Here is a way to cash-in on your ideas. If they are unique some
company just may be willing to pay you big bucks for some of
them. This report explains how to protect your ideas to make
sure that you get paid for them. Your salable ideas can be
something tangible or intangible. Ideas include such things as
mechanical things, chemical compounds, designs, works of art,
advertising and business plans . . . ideas for improving a
design, flavor, etc, of an existing product or service. Many
thousands of dollars are paid out to "idea men" each year by
industries. If your ideas will increase production, increase
sales, or improve the product - they are willing to pay
substantial money when they accept it.
First, you must know how to "protect" the ideas that you
generate. Ideas that are made public by word of mouth, or even
in writing, become public property unless you first make an
agreement to retain all rights to your ideas. Let's say that
you have an idea for increasing the sales of an existing product
for company A. Write them a letter similar to this one in
duplicate:
Gentlemen:
I have developed a new idea for increasing the sales of your
product. This new method will not increase your costs in any
manner. If you are interested in the full details I shall
forward them to you upon receipt of the below signed agreement.
AGREEMENT TO REVIEW IDEA
We the undersigned, agree to receive in confidence full details
about an idea for increasing the sales of Widgets as submitted
by (your name). It is further understood that we assume no
responsibility whatever with respect to features which can be
demonstrated to be already known to us. We also agree not to
divulge any details of the idea submitted without permission of
(your name) or to make use of any feature or information of
which (your name) is the originator without payment of
compensation, to be fixed by negotiation with (your name) or his
lawful representative. It is specifically understood that, in
receiving the idea of (your name) it will be reviewed in
confidence, and within a 30 day period we will report to (your
name) the results of your findings and will advise whether or
not we are interested in negotiating for the purchase of the
rights to use said idea.
Have them sign both copies and return one to you. Then you must
submit complete details of your idea to the company. After they
review your idea, they must, by law, follow the instructions of
the agreement.
Many "idea men" are earning substantial money following this
procedure. The sky is the limit, but make darn sure that you
first get the agreement signed prior to disclosing your ideas
otherwise, no go!
To increase your chances of having ideas accepted, spend lots of
time preparing complete, minute details before you submit them.
This is the key! Include illustrations of drawings if it's
necessary to get the story over.
Report
HOW TO GET FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS TO MAGAZINES
There are a large number of "Trade" magazines, journals,
newsletters, and newspapers which are mailed absolutely FREE to
interested firms and individuals who merely ask for them. These
are not, of course, the common magazines you find on your local
newsstand but they do offer much valuable reading. To locate the
names and addresses of magazines which offer free subscriptions,
simply go to your library and ask the librarian for a copy of:
"Standard Rate and Data". This book lists all trade magazines
circulations. Any magazine stating it has "controlled
circulation" normally indicates it is available free. All you
have to do is write the magazine and ask them to place your name
on the mailing list. Try to indicate interest or some
connection in your occupation, or avocation with the subject
matter of the magazine.