Where to Start with Home Appliance Manufacturing?

Are you looking to start your own independent factory? Or do you plan to approach an existing manufacturer to speak with them about mass-producing your products for you?

Are your appliance designs fully complete or at least very detailed? Or are you looking for someone to take some vague scribbles on a napkin and do all the actual design work?

Is there some unique aspect to these appliances that might make certain legal protections apply? (For example, a toaster that converts the crumbs into diamonds). Alternatively, do you know if you will be infringing on someone else's design?

In which countries do you intend to manufacture / sell your product?

And etc.

Wow. Lots of good questions -

My thoughts on these are as follows:

1. Are you looking to start your own independent factory? Or do you plan to approach an existing manufacturer to speak with them about mass-producing your products for you?

I suspect I will be looking for an mfg currently producing similar appliances. (Kenmore, GE, etc. come to mind)

2. Are your appliance designs fully complete or at least very detailed? Or are you looking for someone to take some vague scribbles on a napkin and do all the actual design work?

The ideas that I am working on are very detailed in concept only - what I want to accomplish by the design. No design details at all. The outcome is to produce customized appliances by making certain changes and improvements only.

3. Is there some unique aspect to these appliances that might make certain legal protections apply? (For example, a toaster that converts the crumbs into diamonds). Alternatively, do you know if you will be infringing on someone else's design?

I'm sure the ideas must have been thought of in concept. I do not know if the improvements I am considering have been patented or are patentable. (...crumbs into diamonds is a great idea! Afraid mine aren't so enticing.)

4. In which countries do you intend to manufacture / sell your product?

I will be selling in the states. Production would be located wherever I could find a mfg that would offer best price and quality.

Thanks so much your response.

First off, you may find this list somewhat interesting:

http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/make.shtml

I'm only tangentially involved in this industry, but I'll offer you my humble guess. I hope that other CR4 readers chime in.

Many of those companies listed would probably entertain the idea, at least to the point of having some low-level exec hear you out. They're in the business of making stuff and slapping on different nameplates, after all. They'll have engineers, lawyers, etc. who can follow up on your concepts.

However I'd say all of them are going to insist on substantial up-front development money. (I've worked at places that didn't - key word here is worked. They're out of business now and that's partially why). And they're going to insist on some minimum purchase quantity to make production worth their while. Yes, I mean "purchase" - you will have to come up with the cash to buy the units from them. They won't gamble on getting a cut of your sales later, etc.

The one possible exception would be if you're truly bringing something unique to the table. A brand-new technology they know will take off or a big celebrity name (think Martha Stewart). Then they might take a chance on it.

But not trying to discourage you here! By all means go have a chat with 'em. See what they have to say. If things progress, get some legal advice to make sure contracts are square, draw up an NDA, etc. Hope it all works out for you.

Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.
Ralph Waldo Emerson