my name is penny. i had an idea recently that i have been trying to get prototyped. i am finding that it will cost me at least $10,000.00 to get started. i was willing to spend 4 to 5.

i loved your article and i wanted to ask some questions.

as i have contacted companies that are willing to make my prototype, a lot of them are telling me that i am in the position as most people in this stage of the game. a great idea but no sales at the moment to back the production cost of a prototype or bulk order.

as i read your article i got excited because it seems to me that i don’t need to actually have a physical product in my hand to show potential clients. i can simply give them a good idea with great visual aids that don’t cost as much.

i have colored sketches with specific measurements and various references to common products that, i believe, will give the people to whom i am “pitching” a great concept of what i will accomplish. along with price quotes for mass production.

with this information, do you feel that i am ready to start to market with the minimal information that i have (basically a concept rather than a physical product). or would you advise that i gain additional funding to make the prototype?

please, feel free to ask for more details about my idea if necessary, i know i was vague.

thanks so much for your time- penny

But for a small, rapid approach, lots of ideas = wasted time. The purpose is to create working things, not a list of ideas. So, I’ve found it’s best to come up with an idea quick you want to test out, work on it for a set amount of time (7 days?), iteratively improve as best you can, then cut the chord — move on to the next prototype.

The difference between these two approaches is the artifacts/deliverables you have at the end.