Manufacturing Worries
I am now ready to start shopping my designs around to manufacturers. All of a sudden an evil little voice in my head sounded and began to evoke worries that my ideas may not be safe. What if someone decides that yes, my ideas are great but decides to make them without involving me?? I know this is a very touchy subject and I do not want to offend anyone. The reason I am even voicing these worries in an open forum is because I have gotten opposing views on the subject. Following are some of the comments I have heard.
Pattern Makers, Sample Makers and Sewing Contractors are not in the business of wholesaling or marketing finished goods, so why would they change.
Why not ask the contractors to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement before seeing your product? Well, some say that you risk alienating your collaborators by asking them to sign an NDA. I suppose they would be offended and wouldn’t want to work with someone so distrusting.
Someone I spoke to who previously worked in manufacturing said I must have manufacturers sign a confidentiality agreement.
With so many arguments on both sides of the fence I figured I would write a post here to see what my fellow entrepreneur’s on SUN thought. I eagerly aniticipate and would greatly appreciate your comments! 
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Wow…funny how things happen. Just today I was contacted by a company that agreed to sign a NDA and I was very pleased to hear that. I feel it’s always a good thing to have a company sign a NDA. I guess it really would depend on the company but I would hope that each company would comply out of respect for the other company and it’s product.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
You sound just like me 10yrs ago. I was hording my idea for the last 10 years because like you, I was so afraid someone would run off with my idea, not to mention back then I had no clue what an NDA was nor had I ever heard of one. Because of my lack of knowledge on this whole thing, it cost me nearly 10yrs of wasted time. Luckily, this past August, after weeks of research and spending time on SUN, I discovered what an NDA was and I began using it. Suprisingly so, the vendors/manufacturers whom I approached were very receptive and open to signing the NDA. A couple of them even asked me did I have one before I brought it up. Trust me, if they want your business, they will definately sign it. I would be very suspicious if otherwise. That said, you should always use your best judgement and exercise caution with people you’re dealing with. Always remember to do thorough research on any company before you choose to disclose anything to them. With technology these days, you can find out anything about anyone in a matter of minute–so keep that in your back pocket.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I too recently shopped my tile designs to manufacturers and successfully signed an NDA with my chosen fabricator and had a very positive experience, but I think that was all due to the approach that I used. Like you, my heart and sole went into those designs and I was concerned about someone trying to take the idea, so I made a ‘dummy’ sample of a design that made it possible for the manufacturers to see and understand what I want to accomplish without revealing the technique required to produce to the final product(I never left any samples with anyone until I had an agreement). Then I put on my ‘professional business hat’ and changed the way I thought about an NDA. It’s not a tool that will offend people if it is presented in a way that helps protect both parties involved. If you think about it from the manufacturer’s point of view then you can structure the wording in such a way that will accomplish your needs while at the same time providing a level of comfort for the other party. Be confident, be strong and be compassionate. If there is one thing that I have learned from SUN it’s that you need to setup the correct building blocks to achieve your dreams.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Thanks for all of your comments!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
We are in the business of manufacture, we are open to sign any NDA, if you are serious doing business, there is nothing wrong to sign it
November 5th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Having a signed NDA is a MUST! It protects you and gives you peace of mind to focus on producing rather than protecting your idea. Signing an NDA is a standard business practice. It is important to a have a well written NDA. For example our agreement states that any recommendations or modifications suggested by the manufacturer do not entitle them ownership of the idea or transfer ownership.
And if the tables are turned, always read what you are signing!
November 5th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I’m quickly approaching the point of needing an NDA. Does anyone have a good one or a recommendation to a resource for one? Thanks.