Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I think there are negatives and positives either way.

If you continue to develop the product you have more control and the potential for controlling more revenue; however, as you say, you incur more risk.

If you license the device, you don`t have such an investment.  Or you may have a device that appeals to multiple industries and would be difficult to bring to market by your lonesome. On the minus side, you won`t have much control over the revenue. Plus, it may be difficult to knock on the doors of a major company for licensing opportunities. Beyond that, a great prototype is just going to open up doors. So you still might want to consider that.

I generally side on the "license" (when possible) side of the equation. That`s just my personal opinion, because the "idea storming" is what I enjoy the most. There are always great ideas out there.

There`s a good section in the StartUp Nation book that covers this that explains it better than I can.

Hope that helps.

Or have I thoroughly confused everyone.

Matt

Mr. Solo,

Good luck.   Am curious about your field and the product you are re-designing.  It`s not golf, is it?   I have just posted a message to try to get investors for some inventions.  I want to sign-off/license quickly, but I understand your wanting to keep control/ownership, especially after having made a professional model.  Years ago I spent years trying to hand-manufacture a few of my own things. Useful experience, but don`t want to repeat it.

Ray

One thing you should certain do, and that`s join an inventor`s group in your area.  The United Inventors Association at www.uiausa.com can point you to a local group.  Non-profit inventor`s groups are typically loaded with retired engineers and people who have gone through the process once or twice already.  They can really help you move your project along.  Good luck!

You should also check out http://www.score.org/

They offer free mentorship programs, and you can even hook up with someone who is familiar with your field. Since all their mentors have "been there, done that" their help is invaluable.

Is there anyone out there trying to start up a new business behind a new product or invention? If so, could you share your ideas and any triumphs or pitfalls encountered along the way. I believe learning from others experiences is very helpful, especially for those who are first to venture down this road.

Years ago was working on making my own inventions in wood, forming a company, and marketing them.   Now am shooting for licensing as early as possible.  Stalled now by $; working on digging up an Angel.  You may want to look into inventNet.org; also has interesting forum.

Best, Ray

Kathy,

A question for you, when it comes to ebay, would you consider that a good test market?

Im not trying to say you product isnt worthy  on the contrary  it may be beter than that what the ebay market has to offer.

IMHO  I wonder if  ebay is full of people looking for a  bargoon and unless the price is right then they move on..  That is unless the product is very unique and not available in there  area  at all.

is this a false image that i have when it comes to ebay  buyers??

mike

ps  Id like to take a look at you product  do you have an ebay  link for me  ,  either post it  or please  email it to me.

Everything about the web site tells me that you are a start up organization just thinking about possibly starting a business.

Everything from the wording to the content.

We are a small company outside of Chicago.

We`re still testing various types of fabric for durability, and how they drape on the various types of chairs.

For now, check on eBay for any current auctions we`re running. Our member name is IBDesignsUSA. Thanks for looking, and check back with us as we develop our line of product and our Web presence.

If your ready to offer the product/service, get things together and do it.  Don`t tell people things that they have no interest in and how your still researching product durability.  Personally I`m not going to purchase something from a seller that has no idea about the durability of your own product.

Create an image that you want people to have of your business.  this is done by the words you use to the contruction of your site.

I like the product, or at least the image of the produuct that you have the potential of offering.

Who are you going to market to.

small business offices and individuals.

Nationally, Internationally, Regionally???

Anybody who owns a chair???

How much are you going to charge for the slipcover..

Should you start high so you can offer specials, to create a higher quality product and service??

Fabric selection:

Are you going to have a selection for people to choose or just make something for them and hope that they will like it??

Each cover is unique, since we don`t always know what we`ll find when we go shopping for fabric

How are you going to market it?

Retailers,  web site, word of mouth??

I can make you think and even begin to be creative in areas you haven`t thought about.  But with the information I have I fear I may have a false image.

if you would like to discuss in more detail  email me  please.

Mike