I’m asking this for my boyfriend who doesn’t use reddit. He’s in the fishing industry and has this brilliant idea for a tool that fisherman use everyday – but a much better version of it that would make the use of this tool much easier to use. It doesn’t exist yet, we checked. The problem is he (and I) have ZERO clue on how to get this going… I know that he needs to build or create some sort of prototype, right? Is there a company that can help with this? I know there are these “invention help” companies that exist, but are they legit? If they are legit, are there some that are considered better? How do they work and make money? Sorry if I’m just spewing a bunch of questions but I’m just at a loss when it comes to this stuff. I really want to help him make this a reality because he’s struggling financially at times and I just have this deep-down feeling that this could really be a great thing not only for him, but for the fishing industry in general. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  • LardLad00@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    First, find an industrial designer on upwork or something. Describe the product for them and they will draw up some sketches of what the finished product will look like.

    Then, find a mechanical engineer or product design engineer who can turn those sketches into a manufacturable product. Ask them to build a prototype. Realize that prototypes either look like the final product or work like the final product but, unless you want to spend a lot of money, not both.

    Once you have your CAD model and prints, you can find a manufacturer. Look for a contract manufacturer or put the whole thing up for quote on Alibaba.

    This is all assuming that this is a mechanical product without electronics.

    The cost of all this will vary a lot depending on the manufacturing methods you need to use to build the thing, how complex it is, and all that. $10k-$100k I would guess.

    • LeafLoving@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Thank you so much for this info. It’s actually quite a simple design, no electronics, so I’m hoping it doesn’t get too complicated.

      • faebugz@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        You can just search companies directly on Alibaba if it’s simple and come at them with the plans. They will usually design it for free. Then you make a large order and go thru the process. Just be aware they will also start selling it so have marketing and a plan already in place