How to Bring a Product Idea to Life

i like free on 07/05/2018 - 21:36

Hello!

I have a product idea that combines two products into one. I've done some brief research to see if this product exists and cannot find this idea in store or online.

The product exists separately and depending on your lifestyle you may need to buy both these things. You will definitely need the main component but not necessarily to other but certainly handy and if given the option would choose to have it.

There are so many products available for people to buy and at some point they would have started as an idea.

I'm not sure what to do with this product idea or where/how to head with it next.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation? If so what did you do and how did it all go?

General Discussion

Comments

  • SydStrand on 07/05/2018 - 21:51
    +3

    Clock radio?

  • Ryanek on 07/05/2018 - 21:55

    Orange flavored toothpaste?

  • payton on 07/05/2018 - 22:06

    toaster with auto jam/butter applicator?

  • D C on 07/05/2018 - 22:10
    +7

    OzBargain eBay store?

  • Halo375 on 07/05/2018 - 22:19
    +1

    Research patents, document your idea, what it is, how it can be made, how its different from whats out there, complete a few simple designs and then try to register the patent or idea. If it is approved then you can approach companies with the approach to selling your design. Until you have it registered as your idea - you can’t do much.

    • D C on 07/05/2018 - 22:53
      +1

      The bloke who first got the idea of putting an eraser onto a pencil got a patent.

      It was eventually overturned as simply combining two existing items doesn't constitute a new invention.

      Edit: You don't need a patent to make a product, and companies don't buy patents. They'd rather spend the money busting yours instead or just rip you off anyway. Sue them if you have the money…

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2018 - 23:01
    +1

    Maybe have a look at the Shark Tank success story of the LED lit Throat Scope. It's an obvious idea, but well executed.

    • i like free on 08/05/2018 - 19:53

      I’ll need to find that episode. I vaguely remember the idea and yes was a great idea!

  • trustnoone on 07/05/2018 - 23:24

    Unfortunately peanut butter and chocolate already exists mate :p.

    Seriously though going off the top of my head, typically if you can patent it, it would be your first course of action, as you noticed writing your sentence above, you want to keep your idea safe as yours. Remember you may need to patent it internationally which may cost some money and some countries have less rigorous copyright laws and may essentially copy your thing anyway.

    Depending on what it is, you could try a start up? They're typically quite well discussed and supported in some states, so could give you ideas and money and plans for investment. Otherwise I guess theres always those gofundme sites for investment?

    End of the day I assume you're trying to commercialize this, which means you'll need a product, I'm guessing look at manufacturing places, talking to plants about who can create what you want. This may mean you need to hire a freelance engineer or someone that can draw you up designs for manufacturing.

    Though I probably suggest not jumping into manufacturing until you've worked out who you will sell to, whats your market, you're probably going to need that when looking for investment. Maybe brick and mortar shops? Maybe online? Maybe on those tv etc.

  • Godric on 08/05/2018 - 06:45

    Animate it into Toy Story

  • c0balt on 08/05/2018 - 10:07

    See a patent lawyer. This is their bread and butter.

    Also remember that if you can't patent something, it doesn't mean it's not an awesome idea that won't sell incredibly well, and that being first to market is often better than being late to the market but with a cheaper product.

  • Illian on 08/05/2018 - 16:42

    First thing is to hack together a prototype to see if it really does work and how appealing it really is, proof of concept.

  • i like free on 08/05/2018 - 19:51

    Keep the ideas coming guys! I might have more inventions come along down the track.

    I took a look at patents and pretty certain my idea can’t be patented. According to IP Australia only the following can be patented:
    computer-related inventions
    business methods
    biological inventions
    micro-organisms and other biological materials

    I do have a prototype ready and works a charm. It’s a fairly simple concept you just can’t find it on the market yet.

    • D C on 08/05/2018 - 20:50

      You've got a prototype so that puts you ahead of 99.9% of the 'inventors'.

      You can get a design patent but eh. Definitely grab any trademarks.

      A patent is only useful if there's a long market time for the item. Imagine holding the patent for the fidget spinner (no, that woman didn't), you'll be rich, baby! Oh wait…

      Generally make it, sell it, next.

      • i like free on 08/05/2018 - 22:38

        Maybe it’ll just be something that’s a hobby that I sell on the side rather than something that’s fully commercial

        • D C on 09/05/2018 - 00:32

          No harm in that.

          A patent is generally an unnecessary expense. Just because you get one doesn't mean you have a good idea, just no-one else thought of it (or bothered to patent).

  • BuyoTheCat on 09/05/2018 - 12:02

    a spoon and a fork combined?

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