New product idea - need help with startup

Mr. Pickles · #1 09-29-2010, 08:25 AM

Hey folks,

I've been sitting on an idea for electric bass accessories for some time now and I'm ready to make it a reality. To begin, I need to find an offshore manufacturer of bass tuning machines to price out parts. Next I need to find a graphic designer create some mockups of my ideas and lastly, I'll need an engineer to draw up the plans.

I'm sure I can find an artist and engineer with a simple web-search, but finding the manufacturer has proved difficult. I've contacted Hipshot and Gotoh, but they haven't responded. Any suggestions for me?

Once I get these ducks in a row, I'll be making a business plan and taking out a loan from my local bank. I have no business training, so I'm starting from scratch here. I'm reading some books on how to start a business in New York State, but otherwise I'm totally new to this. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Cosmo420 · #2 09-29-2010, 08:33 AM

I'm a graphic designer. If I can help, I'll be glad to...

PM me or e-mail me at chad@brokenspokedesign.com

David Pinton · #3 09-29-2010, 09:23 AM

My take on this is that you could quickly learn to be your own graphic designer and "plan drawing engineer". It will save a whole bunch of money.
Look for info on legally protecting your designs too!

wilser · #4 09-29-2010, 09:38 AM

I forget the name, but there's a website where you can post one off job requests and professionals in the field will bid on it. Maybe someone else can remember.

coldfoot_luke · #5 09-29-2010, 10:03 AM

Do you have your specs mapped out?

You can download a open source design program (similar to AutoCAD) here: http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawik...itle=Main_Page

CAD programs aren't too hard to learn, especially something relatively simple like a tuner. You can spend an afternoon figuring it out with a tutorial, then another afternoon or two working on your design. You can convert your design into a file that is compatible with other CAD programs.

Then, look up a local metal fab shop. See if they can take your CAD model, make a CNC script, and make a wax prototype. If you like it, you can price it out. (You should be able to figure out the volume of material needed in the design program.)

As for graphics... take the open source approach again. Check out GIMP for graphics: www.gimp.org. It's just like photoshop, and if you haven't used photoshop, you can figure out the basics pretty quickly. After an hour or two of playing around with picture editing, the hard part will be the creative aspect of advertising.

At the very least, you can mess around with some neat programs and get your ideas from you head and drawing board into digital form while you look for assistance!

jgroh · #6 09-29-2010, 10:08 AM

Cosmo420 already offered but Im a designer as well:

http://www.watermark-media.com

UncleFluffy · #7 09-29-2010, 10:13 AM

I can help with the early prototypes, certainly to the point of getting a plastic version out of a 3D printer and possibly further depending on the details. What volume production are you thinking about? Unless it's fairly large-scale you may be better finding a local shop with unused capacity (probably easy in this economy) than dealing with the overheads of offshore production.

Also, might be worth taking a look at this: http://www.alibre.com/products/hobby/

mikeyswood · #8 09-29-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

To begin, I need to find an offshore manufacturer of bass tuning machines to price out parts.

I have many problems with this. You are a start-up and wanting to take your idea to a low quality manufacturing area for production? Good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

Unless it's fairly large-scale you may be better finding a local shop with unused capacity (probably easy in this economy) than dealing with the overheads of offshore production.

There are so many things right with this statement.

UncleFluffy · #9 09-29-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

I have many problems with this. You are a start-up and wanting to take your idea to a low quality manufacturing area for production? Good luck.

There are so many things right with this statement.

Well, putting aside (geo)political issues, it's a good idea for reasons of pure self-interest. During the start-up phase there are going to be a hundred things that are going to need fixing/tweaking/changing and managing that from half-way around the world is a nightmare. Being able to get together for lunch + a beer with the guy running the shop once a week will keep things running a whole lot smoother.

pilotjones · #10 09-29-2010, 10:41 AM

First, mind Mikey's comments on offshoring. It's a hell of a process.

Next, and perhaps more importantly, have you built this, or is it just an idea at this stage? What it sounds like from your OP (forgive me if I misinterpret) is that you have an idea for a mechanical assembly, and want to skip immediately from there to drawings, fabrication, and marketing, bypassing the product development process. If that's correct, you are in big trouble.

bongomania · #11 09-29-2010, 10:46 AM

I completely agree about starting locally with a designer that speaks English and a shop that has unused capacity, especially because they can get stimulus money for hiring workers back that had been laid off.

That said, once you have your product fully developed and in limited production, if it's something you want to take to a larger scale then I can hook you up with a manufacturing facility in Poland that does good work.

miziomix · #12 09-29-2010, 01:51 PM

If you re serious about it, you should either learn the basics to design it or learn how to make a prototype by yourself. What works in our minds often has to go through quite a transformation before it becomes reality.

Making a prototype is the way to understand your idea inside out and it works best when YOU do it. You can make a rough one in whatever material you are familiar with. Make it bigger if you need to, it doesn't matter and it makes it easier.

Bear in mind that a basic understanding of what can or cannot be done with certain metals is necessary. You should learn the basics at the least. There are books about it.

In other words, the more you understand your idea the better off you are when it comes to actually produce it - and it's the best way to be taken seriously by folks like Gotoh and Hipshot.

BTW, making prototypes is actually a very exciting process

Dirk Diggler · #13 09-29-2010, 03:46 PM

Did you try talking with Jason at Hipshot? They would be my suggestion and they have always been great to work with. You'd be surprised how many major manufacturers have them do their bridge and tuner work.
And I agree with the overseas issues already brought up, especially for communications reasons.
Good luck,
Dirk
p.s. in case you didn't already know they are located in Upstate NY.

Mr. Pickles · #14 09-29-2010, 05:17 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far.

As you've guessed, I'm in the idea stage here. I'm really starting from scratch. I guess a better question to ask you all at this point is where do I start?

The other potential situation that I'm considering is pitching my idea to Hipshot once I get it developed.

UncleFluffy · #15 09-29-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

I guess a better question to ask you all at this point is where do I start?

Can you answer the question "Who is your customer?" precisely in 50 words or less?

ryansalmond · #16 09-29-2010, 05:39 PM

I applaud you for doing this and for having the guts to publicly announce it. People will judge you from their armchairs. Stick to your guns.

Mr. Pickles · #17 09-29-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

Can you answer the question "Who is your customer?" precisely in 50 words or less?

My customer is anyone who owns a Fender style bass and would like to add unique, personalized and customizeable harware for a reasonable price.

No modification of existing components is necessary and the process is completely reversible.

I am hopeful that custom builders would offer my product as well to satisfy anyone looking for a truly distinct instrument.

And without giving to much away, everyone will be able to pimp their Precision with bass bling

UncleFluffy · #18 09-29-2010, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

My customer is anyone who owns a Fender style bass and would like to add unique, personalized and customizeable harware for a reasonable price.

No modification of existing components is necessary and the process is completely reversible.

I am hopeful that custom builders would offer my product as well to satisfy anyone looking for a truly distinct instrument.

And without giving to much away, everyone will be able to pimp their Precision with bass bling

That's an excellent start

Next is to put together a business plan and work on your prototype.

rx2enemy · #19 09-29-2010, 06:52 PM

Beware of patent rights nightmares. None of this will end good if you dont follow a long, painfull and expensive legal process. Speaking from experience, there are many patent vultures that will either rip you off or steal you idea. Be patient and trust no one (as far as disclosure).

I would suggest finding a patent attorney that offers a free consultation. DO NOT use a broad scope patent consultation company. Their job is to steal your idea while discouraging you.

Mr. Pickles · #20 09-30-2010, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rx2enemy

Beware of patent rights nightmares. None of this will end good if you dont follow a long, painfull and expensive legal process. Speaking from experience, there are many patent vultures that will either rip you off or steal you idea. Be patient and trust no one (as far as disclosure).

I would suggest finding a patent attorney that offers a free consultation. DO NOT use a broad scope patent consultation company. Their job is to steal your idea while discouraging you.

As far as disclosure goes, if I hire an artist and engineer, how do I ensure they don't steal my ideas? Is there a standard contract to use?

My wife's friend's father is a patent attorney, so I hope to use him as a resource.