SisStory Club – Bags & Purses

Will My Invention Sell? Find Out If It Will Sell before Spending Money on a Patent

There are many factors to consider when determining the commercial marketability of the product including manufacturing costs, methods of distribution, consumer awareness, legal and safety questions, liability insurance, and more.

I once had an invention call the Trim Trak. It would easily strip off the perforated margins on tractor-feed printers in the early days of computer printers. It was a simple part and we felt offering a lifetime warranty was a great idea. It made our liability insurance soar since we might end up replacing vast numbers of them.

If you have a new toy, you will probably need to meet a number of government mandated rules for toy safety. If you have an electrical or plumbing product or one that involves drinking water you will need to have a listing from an approved lab such as UL, ETL, BOCA, NSF, IAPMO etc. Getting a code listing can cost thousands of dollars and will be an ongoing expense.

I’m just beginning to market an invention I’ve been working on for some time, a selective asparagus harvester. The machine uses lasers to detect the spears of asparagus. The lasers are less than 5 milliwatts which is totally safe. In theory you could stare directly into the beam for over an hour without any harm, but I guarantee you wouldn’t look into the beam for long enough to blink…it’s much brighter than the sun.

If I sell the machines I will have to provide the federal government with the customers names that I sell them too because the machine has Class III lasers and requires government notification.

I helped a friend of mine invent an electronic handle for the valves on oxygen, acetylene, propane and other gas cylinders. When you turned on the gas valve the handle would beep once a minute. It reminded you to turn off the valve before you go home at night. I t would save customers a lot of money since the tanks are often empty by morning. The gas supply companies that sell that kind of refused to handle it because they would lose all those gas sales.

Does your invention have a unique selling proposition? In other words does it have something special that makes it stand out over the crowd? Is it less expensive than the existing products? Does it do its job faster? Perhaps it lasts longer, weighs less, is more accurate or makes less noise than its competitors. A unique selling proposition can make it much easier to successfully market your product.

Can it be manufactured economically enough to make it marketable? What quantities will you need to make at one time to take advantage of economies of scale? Will the product need expensive tooling? Will it require a skilled labor force to manufacture it? Can all or part of it be out sourced? Would it be a candidate for overseas manufacturing? Does the manufacturing result in hazardous waste products?

If the product or device is of a technical nature will it need a repair service and warranty replacement program? How will you handle returns? What about product liability insurance?

Does your invention provide a convenience for the customers? Human beings love convenience. Look how quickly society latched onto microwave ovens, cell phones, and GPS devices.

I was involved with manufacturing and marketing an energy saving device that could cut your energy usage for heating water by as much as 40% called a “hot water saver”. We worked trade shows with the device and got a lot of feedback from the attendees. They didn’t care if they saved energy. What they nearly always expressed a desire for was a way to get their hot water faster. They did not like waiting for it. As a result we invented the Metlund Hot Water Demand system and the Chilipepper hot water demand systems. It pays to listen to your customers.

Packaging is yet another important consideration. Packaging can make or break a new product. If the new product is in a brown box on the back of a shelf no one will notice it. You want packaging that sells as well as protects the product.

For many types of new inventions you will need a prototype for several reasons. With a prototype you can use focus groups and do much better marketing research. People generally don’t have a good imagination… they usually need the real thing do give you a realistic evaluation.

A prototype may also alert you to potential manufacturing problems and give you a better feel for putting together pricing. Building a prototype often results in further refinements and can thus affect your patent application.

In a number of instances I used prototype inventions for test marketing. I would make up a few dozen of something and find a local retailer who would be willing to share some shelf space temporarily for test marketing.

Don’t forget about the one year rule. If in your market research you disclose to the public the details of your invention you must file for your patent within one year and will most likely lose all or most of your foreign patent rights. Use non-disclosure forms whenever possible.

In summary, figure out all of the advantages and disadvantages of your invention idea and try to find a unique selling proposition if you can. Make sure that can be manufactured and at a reasonable cost. Build a prototype if applicable and do your marketing research utilizing focus groups, test marketing, compare it with other products it will compete with.

Obtain some books on the subjects of patents, new products, marketing and the like. I highly recommend a book titled: “Patent It Yourself” by David Pressman. It goes into quite a bit of detail about everything from trademarks to writing patent claims. It’s a must read for any aspiring inventor.

Happy inventing and patenting!

About the Author

New Products, Ideas, Inventions: Gadgets and New Inventions – The Trim-Trak Story

 

Invention help for small inventors: New Inventions – Marketing a New Product – The Trim-Trak Story

 

Inventions, patents, and online marketing: New Inventions and New Product Ideas – Real Life Experiences

Andiamo Studded Strap Wedge Shoe with Patent Trim

COACH SMALL LOGO PURSE TAUPE IVORY PATENT TRIM $49.00

Chanel 07P Black Rayon Knit Patent Trim Tank Top 46 14 $199.99

Authentic TODS purse. Red patent leather trim on beige canvas! $75.00

NEW Peep Toe Wood Trim Slingback Patent Pumps BLACK $11.21

HOT B BUCKLE TRANSPARENT CLEAR PATENT RED TRIM BELT XS $15.00

HOT B BUCKLE TRANSPARENT CLEAR PATENT GOLD TRIM BELT SM $15.00

IT B BUCKLE TRANSPARENT CLEAR PATENT WHITE TRIM BELT XS $15.00

ANN TAYLOR Black Suede Box Satchel Purse, with Black Patent Trim GENTLY USED $19.99

Cole Haan Bronze Leather Loafers W/Patent Trim Sz 6!!!! $14.99

Sofft Black patent leather ivory trim pumps heels 9 M $21.51

vtg Rangoni black patent leather heels gold trim 7 AA $28.99

STUART WEITZMAN PATENT LEATHER REPTILE TRIM PUMPS 9M $39.99

ME TOO (7.5M) BLACK PATENT BALLET FLAT W/BOW TRIM $19.95

ADIDAS LEATHER SHELL TOE SNEAKERS SHOES PATENT TRIM 10M $53.99

SEXY PATENT LEATHER GLITTERY TRIM HEELS PUMP SHOES $36.59

SEXY PATENT LEATHER GLITTERY TRIM HEELS PUMP SHOES $36.59

SEXY PATENT LEATHER GLITTERY TRIM HEELS PUMP SHOES $36.59

SEXY PATENT LEATHER GLITTERY TRIM HEELS PUMP SHOES $36.59

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Crystal Trim Quality Patent Pu Leather Slipper Sandals $39.99

Patent Trim Boot $109 Suede boots Sizes: 7-10, 11, 12 Widths: Med(B), Wide(D), X-Wide(EE) Suede Imported Lovely patent trim suede boots in a beautiful kid suede boot style with buckle trim detail. Comfort and style in one look. Man-made non-slip rubber sole. 2 1/2″ self covered heel. Side zipper closure. Wide sizes available.

Navajo Black Patent/Multi Trim $108 Jack Rogers navajo sandals are quite possibly the most loved resort sandals in the world. A mind boggling array of color combinations are available to choose from. Patent leather upper Leather insoles Leather outsoles Please note that Jack Rogers marks ½ size with a – for example 7- is a 7 ½

BCBGeneration Tedolie (Women’s) – Black Patent $78.95 The Tedolie is a stylish wedge pump with stitched trim and a bow accent at the toe. Available Colors: Black Patent, Sandstone Patent.

BCBGeneration Tedolie (Women’s) – Sandstone Patent $78.95 The Tedolie is a stylish wedge pump with stitched trim and a bow accent at the toe. Available Colors: Black Patent, Sandstone Patent.

Soft Style Vivica (Women’s) – Dark Brown Fabric/Patent Trim $47.45 The Vivica is a stylish and easy-to-wear pump. Soft Comfort construction provides extra cushioning under the foot and breathable, anti-microbial linings provides superior comfort. Available Colors: Black Fabric/Patent Trim, Dark Brown Fabric/Patent Trim, Taupe Fabric/Patent Trim.

Soft Style Vivica (Women’s) – Taupe Fabric/Patent Trim $47.45 The Vivica is a stylish and easy-to-wear pump. Soft Comfort construction provides extra cushioning under the foot and breathable, anti-microbial linings provides superior comfort. Available Colors: Black Fabric/Patent Trim, Dark Brown Fabric/Patent Trim, Taupe Fabric/Patent Trim.

Soft Style Vivica (Women’s) – Black Fabric/Patent Trim $47.45 The Vivica is a stylish and easy-to-wear pump. Soft Comfort construction provides extra cushioning under the foot and breathable, anti-microbial linings provides superior comfort. Available Colors: Black Fabric/Patent Trim, Dark Brown Fabric/Patent Trim, Taupe Fabric/Patent Trim.

Penthouse Betty-Sue PH311 (Women’s) – Teal Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim $59.95 Psycho-Ging fabric peep toe pump with patent trim. Features an adjustable strap. Available Colors: Black Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Pink Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Red Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Teal Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim.

Penthouse Betty-Sue PH311 (Women’s) – Red Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim $59.95 Psycho-Ging fabric peep toe pump with patent trim. Features an adjustable strap. Available Colors: Black Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Pink Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Red Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Teal Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim.

Penthouse Betty-Sue PH311 (Women’s) – Black Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim $59.95 Psycho-Ging fabric peep toe pump with patent trim. Features an adjustable strap. Available Colors: Black Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Pink Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Red Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Teal Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim.

Penthouse Betty-Sue PH311 (Women’s) – Pink Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim $59.95 Psycho-Ging fabric peep toe pump with patent trim. Features an adjustable strap. Available Colors: Black Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Pink Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Red Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim, Teal Psycho-Ging Fabric/Patent Trim.

Bruno Magli Novati (Women’s) – Dark Brown Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim $220 The lovely Novati sleek, trendy high heel peep toe pump has a microfiber upper with a patent leather trim for added appeal. Also has leather lining and a leather sole. Available Colors: Navy Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim, Black Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim, Dark Brown Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim.

Bruno Magli Novati (Women’s) – Black Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim $220 The lovely Novati sleek, trendy high heel peep toe pump has a microfiber upper with a patent leather trim for added appeal. Also has leather lining and a leather sole. Available Colors: Navy Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim, Black Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim, Dark Brown Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim.

Bruno Magli Novati (Women’s) – Navy Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim $220 The lovely Novati sleek, trendy high heel peep toe pump has a microfiber upper with a patent leather trim for added appeal. Also has leather lining and a leather sole. Available Colors: Navy Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim, Black Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim, Dark Brown Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim.

Navajo Croc Brown Patent / Brown Trim $108 Jack Rogers navajo sandals are quite possibly the most loved resort sandals in the world. A mind boggling array of color combinations are available to choose from. Printed croc patent leather upper with leather trim Leather insoles Leather outsoles Please note that Jack Rogers marks ½ size with a – for example 7- is a 7 ½

Navajo Croc Black Patent/Black Leather Trim $108 Jack Rogers navajo sandals are quite possibly the most loved resort sandals in the world. A mind boggling array of color combinations are available to choose from. Printed croc patent leather upper with leather trim Leather insoles Leather outsoles Please note that Jack Rogers marks ½ size with a – for example 7- is a 7 ½

Navajo Black Patent/Black Leather Trim $108 Jack Rogers navajo sandals are quite possibly the most loved resort sandals in the world. A mind boggling array of color combinations are available to choose from. Patent leather upper with leather trim Leather insoles Leather outsoles Please note that Jack Rogers marks ½ size with a – for example 7- is a 7 ½

Bruno Magli Nisako (Women’s) – Black Microfiber/Patent Leather Trim $210 The Nisako is a beautiful peep toe wedge heel design which has a microfiber upper with a patent leather trim. Also has leather lining and a rubber bottom.

Demonia Betty 01 (Women’s) – Black Patent $49.95 Beautiful 3 1/2″ Mary Jane pump with contrast perforated trim detail. Available Colors: Black Patent, Pink Patent.