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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Product Idea Pitch & Workshop

For Walmart “As Seen On TV” Shelves

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Want Detailed information?    Carrie Jeske’s book is on Amazon.

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Meet Carrie Jeske on June 10 at 10 am in Chicago, IL.  Carrie shares insider secrets to get ideas on the As Seen on TV shelf space at Walmart and everywhere.

Carrie Jeske is a direct licensee in the Direct Response industry, paying full inventor royalties, through Will It Launch.  No patent is required. You just need a simple hand-made prototype to explain the unique benefits and problem solved by your invention. Market ready products launch at lightning speed.  Products in stores now are Get Up And Go Cane, RotoClipper, and My Fun Fish.

Carrie’s connections in other distribution channels is vast. Through Inventive Ideas, Carrie Jeske manages a team of licensing agents that work to secure distribution agreements and license filed patents.  Successful products include SportsShade Canopy Awning, The Perfect Party Chair and Attach-A-Vac.

Prepare in advance by reading Carrie Jeske’s new book, “Create New Products As Seen On TV” on Amazon.  Online reviews appreciated.

Carrie Jeske is active on these social networks:  FACEBOOK      LINKEDIN        YOUTUBE       TWITTER

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 InventingWorkshop.com

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The Chicago Inventors Organization’s (CIO) vision includes being the premier provider of positive, affordable, credible resources to inventors whose products range across all markets including digital apps. Recognized by the US Patent and Trademark Office, our organization is the only organization of its kind in the Chicagoland area. Our previous Conferences have been attended by more than 2,000 people with presenters from Los Angeles, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Chicago. We are building on the tremendous energy of monthly meetings, boot camps, weekly member meetings and our new home at the BLUE 1647 Tech Innovation Center as we enhance the diversity of the inventor base developed over the last ten years.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago, we provide underserved independent inventors and innovators with the required resources to bring their inventions to fruition. Inventor development is facilitated through providing foundational knowledge and entrepreneurial skill sets to help inventors learn to achieve their goals profitably. We guide and encourage each member to acquire, at the very least, a patent, copyright/trademark protection, a prototype or drawing of their concept, and a business and marketing plan. The need is vast in that the underserved inventor and entrepreneur is typically left to fend for him or herself without the financial means to accomplish his/her goals. Inventors are left to identify many items such as:

• Where do I start?
• Who do I contact to start the patent process?
• Do I need a patent, trademark or copyright? If so, what are the specifics of each?
• How do I find a manufacturer and develop cost projections, pricing, etc? and
• How do I get into the big box stores?

We keep inventors on the right track with monthly educational meetings featuring industry expert guest speakers and entrepreneurial skill set workshops. The CIO is the only organization of its kind in the state of Illinois providing access to the untapped talent which is needed to fuel the engine that is driving innovation in the state of Illinois as well as creating jobs and state revenues.

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So many inventors spend hours of time, money and energy worrying about the wrong things.     

I’m talking about Manufacturing, Warehousing and Order Fulfillment. 

 To launch a new product successfully these things are important.

However, they are not the most important considerations and often take care of themselves once you have a product consumers want to buy.

Winning As Seen On TV (ASOTV) products are not rocket science.  The materials and components tend to be simple.  This makes making molds and product design much faster.   In addition, the relationships between manufacture and marketer are long standing and maximize speed.

Materials management and economies of scale is easy.    Inventors need not worry about the production of the product, unless they want to.

Likewise, warehousing is not an issue.   Our partners, strategic allies and service providers have all the space needed and are well equipped to handle storage, as well as just in time inventory demands.     Order fulfillment is handled by professional and reputable partners who are fully equipped to take and manage millions of products a year, both direct to consumer and wholesale to mass market retailers such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Bed, Bath & Beyond and more.

Dont Waste Time On Manufacturing!

Inventors often waste valuable time and energy pouring over the methods and cost of manufacturing, warehousing and order fulfillment.  

When done right, the costs of these important steps is a zero sum expenses since consumer purchases, along with shipping and handling costs are covered with each order taken. 

Plus, for products in the As Seen On TV category run in short form (120 second) tv commercials.

The retail price point is rarely over $39.95 so a quick look at materials from an experienced eye can usually ballpark costs quickly.

What inventors should spend the majority of their time, energy, talent and money on, is coming up with a solid marketing pitch. Really taking time to gain critical product feedback from non biased consumers and working to narrow exclusive benefits that spark a purchase is the second most important task of the inventor.  

Of course, the first is actually inventing the product, but that’s debatable since good marketing has skyrocketed.

Many products otherwise sitting with average sales on store shelves and in catalogs.    

Consider Magic Mesh, a product selling in Australian direct mail catalogs.

For two years prier to Will It Launch discovering the magic of the magnetic click, click, click to ignite consumer orders.  

Even today, with knock-offs everywhere, the product continues to break records. 

In the ASOTV category, the inventor goal is a successful market viability test.    Finding a product that solves a problem consumers are willing to pay to solve takes creativity.    Discovering a “Wow” factor or creating something visually appealing that inspires interest is the goal.  

 The more the inventor can do to learn these techniques and add sizzle to their pitch, the better.    Get that right, and everything else will take care of itself.

See you on the shelves,

Carrie Jeske

www.WillItLaunch.com

©2015 Jeske.   All rights reserved.  For reprint rights contact Carrie Jeske at carrie@inventiveideas.com

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