Where do I start????

[fuzz1435]

I have a great idea for a new treestand design.:D:D How do I get it started and introduced into the market or a treestand company?:rolleyes:

Don't want my idea to get taken and have some big company claim they had the idea all along.

[Illinois59]

I would start by building a prototype. Then i would test it. Then adjust it until it becomes what you want it to be.

Then i would find a manufacturer to build it for you.

As far as protecting it. Well, that could be hard to do. Patents are expensive and even more expensive to protect.

[nhbowhunter]

If you have the means to design and develop a prototype on your own that is awesome. Before you show your design to anyone you need to protect your idea with a utility patent. I repeat DO NOT show your design to a manufacturer or a stand company without the protection of a patent!!! The filing fee is $540, but the forms are not simple and an attorney might be necessary.

If you have the experience to design/develop a prototype here are the steps I would follow:

1. Research patent records to see if there is an existing design out there. Some companies do not actually build products past a certain stage but still have a patent. Just because there are no products on the market like tehone yo are thinking about doesn't mean someone has already started doing it or protected it with a patent.
   
2. Design, build, test (repeat as necessary) a prototype of your product.
   
3. Get an attorney. Let me say that again, GET AN ATTORNEY. You will want to have them assist you with a patent filing as well as draft an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). The NDA is extra protection that you make others sign before you show them your product.
   
4. You can choose to sell your design to a company like Summit or API or you can contract with a manufacturing facility and begin making them on your own. (Of course you would want to develop a business plan, etc).

If you do not have the ability to make this yourself and you need assistance then I would:

1. Research the idea... make sure no one else has a patent on it.
   
2. GET AN ATTORNEY. You will want to have an NDA and other associated contracts drawn up so you can partner with an engineer to make you prototype.
   
3. Find an engineer who yo can contract with to make your prototype.
   
4. have your attorney draft up NDA and other associated agreements so you can go to manufacturers.
   
5. Shop around for manufacturers.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to protect your idea by working with an attorney. If you do not you run the very real risk of having your idea stolen. An attorney may cost you $2000, patent filings $540, technical drawings (if you cannot do them yourself) $500 - $1000. Working with a design engineer (if you cannot do it yourself) $4000 - $8000 (this would include technical drawings). Initial investment to have your stand made depends on number of units. Many manufacturers have a minimum dollar amount or minimum units requirement. Either way I would epext that you are probably looking at a minimum upfront manufacturing cost of $5,000 - $10,000, but I cannot be sure of that number.

If you really believe that your idea is worth it GET IT PROTECTED before you do anything else. Good luck!!!

[Flintlock1776]

Excellent advice by NH there! Do not pass go without doing what he said.

After you get your paper work in order take it to the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association for their seal.

The TMA seal will cost more in this process but not as much as the Product Liability Insurance your insurance agent will secure for you.

Hey, once it done and to get the company off the ground how about a discount for RT forum members?

[The Kid]

Hey, once it done and to get the company off the ground how about a discount for RT forum members?

hey i like the way you think

[ThethirdI]

I have had my idea stolen twice before already. I only shared the design with the guy that was supposed to be assembling it for me. I can't weld and fabricate myself and needed help. I had known this guy for about 10 years and thought that I could trust him. I was wrong and now that he has made money off of my design and I have none he can't seem to figure out why I'm upset. DON'T TELL ANYONE WITHOUT HAVING SOME SORT OF PROTECTION!!!! I'm waiting for Millenium treestands to come out with the last design I had. I was dumb enough to share it with their head guy Bill. I still have the emails that were sent back and forth, but I highly doubt that having them will protect my design.

[fuzz1435]

That is what scares me. I don't have the funds to do all of the lawyer stuff but would hate to see my idea just die.:mad:

What does a guy do who has no funds to move forward. I have the skills to weld the example.

Fuzz

[Flintlock1776]

That is what scares me. I don't have the funds to do all of the lawyer stuff but would hate to see my idea just die.:mad:

What does a guy do who has no funds to move forward. I have the skills to weld the example.

Fuzz

Wait, Save and hope no one else comes up with something similar. Then invest and make the deal. It is the risk and rewards of being an Entrepreneur.

for some guidance:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/

or

http://www.sba.gov/

[nhbowhunter]

Your other option is to find an investor who can cover those costs. I would recommend a family member you can create your own loan and terms at www.circlelending.com or www.virginmoneyus.com.

I can understand your position but if you do not get an attorney and protect your idea you run the very real risk of your idea making a lot of money for someone else and you left standing there with nothing.

Good luck!