Do You Have a Great Idea or Invention?

I mentioned in the last newsletter that InventNow.org is a great place for kids to learn how an invention becomes a real product, and to see what other kids their age are doing. They do ask that your child register with Invent Now, but are sensitive to the laws that protect children online. It’s an excellent website for kids to learn how products are developed and to help develop their own idea.

Another place to learn about the process of inventing – for all ages – is Edison Nation, a website that helps idea people turn their ideas into products through Live Product Searches and a powerful database of everything an inventor might need. One interesting feature they offer is called their “Live Product Search” and is open to Edison Nation members. My understanding of membership (I am not a member) is that you can register for free with your personal info (no CC ) but if you want a “Gold Membership” (you knew that was coming), you can pay a fee for certain priviledges. One of those priviledges is a reduced fee of $20 over their normal $25 Live Product Search entry fee. I understand why they need to charge that, besides the obvious. This will weed out all the nonsense entries for one, but really do offer a genuine opportunity to present your invention to credible companies. If your product is chosen, you receive a $2500 advance, plus a 20 year guarantee of royalties for your product.You don’t have to have your product fully developed or patented, they’ll do that for you.

You do take a chance, of course, if you have the next great invention like Write-out or Post-its, of not receiving your  just reward. However, it’s better than waiting around with your idea hidden in your computer and someday seeing it on the shelves as a top seller. (guilty) It’s painful to see an idea make it that you had years before and were told you should submit to someone, but didn’t because you weren’t sure where to start. Take action on your ideas!

You can also watch episodes of Everyday Edisons online, or find local listings of current episodes. The education tab has a list of different places to find resources to learn more about becoming a paid inventor.

Here’s a list of current Live Product Searches that you could submit your ideas for today. Hurry, some of the deadlines are in a few days.

Amazon Green seeks home innovations that save time, money or energy. With a genuine focus on saving customers both time and money while helping protect the environment, Amazon recently launched Amazon Green. Deadline: Monday, September 16th, 2009

Carolina Pad , a leading supplier of fashion school, office and organizational products, is one of the fastest-growing stationery companies in the world is looking for innovative school, office and organizational supply products. Their slogan: “Everyday Products. Extraordinary design.”
Deadline: Monday, Sept 16th 2009

BestSweet is now turning to Edison Nation members to create this leading ice cream brand’s next hit candy item that will appeal to the lucrative ‘tween consumer (ages 8-13). For this Live Product Search, BestSweet wants you to think outside the box of established candy varieties, such as Junior Mints® or Milk Duds®, and go beyond the M&Ms® pouch of candy-coated chocolates. Deadline: September 21st, 2009.

O Cedar, the first company to produce an oil-treated dust mop, to market the squeeze-action sponge mop, and to introduce the angle broom is looking for their next innovative product. Deadline: September 28, 2009

Bed Bath & Beyond is seeking innovations for their new pet care brand, PawsLife,  that appeal to both the pet parent and pet, making life easier when it’s time to travel; get a bath; go to sleep; and be groomed. Deadline: Nov. 2, 2009

Bed, Bath & Beyond is ALSO looking for a solution based product ideas that will help students conquer the challenges of dorm room living: space, organization, storage, cleaning, lighting, comfort and decorating. Deadline: September 30th, 2009

Has anyone out there ever submitted an invention?

We did a story on Tangela Walker-Craft that invented the “Go-Pillow” and took it from idea to market. We also wrote about another homeschool mom that invented the Redema portable footrest and went through the entire process from scratch.

See the ‘Go! Pillow’ >>

See the Redema portable footrest >>

Let us know about your experiences with an invention you’ve had! We’d be happy to publish your story.

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