Getting the demo video right is more important than ever.  Every inventor needs to be skilled at VIDEO EDITING and PROTOTYPE MAKING.

In “As Seen On TV” category of DRTV, we often use the inventors original video for the initial survey phase of testing.  With smartphone technology and video editing so accessible, learning to make a demo video is a basic skill every inventor needs to have.

“A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words but a Demo Video Is Worth a Million Dollars.”

Carrie Jeske

I’ve included a script writing template at the end of this blog.

Making The Demo Video

1. Decide Audience based on Prototype Quality? Are you pitching to our team or our you pitching to potential customers?   If you prototype looks good, pitch as you would to real customers.  If not, you’ll need to pitch to our group and focus heavily on the problem you’re solving
2. Keep It Short. 60 seconds or less is idea for our survey test phase. Visual Demo works best. If you go to 2-min scripts are no more than 300 words with Product Problem/Solution repeating so use most compelling language
3. What’s Your Problem? ASOTV products have a clearly understood PROBLEM / SOLUTION pitch.   Often problems are shown in B/W for dramatic effect.   While that level of production is not necessary for the initial demo video, showing and telling the PROBLEM/SOLUTION is.
4. The Product is the Star – Show close ups of the product more than your own self so we can see what we’re buying. Show or explain examples of the Features of your product providing Benefits to the consumer.   Add a Wow Factor.
5. Editing & Voice Over. If you can shoot the visual then do a voice over of the whole video, that tends to get more responses from consumers. If not and you need to pitch in a one take smartphone format, then speak clearly and show close ups of the actual product more than your own self.
6. “WOW” Factor. Outrageous Demos & Amazing Visuals, Unique Materials.   Flashlights strong enough to be ran over by a Mac truck.   Tape that can reseal boat bottom cutouts.  Magic materials that have amazing & unique benefits.  These are the secrets of As Seen On TV.    Get creative with it, when appropriate.

Product Names. The product name will be tested at the end of the process but creativity up front is important.   Names that Explain Function are best.   Two Consonant names tend to roll better such a Magic Mesh, Windshield Wonder, Jupiter Jack.

Hosting or Posting the Demo Video

Do not send a large video file to licensee’s.  Companies don’t want their email systems bogged down by large files.   Instead, host the video on the cloud.  There are many options from Dropbox, Google Drive to YouTube Unlisted.  Learn to upload your demo video then COPY the link and PASTE it into your email.

Submitting Your Demo Video

1. Always put the PRODUCT NAME in the Subject line so feedback can be easily tracked or searched.
2. Include a simple link to the demo video or attach a pdf sell sheet along with a SHORT note.

EXAMPLE EMAIL:   Dear George, please take a quick look at this new “patented” product and let me know if you company is interested in discussing licensing or acquisition.

ADD LINK to “Unlisted” YouTube Video

Any feedback you have regarding your interest or experience with these kinds of products is appreciated.

I look forward to your response.

DO NOT SEND DUPLICATE EMAILS & WEBSITE SUBMISSIONS.

DO NOT SEND MANY EMAILS ABOUT THE SAME PRODUCT.

DO ALSO SUBMIT ONLINE IF THEY OFFER THE OPTION.

Waiting For A Response

See another blog about this topic.  It’s important!

Pitch Demo Video Script Template 

Production Notes:

Time Voice Over Audio Portion so the entire spot is no more than 2 minutes and preferably 1 minute with a 30 second action demo edit scene available for social networking interest.

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First, you have to have a well made prototype.

The better the prototype, the easier it is to license.   However prototypes can be expensive so hedge your bet by starting with the least expensive, best looking version of your idea that you can do.

See Types of Prototypes for more detail.

It can be a low cost, but well done $5 Prototype, a hand made craft or a professionally done or 3D printer prototype.  Finished products are easiest to license or sell but higher risk and more expensive to the inventor.

Second, make a demo video.   

This can be professionally done, shot by an amateur or homemade with a smart phone or video recorder.   The key is to use the right language and shoe the product Problems / Solution / Benefits in under 2 minutes, but no more than 5 minutes.   If you have questions, read my blog, Demo Videos That Sell.  

Third, post your video online.

I recommend setting up your own YouTube or Vimeo channel because it offers you a free platform with the most control over your video content.  You can see a view count, telling you when your video is being viewed so you can keep an eye on the progress.   Generally, we need 1-3 views to start, 4-7 views if we’re interested and under 10 views to offer a licensing agreement.   The content remains under your control so you can delete the video at any time.

To maintain confidentiality:

• Vimeo:   Please be sure to set your privacy settings to “only people with a password.” Don’t forget to include your password in your submission email. Also, please select “download the video” option.

• YouTube:       Please adjust your settings so the video is “unlisted”, then      share the link with us via the submission form.

Finally, submit your product to Carrie Jeske

Always give us First Look before sending anywhere else.

1. Submit Online.   A member of our team will review your submission and reply with the next steps.

IMPORTANT: when you submit via email, be sure to include:

Subject Line of Email:   Simply list the Product Name.  This allows me to sort, track and forward to interested investors.

Link To Video in the Body of Email:  Copy/paste a link to a video from your YouTube, Vimeo, or website in the body of the email.

My email date and time stamps every email for my protection and yours.   All submissions are confidential, non-public disclosures.    I will reply to every single product submission with specific feedback related to the Characteristics of Successful TV Products.

To find out more Low Cost, High Return Inventing watch and SUBSCRIBE to Carrie Jeske YouTube channel.

Submit Products for review.

Onward & Upward,

Carrie Jeske

© 2020 Jeske.  For reprint rights, please contact Carrie Jeske directly.

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Prototype types are very important to know because when you invent well, it’s in sequence.

In the early stages, inventors need to save money and prove the invention concept in the fastest amount of time with the least amount of cost.    Understanding the 8 kinds of prototypes and knowing when to use them can save a lot of time and money.   Here is my recommendation.

Use through the VALIDATION / EVALUATION Phase

1)   Proof of Concept Prototype

Use existing materials, parts and components to prove the new idea works or not and make reasonable assumptions about how much the invention will cost to make, based on similar materials being sold in other products.    This step DOES NOT have to be in tangible form.   You can easily look around in stores and compare the cost of similar materials, used in other products.   You can make assumptions based on the retail price points and gain insight on which materials might work best for your concept.

2)   Inventor Mock Up Prototype   

(Low cost start for As Seen on TV Submissions).   Click here for info on How To Submit Product Concepts.

A rough construction using crude materials such as cardboard, foam, paper or wood typically done to show the idea in 3D form.    You can jiffy rig pieces and parts together to demonstrate the product so you can show it to potential partners.   The main goal here is to be able to explain the features and benefits to trusted people who can offer you feedback.    You can make a home made video demo showing your product in action and

3)  Virtual Prototypes or Animations Prototype 

(Perfect for developing Sell Sheets before spending money on inventory)

3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) rendering.   These can be fancy and detailed done in a CAD program for greater detail or simple and arty, making the product look aesthetically pleasing on a graphic sell sheet.   Using a graphically created photo is a great way to test the concept, validate the market need and gain support from team members, investors and license partners is fantastic.    It’s so important to determine the features and benefits of the product.

I’m not a fan of animations as a form of submitting product ideas for licensing, unless the product is complex.   For simple items like what we look for in As Seen On TV, the mock-up is best for evaluation, but the working prototype or 3D Printed prototype is better for testing.

CAD drawings or line drawings are great for patent filing, but not very compelling to marketers and product licensee’s.

The farther an inventor brings the product, the easier it is to gain interest.

Use through the BUSINESS PLANNING Phase & Testing Phase.    BEST for ASOTV.

4)  Model or 3D Printed Prototype 

A form built and painted for aesthetic appearance only

5)  Working Prototype

A fully functioning item yet may not be fully designed & engineered for manufacturability, nor it may not be appearance like.

6) Black Box Prototype

An existing enclosure or box  with mechanical, electrical, optical and or software internals fully functioning.

Use through the PROTOTYPES & PATENTS Phase

7)  Rapid Prototype

A group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three dimensional CAD data.

Use through MANUFACTURING phase

8)  Pre-Production Prototype

A prototype provided by the manufacturer prior to full production.   Done to insure quality, concept, and functionality.

Watch and SUBSCRIBE to Carrie Jeske YouTube Channel for more info.  Positive Comments Appreciated.

The post 8 Kinds of Prototypes and When to Use Them appeared first on Inventive Ideas, LLC.

The $5 Proof-of-Concept Inventor Mockup

Prototypes don’t have to be expensive.    When inventing new products for TV, you can secure a licensing agreement with a $5 Prototype.

I read an interesting article, written by Edmond John Dougherty, Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship at Villanova University and an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department who is teaching students how this is possible.  He says “you can “‘MacGyver’ a prototype for your invention and get funding.”

I agree. It’s possible to get a term sheet and licensing agreement on early stage prototypes, but in the last two years, it’s getting harder.  There are many finished goods that manufactures can choose from so you have to have a well made prototype and strong marketing pitch.

Proof-of-principle Prototypes instantly increase the value of your idea

If you really understand your idea, it is possible for anyone to build a demonstration prototype at a very low cost.   Low cost does not mean low quality.  It is important that the prototype look as high quality as you can make it.   After All, you’re asking investors to put $5,000, $10,000 or $30,000 into the concept to test the market viability so how well you communicate the value of the item is critical to securing funding.

There are some companies and distribution channels that won’t fund early stage concepts or license I.P. before the product has been tested for market viability.  If your invention happens to be geared toward an industry where this is true, you may have to go the provisional or utility patent route.   Even for TV items, there is a time and place for I.P. protection.     I just don’t believe that’s it’s before obtaining a confidential review, when all you need is a well-made, $5 prototype.    Waste not.  Want not.

If you want or need to invest more, there are 3D printers and product development companies that offer reasonable services.    If you need some good recommendations for some trusted providers, send me a note on LinkedIn.

Once you have the prototype ready to go, review the blog “Demo Videos That Sell”.

You could have the next great As Seen on TV winner and I can’t wait to review and give feedback on your product submission.

Onward & Upward,

Submit Your Product for review.

Onward & Upward,

Carrie Jeske

Watch and SUBSCRIBE to Carrie Jeske YouTube Channel.

Positive Comments Appreciated.

© 2020 Jeske.  For reprint rights, please contact Carrie Jeske directly.

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In the As Seen on TV category, an inventor can clear 2-4 million dollars in royalties.  In every other category, that number is significantly less. Don’t be caught in an unrealistic dream.

Let’s talk money outside of TV, if you license your product outside of TV.   That’s different then the “Make and Sell It” strategy for money making.

That’s a whole different game. If you “make” or manufacture the product then sell it and make profit on the manufacturing whole sale price less cost of goods and operational expenses.  If you license a product outside of TV you’re gonna get a higher royalty rate but may make less in the long run.

In ASOTV, royalty rates are 1% to 5% because volumes are huge.  Outside of TV you might be able to get 5% to 7%.

Maybe you get 10% if you’re lucky but that’s still gonna be a lot less cash since the sales volumes are lower. In the licensing agreements I do the things that are not TV average $20,000 to $40,000 per year in royalties.

A medium-sized deal might be $50,000. $90,000 is much better but $50,000 is more common.  For example, a 5% royalty would make about $50,000 a year at 1 million dollars in sales. That’s doable. That’s a good realistic goal.

$150,000 to $200,000 a year is more unusual. They absolutely happen, but they’re not the norm. That’s why it’s good to have a mix of singles doubles and triple successes.

Especially if you can get more of them.

Still, the As Seen On TV winners are where the big money is and the upside and the costs are lower for the inventor.

Whatever category you’re in, I think it’s best to keep costs low.  Inventing is a gamble of time and money.  Choose wisely.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more educational videos about inventing.

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What’s a Morel Mushroom?

Develop an Eye

Part of success is knowing what to look for.  Developing an eye takes experience.  You see products come and products go.  Years go by.  In new product reviews, it’s more about knowing what hasn’t worked in the past, then knowing what will work in the present.

The same is true for mushrooms.  There are many varieties to identify and poisonous false morels that lead to sickness.   Making mistakes is costly.

The Morels blend into their environments so it’s hard to see them through all the bushes, grass and trees.   Once a patch is found, it generally continues to produce mushrooms for a few years so knowing where to look is a big advantage.

When It’s Dry, Keep Walking

Because of intermittent rain the lands in our area are vastly different. Don’t waste time in a dry place. True of life too, but sometimes just keep walking till you’re out of the woods!   Don’t give up.  Seasons change.  Looking for As Seen On TV products is the same.  There are times it’s dry and you don’t find anything worth investing in.  It’s dry.  Then suddenly you arrive at the spot where the winner emerges.  The next big As Seen On TV winner could, literally, be just around the corner. Keep moving forward and don’t give up.  When it’s dry, keep walking.

Carry A Big Stick

Having the right equipment is important to any endeavor.  In mushroom hunting, a good walking stick is very helpful.   It provides extra support of rocky ground and slopes but also is a great tool for moving leaves, scrubs and branches.

With product hunting, it’s about gaining peoples trust so they share their product ideas and being able to gently tell them “no thanks” when they aren’t a fit.

The usual phrasing “speak softly and carry a big stick” was apparently invented by Theodore Roosevelt in 1900.  Basically, he meant that one should be a gentleman and avoid quarrels, but stand up for one’s rights.  He believed that was best done by speaking gently while showing that picking a fight isn’t smart.  The way I say it is “Have real credibility and be nice!”   Often, telling someone their idea won’t work is a challenge.  Other times, encouraging and inventor to TAKE THE DEAL, is a gift.

Wear Boots

Have you heard the joke about what a Ph.D. stands for?  Piled High and Deeper.  Inventors are prone to over embellish the attributes of their products so wearing boots is equally important in mushroom hunting and product reviews.   Enough said.

Rest When You’re Tired

Working hard is hard work.  It’s important to take time for yourself and enjoy vacations or “staycations”.   Rest when tired.  I’ve walked in the woods so far my bones hurt.

Similarly, I review 30-50 new product ideas a day much of the time.   Videos longer then 2 minutes become draining and when people don’t get to the product and it’s benefits fast, interest lags.

In the woods, I may just shut my eyes on a tree hammock.  On the computer, sometimes just closing the eyes with a 5-minute power nap does the trick.   After all, if it were easy, everyone would do it.   Working in a field that’s demanding and difficult makes finding the payoff feel more special.

Savor the Payoff

After hours in the woods with nothing, we stumble upon this little patch of morels that boasts more then 22 shrooms.   Now that’s a “Wow” factor!    Suddenly, we aren’t’ tired anymore.  We’re fresh, excited, energized.

Be Generous

Share the wealth.  Generosity is a gift to the giver and much as the recipient.  Seeing the look in people’s eyes when you offer what they did not expect, earn or deserve is a joy.

Stewart and I have our parents over for breakfast.  We serve special omelets and fried Morels, swapping stories from the hunt and laughing together.

Working in teams is so much more rewarding for me.

The same is true of business.   My team of product scouts work hard, some submitting product after product that gets rejected with a sentence or two.  They are dedicated, loyal and hard working.   I care about them and their families.   I want the payoff to come as a team.

It’s what I expect from my team at Will It Launch too.   I expect to be paid on time and fairly.  People don’t want to have to hunt down money or exercise audit rights.   In the end, most of us want to enjoy and trust the people around us at work and play.

Generosity is the key.  Be to others what you want to receive for yourself.  The laws of reaping and sowing are a time-tested truth.  If you want beans, don’t plant corn.   If you want to find morel mushrooms or new product inventions, start looking, gain experience and don’t give up.

Submit Product Ideas to:

Carrie Jeske

www.WillItLaunch.com

© 2017 Jeske.  All rights reserved.   To publish whole or in part contact carrie@inventiveideas.com

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Inside the As Seen On TV category, patents are not required, but in slower moving. niche distribution channels, they are critical.

As with any service need, you can Do It Yourself (DIY) or hire a professional.    It’s all a choice between time, quality and money.   Below is the sequence I recommend.   The most common mis-step I see inventors make is moving to Step 5 before 1-4 are complete.  This is a mistake since filing a provisional starts a 12 month clock that runs fast.   Negotiating licensing agreements takes time. so completing steps 1-4 first, maximizes your investment of money and time.

Whether your product is selected by our licensing agents and you hire Inventive Ideas or you decide to Do It Yourself. here are the next steps I recommend.   Inventive Ideas does not file patents so you will need to DIY or hire an attorney you can understand for that step.   

Here’s what needs to be done.

1. Step Back and Research

   1. Consider “Why” ASOTV passed.   Is your product still viable in niche markets or simply not viable at all?
   2. Evaluate competition dominance.   Do you have a better chance in niche markets?  
   3. Identify the niche markets.  It’s easier to get to selected groups and target companies then ever before.

2. Collect Data

   1. Find similar products being sold and gather manufacture name.  You can find it right on the packaging, online or at the public library.
   2. Develop a spreadsheet contact list of Top 5-10 manufactures.  Not retailers.   Retailers don’t normally license product.  You need to drill down to the manufacture name.   Look on the store shelves at the product packaging.  The manufactures names/brands are listed.  That is your target prospect for licnesing.  Make a list.

3. Gather Information

   1. Call the phone numbers or post online and ask if the company accepts outside new patent product ideas.   If no, cross them off your list and move on.  If yes, get the correct spelling of the person’s name, their direct extension, and email.   This isn’t easy but it’s possible.  Ask them about the kind of products they are looking for and gather information about the evaluation process.  Build a relationship. (You haven’t shown them your idea yet.  You’re simply making an introduction.)    What you really want, is the contact information.  It doesn’t matter if you speak to them or not at this step.   Get complete contact info.

4. Produce Marketing Materials of Concept Prototype

   1. Single Sell Sheet in pdf or short demo video hosted on Youtube in “unlisted” setting works best.   I’m not a fan of animations, unless the product is too complex to prototype.  If you spoke with a live person and have an email, move fast.   Make your own Demo Video or hire Fiverr.com to make a marketing flyer.   
   2. The better you make your prototype look, the more interest you’ll get.   Balance time and money costs.   For more information, see 8 Kinds Of Prototypes and When To Use Them.

5. File Provisional Patent.

   1. DIY or hire a pro.  Use Legal Zoom for $250 or find an attorney for $1,200 – $5,000.   Remember, filing a provisional patent starts the clock so be ready to roll by making sure steps 1-4 are done BEFORE you file.   The moment you file, the clock is ticking so start hot and begin step 5 within the first hour of having a filing number.    You have 12 months to move forward with a utility patent (3 years and $10-$20,000).   Use your time wisely to evaluate licensing potential and viability.   Waiting to file till steps 1-4 are done allows you to start hot.

6. Prospect & Gain Feedback.  

   1.  Use Telephone, Email, Online.   Connect on LinkedIn or other social networks.   Be persistent.    Call, mail, call, write, submit, till you get some interest.   Give Permission for negative feedback. You need to hear what’s tested and failed on their side.   Companies have access to insider information not found on the public domain.   If they tested similar products that failed, no patent was filed so it won’t show up in USPTO records or on Amazon, since the product was not manufactured.   Knowing this can save you thousands of dollars and years of time.

7.  Secure Interest &

   1. If they’re interested, they have questions.   This is the step when Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA’) get signed, after the call.  They want to know more about your product & patent protection.  You want to know more about their company, distribution channel, existing product sales and reason for their interest in this item.    Getting an NDA protects you from them making modifications to your design and leaving you behind.    The time to ask for this is at the end of the call, not before.

8. Set Up An Conference Call. Carrie Jeske Optional.

   1. This is the time to get Carrie Jeske involved.   Depending on how much time and effort it takes, Carrie Jeske will lead the call and work to close a licnesing agreement for you.   Carrie Jeske will provide a Licensing Agent Agreement to you and agree to a fair royalty split.  She’ll fund her expenses, you fund yours.  At this point, there usually aren’t any.  She’s investing her experience, legal agreement templates, value added extras and win-win business model.
   2. Confirm with the Prospect a conference call for any Monday, Wednesday or Friday.   These are high value calls so Carrie Jeske will make them a priority.    Send an email to the Prospect and Carrie Jeske and Carrie Jeske will reply with a Conference Call Call In number that we can use, if you don’t have one yourself.    Carrie Jeske will contact you for a PRE-CALL planning conference call to insure the Goal, Scope and Information Given is understood.   She’ll run the call and you listen in.
   3. GOALS:  1) Identify their Licensing Process. 2) Confirm Nature of Initial Interest.  3) Build Rapport.   4) Confirm Next Steps – sign NDA, send sample, schedule follow up.

9.  Conference Call De-Brief.

   1. Carrie Jeske and you will discuss how the call went and work on next steps.   Normally, the NDA is completed, samples are sent and next steps confirmed.   Carrie Jeske will lead the remaining steps to signed licensing agreement, audits and royalty payments.

10.  Receive Mailbox Money.

    1. You’ll receive “mailbox money” every quarter, once your product hits retail sales.Whatever you decide, knowing when to press forward and when to cut bait is an important and intuitive choice.

When making calls, if all you hear is “No Thank You” or crickets, find a place of peace, consult with those closest to you. whom you trust, and make changes to press onward or drop it and move on to your next idea.

Inventing is a gamble for individuals and companies.  Never invest more then you can afford to lose and never make financial decisions out of desperation or fear.

Cautious Optimistic Hope is your friend.

See you on the shelves! 

Carrie Jeske

Contact Us

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Carrie Jeske is a Direct Licensee, Licensing Agent & Product Scout Team Founder

We live in a fast moving, quick changing world.  The opportunity for independent inventors has never been greater. The risks never more crippling.   Be smart when launching new product ideas.  Beating knock-offs can be a dirty business or a magical mystery tour.  Here are my tips or the latter (while taking a dip in the former.)

1) Stay Pure

Use private submissions till you’re ready to go public.   The public domain can generate consumer interest, but it comes at the price of increased market competition.   Don’t take your product idea public too soon.

Many manufactures in every category and especially on As Seen on TV shelves need time to test the product before investing capital. In TV, it’s about survey’s, web tests and 2-minute TV commercials. Getting a positive result with a strong marketing message takes time.

Stay pure. Find a partner you trust and gather inside feedback to make your pitch and product the strongest it can be.   Leverage industry insiders by giving permission for candid feedback and considering negative feedback before dismissing important product and market competition information. If opportunity arises, sign a licensing agreement BEFORE going public. It’s likely the direct licensee can capitalize on the head start so everyone makes more money.

Improve the prototype, product pitch and demo video so when you do go public, you’re putting your best foot forward.  Stay pure, till you’re seriously ready for something more. When you’re in position, put your best effort into going viral. Try crowdfunding.

With 60 Second Salad, the inventors gave WIL the opportunity to complete the testing cycle before going public.  We had an early advantage over competitors. Even so, within weeks of the viral video, Asian knock-offs began flooding Amazon and my email.

2) Marry A King

Once you go public, you’ll get suitors or hear crickets. If a billion-dollar company comes calling, get hitched, if they are willing. Be charming, smart and marry for the money!   After all, this is business. You’re not having human babies together.  The King controls the distribution channel and has the power, time, money, connections and experience needed to make your product a financial success. Let them do it.

Don’t make the mistake of telling a King how to run a business or spend money. Just say “Thank you” and collect a royalty check in the mail then live a happy life, in community with friends and family.

The alternative; become a competitor and battle in the open consumer market. Call it a knock off, a follower or capitalism. Either way, it’s coming.

A Speedy Wedding  

Be fast and first. A big company with current products already on store shelves has a fine tuned operational infrastructure humming like a sailor on shore leave.  They want more products!  They move fast. Don’t over haggle or delay the prenuptial or they’ll tire with you and move on to another or leave you at the altar. A business marriage is not a lifelong commitment.  It’s a term agreement to make money together. Don’t confuse the two. Make money.

Bring Protection      

Patents

Having a fully granted utility patent is helpful, but only in the hands of a large experienced company. Most independent inventors cannot afford the legal fees to enforce their patent.

Fighting legal battles is what attorneys are trained for.  Don’t be naive.  Knowing how long to draw out a court case, when to settle, and how to leverage product sales to the last penny is a strategy.  An inventors best bet, is to have their patent protected by a direct licensee, large funding source or pro bono legal firm.

Funding

If you’re determined to do it yourself, make sure you have the funding in place to handle large purchase orders.  Start with equity partners, factoring or investor notes then move to credit lines with caution. I strongly discourage credit card debt or high interest business loans.

Partners

Connecting with the right partner is one of the single most important decisions an inventor can make. Working with someone you trust, who has your back can avoid many pitfalls.  There are no guarantees with product inventing, but feeling good about the people you work with… priceless.

With 60 Second Salad, WIL secured a billion-dollar partner to handle the operational rollout. They took our testing data and ramped up product development and lined up retail buyers in under three months. That’s the power of a King. 

3) Flirt with Social Networking, Online Selling, Crowdfunding

If there are no wedding plans, play your own game. But keep an eye out for suiters to avoid being knocked off.

Remarketing

Use Remarketing campaigns through Google AdWords and fall in love with social networking. Paying for clicks or sales isn’t easy or cheap but there are low cost strategies that gain market awareness. If you don’t have big bucks, it costs TIME and SKILL.   There are many free pre-view training programs that will share one to three good ideas for free, in hopes of selling the program.  Before you buy, trying DOING the three free steps.  Too often, inventor entrepreneurs focus on the “knowing” rather than the “doing”.  Both are important, but before I’d pay for a program, I’d see if I could implement a few suggestions for free.   Take the free classes, learn and do. See what works.  The secret is testing to determine your target market.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketers choose the products they want to sell. Sellers provide a unique affiliate code that is used to refer traffic to the target site. Most affiliate programs will offer ready-made text links, banners and other forms of creative copy. Affiliates simply copy the code and place it on their website to start referring traffic. When interested visitors click on these links from they get redirected to the product site and if a product purchase is made the referrer makes a commission.

This was a boom in the 1990’s and can still be a fantastic strategy.  Today, inventor entrepreneurs must wade through the mass of internet service providers, affiliate marketing programs.  I don’t have any answers, but if I were investing in a product with this as a strategy, I’d require an credible expert on the launch team.

Direct Sales

A no brainer. Your margins are better, but you still must market the site and fund inventory.

Crowdfunding

Get funded and go viral. Be noticed. Just remember; a marriage to the King is still the best end game.

4) Know Who You Are

If you’re on your own or seeking a partner, know who you are, but let the product lead. The jockey and the horse work together to win the race, but quality horses are harder to develop then good jockey’s.  Leverage what you’ve got.

• Friendly– great customer service. Excellent return policies.
• Giving– donations to causes. Affiliation with those causes.
• Caring– environmentally conscious materials?  Does this matter to your target market?

5) Do It Better

Ultimately, it’s the product that will stand on its own. Focus on:

• Uniqueness– product design and problem / solution consumers will pay for. Think soberly on the truth and integrity of this requirement. Is your product solid or are you making a mountain out of a mole hill?
• Marketing. Develop legendary branding. Put together a well thought out marketing pitch that is compelling to your target. Be the purple cow.
• Diversity. Create many product lines. Consider adding accessories and product extensions to broaden the value of your offer. Most knock-offs won’t go the extra mile. Always count the cost.
• Trademarks.Unlike patents, trademarks are harder to get around. If you have a clever name or brand that the direct licensee values or that the market knows, this could be important.  If not, it’s not. Spend wisely.
• Value. Price competitively. Is there a strong value proposition?  Today’s consumers have many options for spending money. Is your value clear?
• Quality. Make the best quality at the lowest possible price to consumers and highest profit margin for you.

With 60 Second Salad, the viral testing video and crowdfunding campaign used a white prototype.  The final rollout product is red, a part of an existing product line, and comes with a bonus knife for added value.

6) Two Is Better than One

Sometimes it’s best to knock yourself off.  There are a couple of good strategies here.

Different Distribution Channels

With some products, the best of both worlds is possible.  License one version of your product to one market, then make and sell to build a business in another market segment.   Two is better than one.  Get a big company working on a version of your product that works for them and keep on your own path to marketing.  Double dipping with a partner reduces risk for the inventor entrepreneur.

Do this yourself if you can fund the manufacturing and distribution. Working multiple channels where the market pulls product, rather than pushing it up the hill is the way to go.

Different Price Points and Feature/Benefits

Some experts claim covering three price points with a mix of feature/benefit works to keep the big companies at bay.  Try low, medium, high price prices, giving consumers a wide array of choices that all say “Buy Me”. The risk is too much inventory and higher operational costs.

7) Love the Masses or Know Your Place

Think soberly. Is the product a mass market consumer item or a niche?  There’s nothing wrong with niche products. In fact, it’s easier to sell niche products on your own sometimes because it takes less money to reach a select group of customers.  Is your product more geared to people who love biking? Is it sports related or fishing?

Finding the right customer is like having 12 ponds to fish in.  You must figure out what pond has fish and then understand what bait they bite on before you run out of time and money.  The faster you find your target, the more sales.

Mass market products are at greater threat because big companies have greater need for products and more resources to produce them.  They sell more and make more, which by default, means greater market competition for dollars.

Niche products can fly under the radar and become nice lifestyle businesses for inventor entrepreneurs.  The risk of knock offs is much lower with a niche product.

Conclusion

In my way of thinking, making money on a new product idea is the goal.   Avoiding knock offs is an important key toward that end.  I trust these steps will help inventor entrepreneurs make wise decisions, find high quality partners, service providers and direct licensees.   There are a lot of good people in the inventor community and a few scoundrels.

I hope we can work together on the next big retail rollout.  It is my singular business focus. Please:

1) Give me “First Look” on “As Seen On TV” product ideas. Submit to carrie@WillitLaunch.com

2) Join my Product Scout team.

3) Participate online in video Co-Inventing Workshops.

See you on the shelves!

Carrie Jeske

PS – Carrie Jeske has been happily married for 30 years to her Jr. High School sweetheart. They travel extensively but reside in Kansas City.

The post 7 Ways to Beat Product Knock Offs by Carrie Jeske appeared first on Inventive Ideas, LLC.

Trade show season is upon us. Trade shows are a great place to find new market ready products that we can sell on TV.  

You don’t even have to go to the show!    From the comfort of your own computer, surf the show site for the exhibitors list and floor plan.

If you’re there in person, zero in on the gems inside inventors hearts and minds.  Stay connected to people you like. The products being displayed are picked over hard by competitors and service providers so it’s harder to get out front. Most entrepreneurs get financially tapped out if they don’t sell product or secure a licensing agreement in the first couple shows. Almost always, they have other ideas. Dreams. Other inventions that are ripe for our low cost, high return inventing strategies. If you look past the product being shown and connect with people, their next idea may be the big winner that makes money for us all.

Focus on single product booths.  We’re looking for early stage products that are physically small and solve everyday problems in visually appealing ways.   Google the booth name or click on the website links to see if the products meet our narrow criteria. Product booths with many products are usually (but not always) companies that already have distribution in retail stores. It’s worth looking at those lines since it gives insight into what’s selling. Occasionally, there is something there that we can partner on.

Put on your inventor cap and use some Invention Techniques to come up with your own unique products to pitch to me.

How To Submit as a Product Scout

Simply email me a link to the website or demo video.  Put the PRODUCT NAME in the SUBJECT line so I can track conversations.   Add a link to a website or demo video in the body of the email with your contact information below.  It’s simple.

My email date and time stamps everything and I reply to each email.  For trusted and loyal product scouts that I’ve been working with over time, I’ll share industry insider tips to help improve your keen eye for the next winner.  Give me under 5 days to reply… a bit more if I’m traveling.

If you are physically at a trade show or local store and see a new item you think I should look at, simply shoot your own short smartphone video or look on the packaging for the website of the manufacture, then send a link.

When you’re the first to show me a product, I flag your name as the Product Scout. If we test and rollout the product to retail shelves, you get a piece of the pie in finders fees.

Go International

Want to increase your odds of finding the next winner?  Go international.  Don’t limit yourself to United States trade shows.  Find an international show and search online there. For every kind of show you see in the U.S. there is an international counterpart. Developing international relationships with inventors, service providers, product developers, patent attorneys, manufactures and production companies could be the ticket to an early look at the next million-dollar winner.  Connecting internationally has never been easier.  Searching international shows online can be like digging in a gold mine! Catalogs and small international online retailers are also very good sources.

Stay Local

Checkout your own backyard. There are Home & Garden Shows, Boat Shows, State Fairs, County Fairs, Pet Show Fairs and more.  Craft shows, Do It Yourself (DIY) shows.   Talk to your neighbors, friends, work associates.  Anyone.  Almost everyone you know has a great idea, but they don’t know what to do next. You do. Capitalize on it.

Bottom line.  No one knows where the next big winner will be found.  Where every you go, whatever you do, keep your eyes open and your mind sharp.  A million-dollar product may be in sight.  I’m counting on it.

Product Scout 101

The basics of getting started.

See you on the shelves!

Carrie Jeske

Carrie @ willitlaunch.com

Here’s 3 ways I can help

1) www.Willitlaunch.com 

As Seen On TV category only.  I’m a direct licensee paying full royalties. Keep your ideas coming. Consider joining as a Product Scout and earn up to $100,000 in finders fees for your referrals.

Product criteria narrow: Anything physically small, with a retail price under $50. Must solve a mass market problem in a visually compelling way.

Patent: None required.

Cost: No cost full licensing agreements, Partnership Distribution Plans, Market Viability Test Consulting Plans.

How To Start? Watch:

http://www.willitlaunch.com/how-to-make-330-000-inventing-for-tv

2) www.InventiveIdeas.com 

Any category of consumer product or business to business product. Fee based business matchmaking services, connecting product owners to trustworthy manufactures who pay royalties.  Let me know if you need help.

Product criteria wide: Any

Patent: Filed or granted.

Hire A Pro: Varies by plan. See the website + drop downs under “Licensing” services.

http://inventiveideas.com/licensing/

Or DIY:

http://inventiveideas.com/when-as-seen-on-tv-wont-fly/ 

3) www.InventingWorkshop.com

Nonprofit group connecting inventors around the world online once a month. Join a workshop online, locally or earn money as a product scout or local facilitator.

Product criteria: All ideas welcome.

Patent: TBD. We help.

http://www.inventingworkshop.com/

The post Product Scout At Trade Shows appeared first on Inventive Ideas, LLC.

Join Carrie Jeske online every month or at local inventor clubs around the world and in your area.  If there is not a group, join our team and start one.  Inventor clubs, Inventor meet ups and inventor associations are great places to learn the industry in a safe environment.

To collaborate with others, Inventive Ideas is pleased to support the Inventing Workshop.

Carrie Jeske Reviews Inventor Clubs

Carrie Jeske offers the Inventing Workshop is cooperation with i3 Resources, a nonprofit public charity helping people, help themselves.    The Inventing Workshop is hosted around the world and online, in a virtual classroom environment where people collaborate on new product designs, then work together to produce prototypes and demo videos.  Royalties are split among the active participants.

The 2018-19 calendar is coming soon.   Join the LinkedIn Group for updates.

Carrie Jeske Reviews Inventor Clubs around the world.  Here’s a list of Inventor Clubs, associations, groups that she’s aware of.   Attend a meeting and let them know Carrie Jeske sent you.

Alabama

Auburn

Auburn Student Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club

www.eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/twc/inventors-club/

Contact Dr. Paul Swamidass

Grant Moore

Montevallo

Invent Alabama

Contact Bruce Koppenhoefer | 205-222-7585

Arizona

Glendale

Inventors Association of Arizona

www.azinventors.org

Contact Tim Crawley

Tucson

Tuscon Arizona group

Arkansas

Little Rock

Arkansas Inventors’ Network

www.arkansasinvents.org

Contact (501) 247-6125

California

Orange County

Inventors Forum

www.inventorsforum.org

Contact  (714) 540-2491

San Diego

Invention Accelerator Workshop

www.meetup.com/Invention-Accelerator-Workshop-San-Diego-Meetup/

Contact

Greg Lauren-Wawrzyniak  |

San Diego Inventors Forum

www.sdinventors.org

Contact Adrian Pelkus, President

Colorado

Denver

Rocky Mountain Inventors’ Association

www.RMInventor.org

Contact Bonnie Griffin Kaake, President

Connecticut

Statewide

Inventors Association of Connecticut

www.inventus.org

Contact Doug Lyon | (203) 254-4000 x3155

Hartford

CT Invention Convention

www.ctinventionconvention.org

Contact 860-793-5299

District of Columbia

Inventors Network of the Capital Area

www.dcinventors.org

Contact Glen Kotapish, President | 443-794-7350

www.dcinventors.org/contact-us/

Florida

Clearwater

Tampa Bay Inventors’ Council

www.tbic.us

Delray Beach

Inventors Society of South Florida

www.inventorssociety.net

Contact 954-281-6564

Orlando

Inventors Council of Central Florida

www.inventcf.com

Contact

www.inventcf.com/contact-us.php

Ft. Myers

Edison Innovators Association

www.edisoninnovatorsassociation.org

Contact

www.edisoninnovatorsassociation.org/contact-u/

Tampa

Tampa Bay Inventors’ Council

www.tbic.us

Contact Wayne Rasanen, President

Georgia

Columbus

Columbus Phenix City Inventors Association (CPC)

www.cpcinventorsassociation.org

Contact 706 225-9587

Marietta

Southeastern Inventors Association

www.southeasterninventors.org

www.meetup.com/Southeastern-Inventors-Assn/

Contact www.southeasterninventors.org/contact/ | 470-270-4742

Norcross

Inventor Association of Georgia

www.meetup.com/inventor-associates-of-georgia-inc

Hawaii

Statewide

Hawaii Inventors Club

www.hawaii-inventors.mixxt.com

Idaho

Sandpoint

Inventors Association of Idaho

www.inventorsassociationofidaho.webs.com

Contact

inventorsassociationofidaho.webs.com/contactus.htm

Illinois

Chicago

Chicago Inventors Organization

www.chicago-inventors.org

Contact

www.chicago-inventors.org/contact

312-850-4710

Edwardsville

Illinois Innovators & Inventors

www.ilinventor.tripod.com

Lanark

Black Hawk Hills Entrepreneur & Inventor Club

Contact (815) 541-0557

Indiana

Indianapolis

Indiana Inventors Association

www.indianainventorsassociation.blogspot.com

Contact

www.indianainventorsassociation.blogspot.com

Iowa

Cedar Rapids

Iowa Inventors Group

www.iowainventorsgroup.org

Contact (206) 350-6035

Kansas

Kansas City

Inventor Center of Kansas City

www.inventorscenterofkc.org

Contact

www.inventorscenterofkc.org/contact-us

Wichita

Inventors Association of South Central Kansas

www.inventkansas.com

Contact Gary Stecklein | 316-667-2497

Kentucky

Lexington

Inventors Council Central Kentucky

https://kyinventors.org/

Maryland

Baltimore

Inventors Network of the Capital Area

www.dcinventors.org

Contact Glen Kotapish  | 443-794-7350

www.dcinventors.org/contact-us/

Massachusetts

Cambridge

Inventors Association of New England

www.Inventne.com

Contact Bob Hausslein  |

Lexington

Inventors Association of New England

www.Inventne.com

Contact Bob Hausslein, President |

Springfield

Innovators Resource Network

www.irnetwork.org

www.meetup.com/innovation-49/ 

Contact

www.irnetwork.org/contact-us.html

Michigan

Statewide

Michigan Inventors Coalition

www.michiganinventorscoalition.org

Contact John Hopkins |  Joe Finkler

Burton

Inventors Council of Mid-Michigan

www.inventorscouncil.org

Contact

Mike Ball | 810-245-5599

Flushing

Inventors Council of Mid-Michigan

www.inventorscouncil.org

Contact

Mike Ball  | 810-245-5599

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Inventors Network

www.grinventors.org

Jackson

Jackson Inventors Network

www.jacksoninventors.org

Contact

John Hopkins |

517-937-7324

Lansing

Inventors Club of America

Contact

Jim White |

Lansing Inventors Network

www.facebook.com/LansingInventorsNetwork

Contact 616-843-0020

Muskegon

Muskegon Inventors Network

www.muskegoninventorsnetwork.org

Contact

www.muskegoninventorsnetwork.org/contact.shtml

Southfield

Inventors Association of Metropolitan Detroit

www.inventoriamd.org

Contact Catherine Phillips | 248-204-3004

Minnesota

Minneapolis/St.Paul

Inventors’ Network

www.inventorsnetwork.org

www.meetup.com/Inventors-Network-of-Minnesota

Contact

www.inventorsnetwork.org/contact-us

Mississippi

Statewide

Mississippi SBDC Inventor Assistance

www.mssbdc.org

www.clients.mssbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1004

Contact (662) 915-5001 | (800) 725-7232

Missouri

Kansas City

Inventor Center of Kansas City

www.inventorscenterofkc.org

Contact

www.inventorscenterofkc.org/contact-us

Statewide

Inventing Workshop

www.InventingWorkshop.com

Contact Carrie Jeske

Info@InventingWorkshop.com

Saint Louis

Inventors Association of St. Louis (IASL)

www.InventSTL.org

Contact

www.inventstl.org/moreinfo/moreinfo.htm

Contact 913.322.1895

Springfield

Southwest Missouri Inventors Network

Contact Jan Healzer |  | (417) 827-4498

Nevada

Las Vegas

http://inventiveideas.com/event/las-vegas-private-product-invention-pitches/

Reno

Nevada Inventors Association

www.nevadainventors.org

New Jersey

Roselle Park

National Society of Inventors

www.nationalinventors.com

Contact

www.nationalinventors.com/content/contact-us

Stephen Shaw | 609 799 457

New York

Long Island

Long Island Forum for Technology

Contact Diane Muscarella | 631.846.2730 |

New York

The Inventors Association of Manhattan (IAM)

www.manhattan-inventors.org

www.meetup.com/manhattan-inventors

Rochester

Inventors Society of Western New York

Contact

Alan Reinnagel | 585-943-7320

Suffolk County

Inventors & Entrepreneurs of Suffolk County

www.meetup.com/iesuffolk

Contact Brian Fried

North Carolina

Charlotte

Inventors’ Network of the Carolinas

www.inotc.org

Ohio

Canton

Canton Inventors Association

www.cantoninventorsassociation.org

Contact 330.499.1262

Cincinnati

Inventors Council of Cincinnati

www.inventcincy.org

Contact 513.898.2110

Columbus

Inventors Network (Columbus)

www.inventorscolumbus.com

Contact 614.470.0144

Dayton

Inventors Council of Dayton

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/inventors_council

Youngstown

Youngstown – Warren Inventors Assn.

www.3dvirtualmall.com/invwell.htm

Contact Frank Naypaver

Oklahoma

Statewide

Oklahoma Inventors Congress

www.oklahomainventors.com

Contact (by Chapter)

Oregon

North Bend

South Coast Inventors Group

www.southcoastinventors.org

Contact James Innes

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

The American Society of Inventors

www.americansocietyofinventors.com

Contact (215) 546-6601

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh East Inventors Club

https://inventionburgh.wordpress.com/

Contact 412-527-6921

Williamsport

Williamsport Inventor’s Club

www.imcpa.com/williamsportlycoming-keystone-innovation-zone/williamsport-inventors-club

Contact 570-329-3200

Tennessee

Knoxville

Tennessee Inventors Association

www.tninventors.org

Contact (865) 470-4212 |

Nashville

Music City Inventors

www.musiccityinventors.com

Contact James Stevens | (615) 681-6462

Texas

Amarillo

Amarillo Inventors Association

www.amarilloinventors.org

Contact (806) 367-8610

Austin

Austin Inventors and Entrepreneurs Association

www.meetup.com/Austin-Inventors-and-Entrepreneurs

www.inventopreneurs.org

Houston

Houston Inventors Association

www.inventors.org

Contact Ken Roddy | (713) 686-7676 |

Plano

Texas Inventors Association

www.txinventors.com

San Antonio

Alamo Inventors

www.Alamoinventors.org

Utah

Salt Lake City

Utah Inventor Entrepreneurs

www.meetup.com/utahinventorentrepreneurs

Virginia

Richmond

Virginia Innovators Network

www.vainnovators.org

www.meetup.com/Virginia-Innovators-Network-Central-VA-Inventors-Club

Wisconsin

Juneau County

Juneau County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club

www.juneaucounty.com/ie-club.html

Contact

www.juneaucounty.com/contact-us.html

International Organizations

Puerto Rico

Associacion de Inventores de Puerto Rico

www.inventorespr.com

Contact

787-250-7624, 787-518-8570

Rome

 Elena Lavezzi (Circle)

https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-rome-presents-elena-lavezzi-circle#/ 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1211806258857817/

Inventors, learning the industry is often an education at the school of hard knocks.  Reduce the chance of financial loss by connecting with high quality people who can educate you with words, rather than dollars.

If you’d like to join our team, or invite Carrie Jeske to speak at your club, association, meet up or event, please contact her at:

www.InventiveIdeas.com

The post Inventor Clubs, Invention Meet ups, Idea Associations, Invention help appeared first on Inventive Ideas, LLC.