This idea is quite new to me. My head is always spinning with projects I want to develop in the near future, but my major hobby has always centered around spending hours reading the latest research on nutrition and longevity. I stumbled upon new research using a unique combination of nutrients with success. At present, I have not seen this combination available in commercial products so far. It suddenly popped into my brain that I could take this to market, especially due to the high demand.
My problem is how to go about it...Besides this particular combination I have in mind, I have (up until now) 2 other supplement ideas, so I'm not sure if it's worth all the trouble (especially the expense!) to create an online store and brand catered to these 3 supplements. My idea was having it manufactured and the goal would be to have it sold by major online supplement retailers (e.g. Iherb, Swanson, GNC, etc).
My plan of action is to contact these companies directly (product development) operating under an NDA to see if they're interested in the formulation FIRST. If so, then I can have it manufactured and work with those retailers. Is that the normal course of action? I'm reading that many save their prototyping until AFTER they share their idea and know whether or not it's accepted. I'm just a little fearful because like food, most of this line of work isn't proprietary, and I'm thinking "Even if they do accept the idea, what is stopping them from then accepting the same or almost the same formulation from a major supplement brand once my idea has been copied by competitors?"
So ... I'm going back and forth, and feeling apprehensive about what I should do. Any ideas? Is it better to try to sell individually, or should I try to get it right into the retailers? I notice some supplement companies don't even sell directly, like Doctor's Best. And am I crazy for wanting to hold manufacturing off until I hear feedback from the retailers I want it affiliated with? Any helpful advice?
My problem is how to go about it...Besides this particular combination I have in mind, I have (up until now) 2 other supplement ideas, so I'm not sure if it's worth all the trouble (especially the expense!) to create an online store and brand catered to these 3 supplements. My idea was having it manufactured and the goal would be to have it sold by major online supplement retailers (e.g. Iherb, Swanson, GNC, etc).
My plan of action is to contact these companies directly (product development) operating under an NDA to see if they're interested in the formulation FIRST. If so, then I can have it manufactured and work with those retailers. Is that the normal course of action? I'm reading that many save their prototyping until AFTER they share their idea and know whether or not it's accepted. I'm just a little fearful because like food, most of this line of work isn't proprietary, and I'm thinking "Even if they do accept the idea, what is stopping them from then accepting the same or almost the same formulation from a major supplement brand once my idea has been copied by competitors?"
So ... I'm going back and forth, and feeling apprehensive about what I should do. Any ideas? Is it better to try to sell individually, or should I try to get it right into the retailers? I notice some supplement companies don't even sell directly, like Doctor's Best. And am I crazy for wanting to hold manufacturing off until I hear feedback from the retailers I want it affiliated with? Any helpful advice?
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