Research

The purpose of the research when you present an idea to a manufacturer is to make sure that you are prepared to answer their questions. They will have questions for you that a working model or a patent will not cover. Some questions may include:

• How will you deal with competition?
• What is your plan for design development?
• Which fabrication techniques will you use?

Manufacturers will ask questions about packaging, shipping of your product, and even how it might be stored for distribution. Without the answers to these types of questions, manufacturers can shoot you down. If you have the answers to these questions, you will have the ammunition to make manufacturers take notice.

Additionally, the research will prepare you for licensing negotiations.