How I turned my invention into a business "One summer day I was out with my baby daughter who was in her pram when her nap time came. It's a common problem for busy mums. Babies need their sleep during the day, but it can be difficult when you're out and about. Even without noise, strong sunshine can make it difficult to get babies off to Center Seat. "Later, I had a look around the shops and online for a product that would solve the problem, but couldn't find anything. So - rather madly - I decided to invent my own, even though I didn't have any product development experience." Developing a prototype "I made my own basic version of a pram shade or blind - using my elementary sewing skills. It resulted in the first workable version of my design, although many improvements would follow. "I wasn't sure who to approach for help. I used to work for a magazine publisher, so I rang a friend there to ask where they got their 'cover mounts' [free magazine give-aways]. She put me in touch with a manufacturing agent called Giftpoint Ltd. Fortunately, they were based near my home in Surrey. "We chatted over the phone, and after getting an NDA [non-disclosure agreement] signed, I took my sample over to show them. They knew exactly what to do, and had manufacturing contacts in China. "I had different versions of my design made, each a slight improvement on the last. Finally, I had a working prototype, which I launched just over a year after my initial idea, at the Baby Products Association Showin London. Launching a new product "Obviously, I hoped to find a buyer, but thought the feedback would be useful, no matter what. In fact, the response blew me away. Pretty soon I had several orders placed, including one with JoJo Maman Bébé - a leading supplier of clothing and products for pregnant women and families with young children. "Getting the product ready to meet JoJo's tight deadline was challenging, but I did it - including a few redesigns and rigorous safety testing to European standards. "Things moved from prototype to product in just four months, which is quite amazing - it was a real rollercoaster ride. Similar Post: Helping You Succeed Through Online Marketing! Working with a manufacturing agent "Working with Giftpoint was one of my best decisions. If I'd had to go to China to find a manufacturer and manage the process myself, it would have taken much longer and cost much more. I have family commitments, anyway, so I can't just hop on a plane at a moment's notice. "I pay the agent a fee, but I still make a fair profit. Working with the agent removed much of the hassle; plus, they also knew a lot about baby product safety checks, because they work for Mothercare.
