Step 5:  Test Marketing and Customer Feedback

Even after you've finished your prototype, it may still not be enough to convince a company that your new invention will be a smash hit in the marketplace. You may also have to satisfy a company of your invention's potential by test-marketing the product yourself. Companies will want you to prove that there is a high demand for your product - and that it will sell.

Before buying into your product, a company will consider two things: Will the world be the richer for this product, or will the company be the poorer? The aim of your test marketing is to prompt a tentative "yes" to the first question, and a firm "no" to the second. No smart company is going to turn down a product that makes it see a growing dollar sign. However, they will be reluctant to spend money on a product they think might flop. It's your job to convince them that won't happen.

The point of testing the market yourself with an invention prototype is to demonstrate (1) that your product draws positive customer feedback, and (2) that people don't just find your product exciting - they buy it.