buggie Bags, Grip Coach, Gorilla Mats, and The Executive (motorized version of the Club Clean). Our loyal followers and customers loved these new additions, so I built my business around them! Club Clean now sells these items to brick/mortar and online retail stores all over the world. Our full line of Club Clean items can be seen on ClubClean.net.

Are you still inventing on your own? And is this how you keep things fresh? 

Inventors are always inventing! It’s a passion of mine – I’ve made it my life’s work! Currently, I have two major products in the works, that I have been developing over the past couple of years. These products will be to market next year, actually! With the development of our company, Source Direct, I have switched gears a bit to spend time and focus on helping other inventors get through the “concept to completion” of their product.

What is the infrastructure and process look like that makes your company unique?

Just like our products, we are very unique! Sometimes our clients laugh when we tell them this, but we can take their idea from a napkin all the way to warehousing and distribution. Inventors can come to us with an idea, no matter how small, and our team can help them develop from there. We offer constructive criticism from every angle: concepts/development/design/marketing/etc. Our truthful and professional approach to all products is one of the majorways that we stand out from our competition.

 Tell us a few of your successful inventor stories.

First and foremost, our methods proved to be effective with the creation of the Club Clean product back in 1987! We were able to build a very successful business then, and we are still doing the same thing to this day for inventors who entrust us with the task of developing and marketing their product. Over the years since the inception of Source Direct, we have seen 18 different products to a successful completion. Some notable products include Nancy Jane’s Stacking Planters, The Cord Warden, SOS Keyless Steel Doors, EZ Cure “No Think” Wedges, Aqua Vault, Soap Away, Beach Magnet, Time to Brush, and The Simple Organizer. A more detailed list of our items can be seen here:http://www.thesourcedirect.net/products.php

 

Source Direct Joins the Inventorz Network!

lc_inSource Direct is proud to announce a new partnership with the Inventorz Network. Formerly known as the Womens Inventorz Network, the Inventorz Network exists to connect inventors with manufacturers, developers, designers, and even other inventors. Here’s an excerpt from their website:

 

[box type=”bio”] 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! Please note the “z” has always been an important part of our brand! Our original platform was created to inspire, educate, and protect inventors across the U.S. and Canada. Yet more and more inventorz came to us and said they wanted to build relationships with industry leaders and buyers, so we grew our business to include these amazing CONNECTIONS on top of all of the fabulous services we have always provided to our inventor community![/box]

By joining the Inventorz Network, Source Direct will have more access to inventors who need assistance in making their product dream a reality. For more information on the Inventorz Network, visit InventorzNetwork.com.