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We receive a lot of mail at from people who would like
to invent toys—or who have a great idea that they'd like to
try to market as a toy. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but
this is a challenge and an uphill climb for many people.
This is a challenging business and we tell people that realistically
you have as much chance of creating a hit toy as you do of going
into your den and writing a hit screenplay. But this is a business
that thrives on good ideas, and some of the best have come from independent
individuals who had a great idea and the passion and commitment
to see it become a reality.
One great source for you to start with is the Toy Industry Association's guide
for inventors. This is a good place to start
doing your homework—and lots of homework will be required.
We have added a couple of quick pointers below that answer some of the
most common questions we get.
- Most toy companies do not look at outside
submissions, unless they come through an agent or a recognized
source.
In fact, many companies have a policy of returning unsolicited
products unopened.
- If you do decide to show your product
to people, or talk about it with others, you should have a Non-Disclosure
Form. These are best accomplished with an attorney.
- You can not copyright an idea. You can
only copyright the expression of an idea. In many cases, you may
find out that a company might be working on something similar
to your idea. This happens all the time.
- We have yet to find an inventor service
that is reliable, or successful at placing toys. These are the companies that advertise on television and say they'll help
you get your product placed. We do not know of any toy company that accepts submissions from these
organizations, and, in fact, we have heard that people who have
worked with these organizations have been disappointed and frustrated.
- Be leery of any kind of fair, tradeshow
or organization that promises to get your idea in front of decision
makers from various companies. They may show up, but they are
certainly not empowered to buy an idea at that time.
Ask to see
any organization's past results and, if possible, speak to people who have used these organizations
successfully.
Remember what your mom told you: if something sounds too good
to be true, it probably is. There
are a lot of people and organizations
out there that prey on people who believe in their ideas. Don't
get taken advantage of.
- If you do find an organization that you
think is reliable, make sure you have protected yourself legally
to the best extent possible before you take your idea out into
public.
- Go slowly, do your research and be careful
with your resources. As we always say, just because your immediate family and friends love an idea, that may not mean
it will make sense—or make money—in the marketplace.
Approach your idea as a business, and make investments as they are needed. For example, don't manufacture 10,000 units if no
retailer has said they're interested at all. Or, at least have
a distribution and sales strategy.
- Don't give up. If you really believe,
you may find a way. The team that created Pictionary was turned
down by
every major toy manufacturer… until by virtue of
their hard work they turned it into a hit.
Thanks and keep playing,
- The Toy Guy
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