Do not fall into the common trap of working on the design for too long. The odds are that both your designer and manufacturer would like to finish your project as quick as possible to collect their payment. If you drag your feet to finish your project, not only are you delaying yourself, you are delaying others, not to mention your potential success. In fact, to avoid extensive delays, your designer should inform you that you have a limited period in which you can modify your design. To avoid added stress or cost, make sure that you know this timeframe as well as the exact direction that you want to follow with the design.

What if I need more time?

If you feel that you really need more time than what is allotted, you are not alone. Most inventors could spend a countless amount of time perfecting their invention, which is a great characteristic as well as a potential flaw.
People often tend to take more time during the conceptualization or idea phase of the product. This is when people design and develop only to return to the drawing board with the same question: Is this a feasible idea that people would really want to buy? I hear it all of the time.

The more you look at your design, the more you will fall in love with it. Because of this, you will become more bias in favor of your invention or product, which is only natural. However, throughout the process, it is always advisable to ask family and friends for feedback on the design as they can provide more objective insight as to whether or not you are on the right track or need to modify the design altogether.

In other words, the more time you spend on your design, the greater your tunnel vision will become. Although striving for perfection is a great trait, remember to work toward achieving a sense of balance where you are dedicated to the project but are not holding others back simply because of your needs for perfection or inherent bias.

What if I don’t have the money?

Not all inventions come to fruition or see success. From poor management to a fear of taking a risk, many factors can contribute to the failure of an invention. The most common factor, however, is money.

Because of the costs involved with the invention process, not everyone has the money to pursue a new product. Despite plans of gaining financial support through family, friends and potential investors, the reality is that it takes a nice amount of startup funding to get the idea off the ground.

One of the greatest mistakes that inventors can make is beginning the design without adequate funding. Do not start the design and employ people when the truth is that you cannot pay them for their services or work. This is not only a bad business practice it harms your reputation as an honest individual.