THE IMPORTANCE OF A PROTOTYPE
Having a Prototype of Your Product is More Than an Option--It's a Must!
By Ken Tarlow
Most product ideas are in some way a derivative of already existing products. After all, there's really very little that's new under the sun. The idea is to find already existing parts from other products on the market and piece them together in a different way to create your new product. Other stock parts can be found by looking in the Thomas Register, available at your local library.
The process of designing and prototyping your product is not an option. It is an absolute necessity. It is the most essential ingredient in your presentation to a potential licensee or investor. A manufacturer looking at your product wants all the questions answered. They want to see something work. They want to see how it looks, how it feels.
If they can't experience these things, it leaves a question mark in their minds. The investor can't move forward and make decisions because there are unknowns.
As soon as this happens, all the momentum of the presentation comes to a grinding halt. The manufacturer has a lot on his plate. He or she may have existing products and in-house development projects. This person is usually looking for a "turnkey" situation. This is what an investor is willing to pay a royalty for. Not a half-baked contraption that doesn't look or work like the real thing.
Prototypes are also your best learning tool. It's not until you actually put something together that you really know how effectively it works. An idea can look great on paper, but when you actually try something, you're always in for some surprises.
Prototypes show you how the major concept works, but they also show you all the subtle nuances that are crucial to the perfect working of your idea. This knowledge is invaluable to the writing of patent claims, which will prove that your idea is unique and (in patent language) "non-obvious."
NEXT ISSUE: More on Prototypes
The above article was excerpted from Ken Tarlow's MIND TO MONEY, a cassette tape/workbook package that can help you develop a new product from the idea stage to the marketplace. MIND TO MONEY may be ordered from the Dream Merchant at $59.95 plus $4.95 CA sales tax and$5 shipping and handling ($69.90 total). Send orders to the Dream Merchant, 2309 Torrance Blvd., Suite 104, Torrance, CA 90501.
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