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Post by blaknose on Sept 12, 2013 11:47:19 GMT -5
;D Ok maybe not, but I am on here trying to learn more about toy evaluations and submissions. Glad to see others on here with similar questions. Any help would be appreciated.
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Post by Inventoy on Sept 16, 2013 14:46:12 GMT -5
Welcome to the forums Blaknose. Ask those questions and we will see what we can do to help you on your toy inventing journey
Inventoy
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Post by Inventoy on Sept 17, 2013 7:54:26 GMT -5
My first bit of advice to any 'serious' toy and game inventor would be to try if possible to steer away from family board games. These are by far the hardest to license. Self manufacture is an option but WILL be costly unless you get some kind of back up funding.
Also don't put all of your faith in one idea. Keep coming up with new stuff to increase your chances. Don't stick with toys try other areas too such as garden gadgets, kitchenware, homeware, sports equipment and anything else.
Try not to get too big like new forms of energy or power stations unless you have contacts and backesr already. It can be done but needs a load of work and background research.
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Post by blaknose on Sept 17, 2013 20:43:38 GMT -5
At what point and time should I contact a Toy Agent? I have a ruff prototype so the proof of concept is good. I have done some basic research and testing with kids. They helped me enhance the product. I am now talking to companies about building a production prototype. I am working on a video presentation to place on Kickstarter to try and generate funding to cover manufacturing costs.
Should I hold off and get a professional opinion? Investing $200.00 doesn't scare me as long as I feel comfortable the company will truly give my product a chance.
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Post by blaknose on Sept 17, 2013 20:44:36 GMT -5
Sorry its not a board game or video game. ;D
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Post by mda1mike on Sept 18, 2013 2:00:52 GMT -5
Hi Blaknose,
Suggest researching your competitive product FIRST to see if you are SUBSTANTIALLY raising-the-bar in the category if you are seeking to license. Patent search most likely will provide a false positive. Need to complete a thorough OBJECTIVE product search.
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Post by Inventoy on Sept 18, 2013 7:32:40 GMT -5
Hi Blaknose. Sounds like you are well on your way already if you have a works like prototype. With some good drawings and a prototype you have a number of options. Either go with an agent which may cost but could open doors you could not normally open or find potential manufacturers and contact them directly. The toy world is your oyster as they say. As mda1mike suggested make sure your idea stands out from the crowd for a better chance of success. Its not going to be easy but you can get there in the end.
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Post by blaknose on Sept 20, 2013 11:17:41 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I have gone to Toy's r us, Target, and Walmart to see if the have anything close to my product. Although there is a dedicated section for what my product works with, there was nothing like my product. In speaking to kids and parents they understand my product and believe there is a need.
Any suggestions on a toy agent that has had success in getting into Hasbro? You can contact me through my email if you like. (under my profile)
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Post by Inventoy on Sept 23, 2013 7:34:33 GMT -5
Hi Blaknose,
I can't recommend any agents for legal reasons, however I can say which ones I have heard through the inventing community are good guys to work with....
Marra Design Associates Game Bird (Mary Ellroy) Royalty Pros White Castle games (board games mainly)
These may charge review fees so please keep this in mind. They will also take a percentage if they get a licensing deal for you.
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Post by blaknose on Sept 24, 2013 1:43:01 GMT -5
Thanks for your help. I will keep everyone updated.
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