Idea into life

[VG]

Hi Jocko! I like the way you look at life. You get things done. I want to get things done as well. I’m reaching out to you for advice and help if you are willing and able to do so. I have a product idea. I strongly believe it’s useful. I want to make a prototype, run tests, and if it works get it patented. The challenge is materials for my prototype are sold only in huge amounts from abroad. I contacted manufacturers in the US, but they want to know my idea first before deciding if they want to sell me smaller amounts. This doesn’t sound right. How would you solve this? Thanks!

[mynewunit]

This is actually a common problem. You could do 2 specific methods.
The first one is an Non disclosure and non compete agreement.  These documents would create a financial defense for you to start working with someone. Signing a non disclosure is a pretty common requirement. A non compete is a way to create a partner without giving up actual equity. These paths have relatively small costs.

The second method is to file for patent pending.  If you go and search the patent data base and look for similar products. Once you determine your product isn't already patented, you can file for patent pending. This is a few thousand dollars and it isn't truly protective, but a real patent is 10's of thousands of dollars. 

Getting smaller amounts of material. There are options. ebay. amazon. alibaba. You can also ask suppliers who their big customers are, and then go to the customers and ask to buy from them. I have done this with things like spools of pipe. If you aren't in a rush, you can call 3 or 4 installers if you can take a remnant of a spool once they have one with say 100 feet. Assuming you are looking for fabric, metal, etc. they could save a remainder for you that is small but enough for your needs.

Other options include looking at a "school" that would use the material, finding other purchasers that might divide a single larger order, and making enough of your own material for a prototype, before you order the real one. Prototyping often uses inferior or substitute materials to determine shape, size, weight, joining methods, for the known materials before purchasing more selective materials.  I have seen people use plastic instead of rubber, duct tape instead of leather, and wood instead of metal.  This helps the other parties to see your vision without dropping money on fabrication.

PS. I am not Jocko, but I have been around a few organizations that tried prototyping. Make one out of knock offs and then you can communicate your vision. Jocko made the echelon front logo in power point because he knew how to use it. Then he sent it to Echo to make the real one.