Expert: Kacey Cahill - 5/29/2009

Question
I have an idea that can economicaly enhance the consumers of women shoes. I just don't know how to
get it to the market. i'm not a rich person and going to
attorneys etc would seriously cost me.
Do you have any suggestions. I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer
The women's shoe market is huge and an enhancement that is unique in that market offers great potential.  You are correct though in that it usually takes a good bit of money to launch a product.  If you have a barrier to competition (such as a patent) then you can enter the market slower, but otherwise what often happens is that larger player comes in and takes out the smaller ones.  If you are willing to shoulder that risk, then do the market research.  Get a business plan program (like business plan pro) or get a sample and start writing.  Identify your demographics, your competition, and your means of bringing it to market.  Set up a lunch meeting (you pay) with somebody of some level in business development of a company that you could envision marketing it.  Cover yourself with a non-disclosure agreement, but keep in mind that if they violate it, it takes $$ to get them to court.

I hope this helps, but please keep in mind that this is not intended as legal advice but instead for educational purposes.

Kind regards,

Kacey Cahill  
www.kaceylaw.com