Don’t Let Bad Experiences Stop Your Great Idea
Why most “invention help” companies give the rest of us a bad name – and how to find the good ones
Maybe someone told you about their cousin who paid thousands to an invention company and got nothing back. Or maybe you saw a news story about inventors getting ripped off. Or you’re wondering: “Are there ANY honest people out there who really help inventors?”
The answer is yes – but you have to know what to look for.
I’ve been helping regular folks with their inventions for over 20 years. I’ve seen the damage that bad companies do, and I understand why people are scared to trust anyone. But here’s what breaks my heart: I’ve also met hundreds of people with really good ideas who never did anything with them because they were too afraid of getting scammed.
Your idea deserves better than that.
The Truth About “Invention Help” Companies
Yes, there are companies out there that take people’s money and don’t really help. They make big promises, charge thousands upfront, and then basically disappear. But there are also plenty of honest people – patent attorneys, product designers, manufacturers, and advisors – who really do help inventors succeed.
The trick is knowing the difference.
How to Spot the Companies That Don’t Really Help
These are the ones that give everyone else a bad name:
- They contact YOU first. Good professionals don’t need to cold-call people or send unsolicited mail. They have plenty of work from people who found them.
- They tell you your idea is “amazing” right away. Real professionals ask lots of questions first. They want to understand your idea and your market before they get excited about it.
- They want big money upfront. Honest professionals usually work step by step. They might ask for $500-1000 to get started, not $5000-10000.
- They make big promises. Nobody can guarantee your idea will make money. Anyone who promises you’ll get rich is probably not being honest.
- They pressure you to decide immediately. Good advice doesn’t come with a time limit. Real professionals want you to think it over and maybe get a second opinion.
How to Find the Good Ones
The people who really help inventors work differently:
- They were recommended by other inventors. Ask around in your community. Check online forums. Good professionals have happy clients who are willing to share their names.
- They explain things in plain English. If someone can’t explain what they do in words you understand, they might not be right for you.
- They’re honest about the challenges. Real professionals will tell you what could go wrong, not just what could go right. They want you to make smart decisions.
- They work step by step. Instead of asking for everything upfront, they help you with one step at a time. Patent search first, then maybe a patent application, then maybe a prototype.
- They give you time to think. Good advisors want you to feel comfortable with your decision. They’ll answer your questions and let you sleep on it.
What Regular Inventors Actually Need
Most inventors don’t need fancy marketing campaigns or big business plans. They need:
- Honest advice about whether their idea has potential
- Simple next steps they can understand and afford
- Help with specific tasks like patent searches or prototype building
- Someone to talk to when they have questions
- Support through the ups and downs of the invention process
Success Stories from Regular Folks
Jim, a mechanic from Iowa: “I had an idea for a tool that would make oil changes easier. I found a local product designer through my community college. She helped me build a prototype for $800. I showed it to the tool company I buy from, and they licensed it. Now I get a check every quarter.”
Susan, a mom from Texas: “My kitchen gadget idea started as a way to help my kids cook safely. I worked with a patent attorney my neighbor recommended. It took two years and about $3000 total, but now my product is in stores and online.”
Mike, a truck driver from Ohio: “I invented something to make loading easier. I was scared to tell anyone about it because I heard horror stories. But I found a small invention help company through my cousin who’s also a trucker. They were honest about the costs and timeline. It worked out great.”
What We Do Differently
At OLI IDEA, we understand why people are skeptical. We’ve seen the damage that bad companies do to inventors’ dreams. That’s why we work differently:
- We never cold-call people. You find us when you’re ready, not the other way around.
- We’re upfront about costs. No surprises, no hidden fees, no pressure to buy packages.
- We start small. Free advice first, then small steps you can afford.
- We’re honest about your chances. Not every idea will make money, and we’ll tell you straight if we see problems.
- We work at your pace. Your invention, your timeline, your budget.
- We give you choices. Patent or no patent? License or manufacture? We help you understand your options.
The Most Important Thing
Don’t let fear of bad companies keep you from pursuing a good idea. Yes, you need to be careful. Yes, you should ask questions and check references. But don’t let other people’s bad experiences stop you from trying.
Some of the most successful inventions came from regular folks who had a problem, thought of a solution, and decided to do something about it.
- The pool noodle was invented by a Canadian who wanted to help people float in pools.
- Spanx was created by a woman who wanted better undergarments.
- The Super Soaker was invented by a NASA engineer working in his spare time.
These people didn’t have special degrees or millions of dollars. They just had good ideas and the determination to see them through.
Your Next Step
If you have an idea that keeps nagging at you, don’t ignore it. Start simple:
- Write it down
- Talk to people who would use it
- Do some basic research to see what’s already out there
- Find one trustworthy person to give you advice
You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just take the first step. And if you need guidance along the way, we’re here. No high-pressure sales, no big upfront costs, no promises we can’t keep. Just honest help for regular folks with good ideas.
Remember: The only way to guarantee your idea won’t succeed is to never try. Don’t let fear make that decision for you.
What to Ask Before Working with Anyone
Before you hire anyone to help with your invention, ask these questions:
- Can you give me names of 3 inventors you’ve helped? (And actually call them)
- What exactly will you do for the money I pay you? (Get it in writing)
- How long will it take? (Be wary of anyone who can’t give you a realistic timeline)
- What happens if it doesn’t work out? (Understand the risks upfront)
- Can I start with a small project first? (Good people will let you test the waters)
- How much will each step cost? (Avoid big package deals until you know they deliver)
The Bottom Line
There are honest people out there who really do help inventors. You just have to know what questions to ask and what to look for. Don’t let other people’s bad experiences rob you of the chance to pursue your good idea. Take it slow, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. If someone seems genuinely interested in helping you succeed (not just taking your money), they might be worth working with. Your idea deserves a fair chance.