Your Product Idea Already Exists, Now What?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you thought you had come across a stroke of genius and conceptualized the most original idea for an invention that no one has ever had before? Excited by your idea, you immediately search it up online and find out that the product – or multiple variations – already exists.

From this point on, most would feel discouraged and scrap their idea under the sleuth that because something already exists, there’s no more need for another invention with the same function. However, when your product idea already exists, sometimes it’s still worth chasing after that idea.

Why Reinvent?

At first, it may seem redundant. Why should you carry on with an invention that already exists? Well, first ask yourself, why did your idea for that invention occur? What situation did you find yourself in that brought that idea to you?

If you see yourself constantly stuck in the same problem and can’t find or don’t have access to the solution to your problem, the opportunity for the creation of your invention is viable. If you see yourself in a problematic situation that is likely to occur not only to yourself but to others as well, this gives even more reason why you should persist with your design idea even if an invention like it already exists.

Reinvention, Redevelopment and Recreate

So, you decide to pursue reinventing your idea, but how can you market a product that is already like a product that is already on the shelves? It’s simple. Research, examine and observe your competition’s product.

You can often find huge amounts of reviews online that can give you insight into what current consumers of that product like and don’t like about it. Feed off those negative replies and figure out what already exists but can be fixed.

Sometimes a successful product does not all have to be original, but rather, can be a product redevelopment of an idea that already exists. It is impossible to say that nothing can be improved – everything can be made better.

Whether it is adding a new function or detail, a simpler or more aesthetic design, or changing the material, there are many ways you can redevelop or reinvent an existing product and improve upon it.

Remember, your product redevelopment should be a new solution to a problem, not just an item. If a simple or more efficient way to solve a problem exists, it is always valuable to go ahead and create it.

Location Matters

Finally, the last factor to think about when thinking about reinventing your idea is thinking about location. The concept of the ‘market’ is huge. One might discuss the market but only refer to a specific field, industry, or geographical location.

If you’re an independent business or inventor, it’s unlikely that the product you create will immediately reach international success, but for what matters at the moment of your invention idea, is bringing your product to the people who need it the most – those who would encounter the same problem you’ve faced.

Therefore, if you live in a certain area, designing a product that is relevant and useful for the area, climate, or geographical location that you live in may not be profitable on a worldwide scale. However, it can be extremely successful in certain areas where that problem is likely to exist. For example, products made to clear snow are more likely to be extremely successful in countries like Canada that have long winters, as opposed to places like California or Texas.

What is key in this situation is understanding where to market your idea to achieve optimal outcomes.

If you have a great new invention and you’d like to learn more about this process, get in touch with MAKO today and visit our website to find out more. Feel free to give us a call at 1-888-806-MAKO, and we can set you up on a call with our product strategist!

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!