Who would you suggest?

[justleesa]

wondering...if you had an idea for a scuba related item (not part of the standard ABC's, not reinventing the wheel here), what company would you turn to? I wouldn't want to produce it, I would like to be involved to a certain extent in its development.....maybe sell the idea....not sure yet.

 

[Doc]

One that is filled with patent attornies.

No matter what your ambitions- get a patent.

 

[justleesa]

Good reminder thanks!!

 

[sharky60]

Hmmm... it might depend on the item it's self, U.S. Divers have always had a very good r&d department, but that could be more "mechanical" related item if you will, regs & bc's., high tech masks & comm. systems

if it is more accessory related maybe a company that isn't necessarily a "scuba industry" manufacturer, but does a similar type item, plastic molding, clothing, even a toy manufacturer may be able to produce it.

just trying to think outside the box

p.s. love the shark "lesson"

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

If it were me, depending on the item I'd go with a smaller company ... like DSS, Salvo, or Dive X-tras.

If a larger company, I think I'd probably start with XS Scuba ... they seem to have some innovative ideas and products. Dive Rite might also be worth checking into ... again, depending on the type of product.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[hollywood703]

I agree with the above.....I do like the idea of using a Non-scuba vendor.....Have them with your input make the product.....You in turn are the "distributor" to all of the above companies......It will be the most profitable for you in the long run as the scuba vendors are more likely to know its value and mark up the items manufacturing price.

a perfect example of this is retractors.......Scuba retractors are what $25 or so on average. Same item for holding name tags, maybe without a buckle $5. Obviously there are some differences, however you cant tell me that it costs $20 a piece for parts to make it scuba approved. What I would do is, work on getting a patent BEFORE you search for a manufacturer. get the patent then search for several companies on pricing. Once the product has taken off a bit, you could sell the patent to X company.....Or if you dont want the hassle of doing the middle man thing in the interim, get the patent and then sell it to the larger company before manufacturing.

 

[Rick Inman]

Depends on the item, but I might try someone like Patrick at Oxycheq... someone who started with their own product and understands how to take an idea from concept to retail.

 

[Rick Inman]

Also, you can DIY patent at leaglezoom.com for about $300.00.

 

[Stu S.]

If it is a great idea, patent it yourself, then market the rights to it. If it is significant, and you do not wish to patent it, send the idea to the Navy.

It would be unusual for a business to welcome an outsider to participate in a product's development. If you give away an un-patented concept, they would owe you nothing.

 

[spectrum]

XS scuba was my first though too. They seem to have a steady pipeline of nifty accessories and them must always be looking for ideas. They also have very broad distribution.

Pete