Product idea - prototyping?

[scholty]

Hi all,

Does anyone have an idea, what the best way to prototype a product would be? A friend of mine had an idea for a GREAT product for cyclists but we don't know how to go about getting prototypes made for testing purposes and then to get it manufactured. Once we have a prototype etc. I know I can figure out the manufacturing part... but how do I find someone creating the prototype for me?

Any ideas on that?

Should we get a patent first (even though it doesn't seem very patentable).

Thanks.

[nicholasyuan]

Hello,
I have a suggestion,
Why don't you sell a product for health wellness? it is more needed by our body.

[foodpassion]

maybe try
http://www.100kgarages.com/index.html

[Sven]

Depends on what kind of material it needs to be in the end and how many you'll need to manufacture.

You could start by making it from wood or polyurethane foam to get a feel for the thing, make it from clay if you have to see it first but it does not need to be strong.

I am writing an ebook on this matter but allready have some stuff on my website. Check it out if you like!

Oh, and patents: The cost of a patent needs to be payed for from the higher profits from your product. If you go world wide that will easily cost 50K+. That should tell you something about the numbers you'd need to sell.
If it is patentable make sure NOT TO PUBLISH any of your work before the patent has been applied for and let everybody sign an NDA