Inventing
Don't Give Up on Your Product Idea: Try This Instead

Got a product idea? Cool. So, you're all set with this awesome product, and you're trying to make it big on Amazon or maybe you gave Kickstarter a shot. But for some reason, things aren't going as planned. You're not seeing the sales you hoped for. Don't worry, I've got some tips that might just turn things around for you. Keep reading.
Consider Licensing Your Product Idea

It's surprising how many folks reach out to Andrew and me once they've taken the leap and started selling their product. They might have launched a Kickstarter campaign, raised some funds, or even got their product on Amazon or in a few stores. But then, they realize, "Hey, I don't want to keep doing this myself. I'd rather license my product to a company that already has great distribution and connections." And you know what? That's totally okay.
If you're in this boat, you're actually in a pretty good spot. You've likely got a solid product, maybe even a patent, and you've made some sales. And guess what? That's exactly the kind of info a potential licensee wants to know. You've already put in a lot of the hard work, and now you're just looking to tap into their distribution channels and connections. It's like getting a helping hand to take your product further without all the hassle.
This scenario is pretty common. People try their hand at entrepreneurship, hoping for big returns, but eventually realize it's not for them. So, they pivot and decide to license their product idea instead. It's surprising how many folks find themselves in this situation once they start exploring their options. They may not have fully grasped the time, effort, and money required to go it alone, and now they're eager to hand off their product idea to someone else.
Pitch Your Product Idea Carefully

When you're ready to share your product idea with companies, take a moment to think about who you're reaching out to. Look for companies that are similar to yours – that's a good start. If you have a website showcasing your product, that's even better. Your product is fantastic, so make sure they see that.
Companies might want to test your product or gather feedback from a focus group. That's a chance for them to see its potential. You've done the hard work already, so you're offering them a low-risk opportunity.
But here's the thing: when you pitch your idea, they're going to want to know about your sales record. And maybe your sales haven't been amazing. That's okay. You can explain that maybe you didn't have enough time or money to market it properly. Or perhaps you underestimated how challenging it can be to get your product noticed.
The key is to be honest and upfront. These companies understand that not every product has instant success. If they see the potential in your idea, they'll give you a fair shot at licensing it.
Seek Professional Guidance
I understand where you're coming from. It can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Maybe you're feeling a bit worn down right now. You've invested a lot of money, and it seems like giving up might be the easiest option.
But hold on a moment. If you're at that point and you're looking for expert help, then listen up. We've been in this game for a long time, and we know what it takes to succeed. If you're considering passing the baton, we've got just the thing for you: our Gateway program.
With Gateway, we've pooled all our expertise and connections from years in the business. We've built solid relationships with companies, and we're ready to put your product idea in front of them. And we can do it fast, thanks to those pre-established connections. If you're ready to take that next step and license your product idea to a company with great distribution channels and strong retail relationships, then look no further, reach out to us.
Gateway is our new initiative, and it's all about using our 25 years of experience to make things happen for you. So, don't hesitate. Reach out today and let's get started.

About the contributor
Stephen KeyStephen Key is an award-winning inventor, renowned intellectual property strategist, lifelong entrepreneur, author, speaker, and columnist. Stephen has over 20 patents in his name and the dozens of concepts he has brought to market have retailed in Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Disney stores and parks worldwide and been endorsed by Michael Jordan, Alex Trebek, and Taylor Swift. He has defended his patents in federal court against the largest toy company in the world, Lego’s. In 1999, he cofounded inventRight to teach others his unique process for harnessing the power of open innovation and the licensing business model. His bestselling book about how to license an idea, One Simple Idea by McGraw-Hill, has been translated into six languages. He has written more than 1,000 articles about intellectual property strategy, product licensing, and entrepreneurship for publications online including Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur. Universities and governmental organizations around the world regularly invite him to teach them inventRight’s unique processes for commercializing new product ideas. Stephen has won over 20 industry awards, including two Edison Awards and the Most Influential and Inspiring Leader Of All Time by the WorldIP Forum in 2022. In 2018, he was recognized as a AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassador. In 2020, he became a founding member of the United States Intellectual Property Alliance. In 2022, Stephen contributed to “Cases in IP Strategy: Industry Lessons Learned” from the non-profit Michelson Institute for IP. Currently, he’s part of the team responsible for launching a new sustainable packaging innovation that replaces the need to use plastic to carry beverages called Fishbone.
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