I, like many others, have some good ideas I'd like to market. I know nothing about how to go about it, so I submitted one idea to Davison 2 weeks ago, via the internet site. I got the phone call and literature within 7 days. Talked to Ed Stimmel (who had the usual "director of new products" title) After being told up front that there would be the $585.00 fee for patent/reg. Research, I opted to do some homework before forking over my hard-earned cash. Here are the results of my homework:
1) I found many posts on forums about what a ripoff this company is. Went further (to the FTC website) to investigate, and found that this company, unlike many others, conforms to all applicable laws. There are class action suits against them, (no convictions though) BECAUSE:
2) They are NOT, repeat NOT! Here to evaluate your product. They will take ANY proposal, no matter how silly. What they do is stroke you with words like "we're really excited about this idea", etc. Read between the lines, folks. If you happen to get any PROMISE that your product will sell, get that in writing. You won't though. Check out the Pittsburgh channel 4 report online. They admit they are not going to promise your idea will sell!
3) They proceed with patent searches, reg. Searches, protos, and attempts to sell to their company accounts. This all costs money, which you must pay up front.
BOTTOM LINE: It is YOUR responsibility to do your homework to see if your idea is viable. Consult industry experts, the FTC website-in other words, don't do this ass-backwards. What Davison does is the legwork —but they cannot and will not guarantee your idea will sell.
They WILL blow sunshine and string you along into marketing and prototype submission. That is a bit unethical, but it is legal. "If it seems to good to be true, it probably is." "Caveat Emptor".in other words, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Especially before giving ANYone money!
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