I have a great idea for a consumer product. How do I go about finding a designer/mfg to create a prototype?
549729
First off, DON'T TELL ANYONE WHAT IT IS (for sure on here) as someone can run and patent this idea first if it is truely marketable. (OK, you've done that...good)\n\nCheck out this federal website and do a search for your item.  \n\nhttp://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/design/toc.html\n\nDon't go to a manufacturer until you have a patent secured, or make sure you have the manufacturer sign a "non disclosure" and have it notarized.  \n\nThat way if they try to market/patent your item and claim it as there's, you have the non disclosure (and even that is not secure this day and age (look at eBay, Blackberry and so forth)\n\nContact a patent attorney (if you can dish the funds) if you truely believe this item is marketable as to how you approach a manufacturer as to a proto-type.\n\n\nGOOD LUCK TO YA!!
332998
You can try DesignPro of Avery.
670482
First of all, if you have a patent most companies will not rip you off.  They won't want to fight in court over the patent.  Secondly, making a prototype can be a little tricky without much money.  I don't know what your invention is or does, but if it is electronic in nature it could take a lot of know how to make it work.  It may be possible to make a deal with a company that specializes in making prototypes.  Something where they get paid based on your success in selling the invention.  Any way you go I would recomend documenting the process of creating the prototype so you can prove it's your work.  Once you've created a prototype we come to the question of getting it out to the marketplace.  Ideally, you will be able to sell the invention to a company that already has manufacturing facilities, and it looking for new products to put in stores.  If you can't find that, there are manufaturing companies out there that will mass produce your product so you can get it in stores.  If you do this though I would recommend getting some contracts with stores that agree to buy your product from you.  Hope this helps.  If you need anymore help you can email me at jbradley4000@yahoo.com .
95225
ebay it, and see what you come up with.  I could prolly get you one for that or less, but I don't play that game no mo'  ;-)
1022319
first get a patent for a new tech .produce it give it to the testers and reanalyse it .register your product. if it is a software release a beta version and look for views then release the original version(i suppose these are logical steps)
290664
you can submit it to search engines with meta tags like design, and designers and you can advertise with google adwords www.adwords.google.com
133201
You may be able to see if there is info about it at the website below.  This site has a free designs section but they also have paid sections too.  It may offer some insight for you.. plus maybe you could be part of it if they accept new designers.  good luck
843203
There must be a phone number or a website on the product, just call them up and ask them to speak with the GM
291293
What type of help are you in need of?\n\nAre you needing a designer?  Someone to assist with designing concepts, materials, etc.?  Marketing? \nPlease elaborate, as I may have solutions.\nI will check back.\n\nEdit:  3/13/06 My daughter is ingredible at designing, she may be able to assist you in getting going.  You say "my new clothing line", so I am assuming you already have something in the beginnings?  Or just a concept?  Or just an idea that you would like a line with your name on it?\nAnyways, my 360 is not linking up for some reason, yahoo is checking on this for me.  Let me know, as I am in Y Answers, just in case your question expires.\nI will continue to check back.
756737
You have to make a blueprint for it. Tell how you think it will work and what it would do. You got to have something on paper though. Find a company who makes similiar products and pitch it to them.
469623
From the article "How to Protect Your Idea or Intellectual Property" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol81/protectidea.htm here are some steps you need to take:\n\n1. Consult a patent lawyer and check if your idea can be patented. \n2. Keep extensive records tracking the development of your idea.\n3. Conduct an extensive research to find out if there are similar patents. \n4. Document where, how and to whom you showed your idea.\n5. Do your own market research if your idea is marketable\n6. Explore the possibility of developing the product yourself, or licensing someone else to make the product for you. \n\nTo bring your idea to market, you may want to read "How to Get Your Consumer Invention to Market" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/012006/invention.htm \n\nGood luck
651444
first of course be sure your product has a patient, and is also not violating someones patent\n\nYou then would contact companies that manufactor items like or simular to what you need to have made.  \n\nOr even several factories that may make seperate parts.\n\nYou get prices for manufactor and the min quanities that they have to make.\n\nYou sign the contrcats, buy the material, and go from there.
232041
Prepare a nice web page describing your services.  Then go through various hobby and craft pages, looking for ones that are clearly inadequate.  Send an email to them, sending them the web address of your page.  Offer to provide a newsletter service, where they provide the content and you provide the design.  Offer to send them reminders in time for the next update.  \n\nI think there are a lot of small-time suppliers, needlework shops, etc., and toy stores, game stores, what you will, that would love to have better connections on the web, but either don't have anyone who knows how to design a good web page or don't have the time to do it.  Surf, good buddy, and offer your services!\n\nGood luck and God bless!
463090
First try to attend a trade show/fair that is candles related. That way you get to see the big picture and whats out there. Your idea/design could already be in production but has not been distributed within YOUR reach.\nTrade shows/fair are a great source for info and inspiration.\n\nGood Luck!
468284
From the article "How to Protect Your Idea or Intellectual Property" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol81/protectidea.htm  here are some steps you need to take:\n\n1. Consult a patent lawyer and check if your idea can be patented. \n2. Keep extensive records tracking the development of your idea.\n3. Conduct an extensive research to find out if there are similar patents. \n4. Document where, how and to whom you showed your idea.\n5. Do your own market research if your idea is marketable\n6. Explore the possibility of developing the product yourself, or licensing someone else to make the product for you. \n\nTo bring your idea to market, here are some tips from the article "How to Get Your Consumer Invention to Market" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/012006/invention.htm\n\nGetting Started: \n\n- The Ideabook = Keep a bound ideabook of your invention idea. Date your entries. \n- Get it Notarized = get it officially confirmed that you conceived your invention idea on a particular date, and have your notes notarized. \n- Seek and Search = Do your own patent search to ascertain if your invention is original and prospectively patentable.\n- Create the Initial Prototype = Use simple materials to rig it up, to see if it works. \n- Get Educated = Educate yourself on the inventing process. Go to a bookstore or inventorhelp.com and review the plethora of books written on the subject. \n- The Non-Disclosure Form = Agreement signed between you and anyone you reveal your invention to. \n\nMoving Ahead \n\n- Analyze Costs to Produce = Ascertain what the costs will be. \n- The Evaluation Process = Analyze the benefits and features, strengths and weaknesses of your invention. \n- Get a Professional Prototype = Have professional prototypes made, the quality of which can be shown to potential retail buyers. \n- Protect Your Idea = Apply for a provisional patent yourself. \n- The Non-Provisional Patent = Your patent attorney files your non-provisional patent application.\n\nOptions for Marketing\n\n- Licensing = The inventor has the choice to license the invention to a manufacturer in exchange for a royalty percentage in sales. \n- Manufacturing = Manufacturing and distributing your invention entails higher financial risk but can reap greater profits.\n\nHere are some books that can help you:\n\nFrom Patent to Profit by Bob De Matteis \nProtecting Your #1 Asset : Creating Fortunes from Your Ideas : An Intellectual Property Handbook \n Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook \n How to Register Your Own Trademark : With Forms \n Patent It Yourself \n Protecting Your Ideas : The Inventor's Guide to Patents
72133
Look up the US Patent Agency online, see if someone has thought of it first. Then go from there, they have a fairly good self help center.
1138065
Well you probably need to contact specific companies for which you have ideas for.  Let's hope you have a degree because most big name companies won't even talk to you unless you do.