First intro - Inventoy

[jonsalisbury]

Hello everybody. I'm writing an article for ToyNews in the UK about the changes in the way that toys are being developed. I am particularly interested in any anecdotal stories about how manufacturers' attitudes to toy developers might have changed as the global economy has worsened.

Please feel free to email me.

Regards, Jon Salisbury

[Ash]

Hi All - I'm an amateur toy inventor, looking to license some of my better ideas...!

[monkeyman]

Hi my name is Wes smith i am a toy enthusiast and have invented such titles as Monkey poker , Monkeywinks, 25000 Monkeys and The Ninja monkeys In "The Orbs Of Doom" Yes i Have a freaky fascination with monkeys LOL
My websites are
www.monkeypoker1.com
and www.Theninjamonkeys.com

i like every new company am looking for a way in, and of course money.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Wes

[Inventoy]

Hi Wes,

Welcome to the forums. From your post I am assuming that you have a product and are looking for financial backing or more retail outlets. If so, have you tried contacting Gameswright as a possible partner/manufacturer/retailer?

Cheers,

Inventoy.

[scribe]

Hello.I really am a fish out of water here,by day I'm a property developer by night i delve into the world of toy design. I currently have two ideas on the board both very collectable. one being a plush toy the other an action figure, both desirable toys for children both have spin offs . I'm of the opinion that as i know nothing about the toy industry perhaps i would be better looking for a licence deal if this is possiable , your advice is more than welcome thank you.

[Inventoy]

Hi and welcome to the forums.

Licensing is the best option if you don't want to go down the d.i.y manufacturing/distribution route which can be both expensive and risky. Let the toy co's take the risk and invest their money if they have belief in the idea. There is a post or two about licensing, royalties and advances from toy maker, a guy who is very much 'in the know' about the subject

Can I ask have you done any work on your idea already or is it an idea in your head at the moment. If the latter, my initial advice would be to get some pictures (sketches on paper) or even 3d designs done of your character idea. If you can do this yourself all the better. It may be difficult to relay an idea to an artist/cartoonist but you could try a art college or university where there may be people to help to do this. Once you have an idea of the basic character then produce a story board. In basic terms this is a colour comic strip showing the character moving (using special powers, weapons, changing shape etc) to help give the toy companies an idea of why the character is different and fun. These could be used as presentation or sell sheets to approach the toy co's with.

Once you have these then we can supply some details of toy companies you can start to show your ideas to and advise on the best ways to protect your idea without using a patent. Its best not to send just a written idea as these will almost certainly not make it past first base.

Hope this is enough to get you started for now.

Inventoy

[bathsplash]

Thanks for this forum!!
I'm a "super-newbie" to the invention bizz. Just posted the question on the threads, "Bath Toy!, Who to pitch it to?" Thanks to all & would sincerely appreciate a read & any suggestions! Sincerely, Bsplash

[Inventoy]

Hi BathSplash,

Welcome to the forum. Hope we can all be some help to you in moving your toy forward.

Cheers

Inventoy

[Jerry A]

Hello All,

Although I'm not new to the invent world, I am new to the toy category. I developed a product that will be released somewhere around October 2010. Great forum you have here for the toy folks! I created and prototyped a toy that was tested on my 4 yr old grandson. He had so much fun with it that he wants to keep it. I just need to get the message out now.

Anyway, good luck with this forum!

[creator37]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the toy biz. I have created my own toy and comic. I am working ( painfully) with a toy agent for the last 8 months. I have the protype, drawings, ect done already. Also im working on a few other toys too. I hope I can just learn along the way. There is alot to it for sure. Im working on getting a web site up and going for my comics. When I do I will let everyone know. I have just been a sponge for the last 3 years. My toy is a plush horror type.

[Inventoy]

Hi Creator37,

A warm wlecome to the forums. Hopefully we can help you out in some way. Can I ask what agent you are using and what kind of things have been slow and holding up the project. Have you had to pay any up front fees to them? Good luck with your projects they sound interesting.

Cheers,

Inventoy

[George Drew]

Apr 22, 2008 14:33:12 GMT -5 Tinkerbell said:

Hi everyone!

I've been a freelance toy designer (mostly girl's products) for almost 10 years now and have just leapt into the world of licensing, creating my own brand for girls. I'm very keen to get some of my toy and game inventions licensed and will be on the lookout for any advice on how to get started. I am obsessed by girl's toys (always have been - I've never grown up!) and I'm so glad to have found a site that can give me practical advice (and moral support!) about the ins and outs of the toy and licensing business. Great to be here!

[guyehomen]

Dear Inventoy and others,

My name is Guy Homen and I have 10 new games as prototypes/final product usually for sale on ebay. My games include Delta PI 7 -a new chess variant, Fishing Tournament, Alpha Gamma 5-a space war game, Football Poker-a combination of Football and Poker, Knockout-an abstract strategy game, Monsters, Multiple Mutations,Superman,The Hermit Game-like go for broke,and Pirate's Treasure. I am looking to sell the license to one or more of my games. Could you please tell me how to do that.

Thanks Guy

[Inventoy]

Hi Guy,

Welcome to the forums. Looks like you have loads of new game ideas. Which companies have you approached so far with your ideas? I am sure we can recommend some. I must say from the outset that chess is a hard one to crack as there are quite a few variations already. Check out boardgamegeek to see whats already out there. Have you approached any game agents or brokers?

Cheers, Inventoy.

[guyehomen]

Well, I have submitted my games to companies such as Milton Bradley, Avalon Hill, Cardinal Games,Patch games, and some other game company in California that seemed to be working on the same game idea that I had already perfected. Ive had no luck at all with game companies. No I havent approached an agent Im not really sure what to offer, could you tell me the usual offering to an agent to get him to sell(license) and work for you? that seems to be the route im heading for. Ive already designed prototypes of all my games and copyrighted them. knowing as much as you do to license so many games could you try and tell me the how to's in licensing.