From Prototype to Product: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Idea

So, you’ve got an idea for a revolutionary new product. Maybe you’ve even created a working prototype, but now you’re wondering, what comes next?

Questions like:

• Should I pursue a patent?

• What company should I contact?

• What’s a fair royalty amount?

Stick around, because we’re diving into the process of turning your idea into a reality.

Start with the Right Idea

A great product solves a problem in a unique way. But just because it works for you doesn’t mean it’ll work for everyone else. That’s where feedback comes in.

Assemble a “board of trustees”—a small, trustworthy group of people with home gyms or a solid understanding of fitness trends. Their honest feedback will help you refine your idea, saving you time, money, and heartache later.

The Patent Question

Patents can be expensive and time-consuming:

• Design Patent: ~$1,000 (covers appearance)

• Utility Patent: ~$10,000 (covers function)

Not ready for that? A provisional patent (around $1,000) gives you “patent pending” status for a year while you pitch your idea to companies.

To Share or Not to Share

Posting your idea on social media can bring valuable feedback and attract companies, but it also opens the door to potential rip-offs. Weigh the risks carefully.

Preparing Your Pitch

A functioning prototype is key—don’t leave anything to the imagination. If you lack the tools to create one, reach out to a local fabricator or someone skilled in CAD design and 3D modeling. The more tangible your idea, the better your chances of success.

Make sure to prepare ballpark figures for manufacturing and selling prices. Companies want to know the potential profitability of your product. Resources like Garage Gym Experiment’s weekly surveys can provide valuable market insights.

Leveraging Social Media

Your social media following can be your golden ticket. Companies love working with creators who can organically promote their products to a large audience. If you have a strong following, use it to your advantage.

Pitching to Companies

Focus on companies you trust and whose products you already use. Build a genuine connection by engaging with their brand on social media and at events. Avoid spamming; make a list of five companies you’d love to work with and tailor your pitch to them.

If you’re worried about protecting your idea, use NDAs and ask for advice from others in the industry. Trust is key.

What’s a Fair Deal?

Licensing deals usually come in two forms:

• Lump Sum: A one-time payment.

• Royalties: A percentage of each unit sold (usually 1%-15% of the profit margin).

You can also double-dip by participating in affiliate programs for extra earnings.

Manufacturing and Launching

Manufacturing timelines can vary widely—from six months to over a year. Stay patient, but don’t hesitate to ask for updates. Once the product is ready, focus on building hype through launch videos and promotions.

Need Help?

If this process seems overwhelming, head to KaizenDIYGym.com and fill out the idea submission form. My team and I are building a service to assist with CAD design, patents, NDAs, product pitches, and more.

A huge thanks to Tyler for inspiring this guide! If you have more questions, drop them in the comments.

Let’s turn your idea into the next big thing. See you next time!