Solution Sourcing Center

Before you do anything else and the very first thing you should do is to patent the product. That way, you are protected from someone just lifting your idea and leaving you out in the cold. Start with that.
John David

Hi John,

As we are about to launch the new version of vKoopia's site, I am writing to see how far you have progressed in taking your idea to market and if I can help with anything.

Simin

Before we approach the manufacture do you want to meet to look at your idea in details. Have you done any market analysis? Do you have business plan? I am fine to sign NDA; if you think that is needed before discussing your idea. You can reach me at .
Abdol

I think that’s a great idea, how do we proceed?
John

I have not heard from you yet. As I mentioned in my previous note, I know a manufacture of metal boxes for both electronic and transportation of electronic equipments. I could ask, if he is interested to meet.

I am glad to hear you have prototype which can be used for demo. I wonder, if you have conducted any research on market demand for this product. Do you know how cost effective is in comparison with other similar product?
Can this product be modified to house and safeguard typical electronic digital equipment? Will you be able to show your product to a potential manufacturer? I ask this, because I do know a manufacture of metal boxes for both electronic and transportation of electronic equipments.
I could ask, if he is interested to meet.
Cheers,
Abdol

You could try to get marketing help through vkoopia. One of the main value propositions of vkoopia is to facilitate and empower entrepeneurs and innovators to crowdsource theirbusiness needs and find the help they need. I suggest that you post your need for a partner and/or advisor through vkoopia’s Crowdsourcing, Matchmaking Center and here is the link: http://vkoopia.com/blog7
Good luck,
Simin

That is exactly what I need, the help of a Marketing expert.
How can I network to find such a person interested in teaming up for the challenge?

Interesting product idea. It looks like you are looking for an appropriate channel to get your product to the market. But I wonder to what extend you have researdched the market in terms of the needs/requirements for such a product, that is, what specific features the potential customers would expect, how much would they be prepared to pay for it, etc. Also, what is the nature of the competition in this market such as how would your product be different/more valuable compared to those offered by the competitors or the alternative means of protecting digital information, etc. If you have already reserached, defined and positioned your product and you are confident about its market viability, then you can consider your options for manufacturing and distribution. Otherwise, I recommend getting help from a marketer with suitable experience and knowledge.

I agree with you, the best bet is to sell the idea to the manufacturer using the prototype.
How can I do that, just set up a meeting with a manufacturer, introduce myself, my idea and prototype?
Is this how it’s done, is it just based on trust or NDAs?
Not sure how to proceed in contacting a company, should I have a professional involved?
John

There is no question that a safe manufacturer will be able to get this new product to market quicker and cheaper than you could. The real question in my mind is: how involved do you want to be?
Using the prototype, the innovation of the new product design, and your background the easiest route might be to sell the idea to a manufacturer, grab the cash and go. Or, alternatively, maintain a royalty on every unit sold.
If you do want to be heavily involved and have the necessary IPs that would protect your design from competitors, it might be an idea to source out the manufacture of the units yourself. This way, you could contract with a major distributor or even sell the safes online yourself for a better margin.
No matter which way you go about it, more and more individuals and business are backing everything up digitally which means the window for such a safe is closing quickly. The cash grab route might make the most sense.
Of course, this is simply my view on things. Anyone else?
Bill