Category: Inventors

10 Steps to Finding a Manufacturer for your Product

Dave Ingram

April 11, 2025

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At Design 1st, we’ve developed a proven approach to finding reliable manufacturing partners for our clients’ products. While we offer comprehensive manufacturing support services, we understand that some entrepreneurs prefer to conduct their own research.

Here’s our expert-guided process for sourcing manufacturers, refined through helping hundreds of inventors and startups bring their products to market.

Kickstart Your Manufacturer Search Here:

Start your search for manufacturers by exploring reputable platforms and directories to find suppliers. Here are five we recommended, with instructions on how to use:

Panjiva: A comprehensive platform offering insights into global supply chains, enabling you to identify potential manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. Utilize detailed search filters to streamline your sourcing process and find the right partners for your project.
Alibaba: One of the largest online marketplaces connecting buyers with manufacturers from around the world. Use filters to narrow down your search based on location, product type, and other criteria.
ThomasNet: An extensive database of manufacturers and suppliers across different industries. Filter search results by location, capabilities, certifications, and more.
MFG Manufacturer Marketplace: MFG’s database consists of manufacturing companies offering services such as machining, fabrication, and injection molding.
Kompass: A global business directory offering access to a wide range of manufacturers, distributors, and service providers worldwide.

By utilizing these platforms, you can expand your search and discover a diverse range of manufacturing partners to suit your specific needs and requirements.

Next, follow these 10 steps to vet and select the best manufacturers you've found:

1. Build a list of potential manufacturers

Compile a list of potential manufacturers by conducting thorough research and utilizing online resources like Google and industry-specific directories. Seek out manufacturers aligned with your product requirements, such as those specializing in sustainable materials and production processes, to ensure compatibility with your vision. Additionally, leverage your network to gather recommendations and insights from industry professionals.

For instance, if you’re developing a new line of eco-friendly kitchenware, search for manufacturers specializing in sustainable materials and production processes.

2. Define Your Product Requirements

Clarify your product specifications, including materials, dimensions, and production quantities. Provide detailed briefs or reference materials to ensure alignment with your expectations. The more detail and information you have about your product requirements, the more efficient the manufacturing process will be.

If you’re designing a high-performance electric bicycle accessory, specify the desired materials, dimensions, and compatibility requirements to streamline the manufacturing process.

3. Assess Manufacturer Capability and Capacity

Evaluate each manufacturer’s capabilities and capacity to determine their suitability for your project. Inquire about their experience, production processes, and quality control measures.

Will the manufacturer do a low-volume production run so you can test the product quality and process? Do you have to invest significant capital in tooling and setup before production? Weigh the risks carefully. For complex products having a manufacturing partner with existing relationships can get you up and running faster and cheaper.

For instance, if you’re developing a custom-designed portable fan, ensure the manufacturer has the necessary expertise and equipment to handle complex electronic assemblies and testing procedures.

4. Request Manufacturer Quotes and Proposals

Reach out to shortlisted manufacturers to request quotes and proposals. Seek clarity on pricing, lead times, and minimum order quantities. Compare the offerings of different manufacturers to identify the best value proposition for your project.

Consider factors such as cost, quality, and flexibility when evaluating proposals. What assurances are in place that you will receive a quality product? Are there minimum production volume requirements?

For example, if you’re launching a new line of premium leather accessories for smart watches, request quotes from manufacturers specializing in high-quality leather craftsmanship. Do not go to manufacturers without significant leather experience.

5. Conduct Due Diligence on Suppliers

Perform thorough due diligence on potential manufacturers, verifying their credentials, certifications, and track record. Check for any red flags such as past disputes or negative reviews. Look for references and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their reputation and reliability.

A reputable manufacturer with a proven track record is more likely to deliver quality results and adhere to deadlines. If you cannot find any information confirming the quality and trustworthiness of a manufacturer, reach out to brands they have developed products for, ask for reviews. Or engage a manufacturer support expert to help.

6. Visit Facilities or Conduct Virtual Tours

If feasible, arrange visits to the facilities of your top manufacturing candidates or conduct virtual tours to assess their operations firsthand. Observe their production processes, equipment, and workforce to gain insights into their capabilities and working conditions. Pay attention to factors such as cleanliness, organization, and compliance with safety standards.

For example, if you’re outsourcing the production of solar battery devices, visit the manufacturer’s workshop to assess their techniques and quality control measures. Design 1st often tours potential suppliers and manufacturing companies alongside clients to meet teams face-to-face.

7. Negotiate Terms and Contracts

Engage in transparent negotiations with chosen manufacturers, discussing terms such as pricing, payment schedules, and intellectual property rights. Clearly define expectations and responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings later on. Negotiate terms that are fair and mutually beneficial, taking into account factors such as volume discounts, payment terms, and exclusivity agreements.

For example, if you’re partnering with a manufacturer to produce a new line of branded apparel, negotiate licensing terms to protect your brand’s intellectual property rights.

8. Develop Prototypes and Samples

Collaborate with manufacturers to develop prototypes and samples of your product. Evaluate quality, functionality, and aesthetics before proceeding to full-scale production. Iterative prototyping allows you to refine your design and address any issues or concerns early in the process. Seek feedback from stakeholders and make necessary adjustments to ensure the final product meets your requirements.

If you’re launching a new line of products, it is crucial to work closely with the manufacturer to prototype and test different design iterations until you achieve the desired functionality and user experience.

9. Consider Geographic Location and Logistics

Take into account the geographic location of each manufacturer and how it may impact logistics, shipping costs, and lead times. Consider factors such as proximity to raw materials, transportation infrastructure, and potential trade restrictions.

Opting for a manufacturer located strategically can help streamline production processes, reduce shipping expenses, and ensure timely delivery of your products.

If you want your product to be “Made in the USA” consider what mix of parts, assembly, and manufacturing allows for it to be “made in the USA”. Can you import parts, components, and materials to a USA manufacturer for final assembly?

10. Establish Long-Term Relationships

Cultivate long-term relationships with your manufacturing partners based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Maintain open lines of communication and collaborate on continuous improvements to optimize efficiency and quality. Regularly review performance metrics and address any issues or concerns proactively. A strong partnership with your manufacturer is essential for the success and sustainability of your product.

For example, if you’re launching a new line of consumer electronics, foster a collaborative relationship with the manufacturer to facilitate ongoing product enhancements and updates based on customer feedback and market trends.

By following these ten steps, you can navigate the process of finding the right manufacturer for your product idea with confidence and clarity. Remember to approach each step thoughtfully and strategically, prioritizing factors such as quality, reliability, and compatibility with your vision and values. With diligence and determination, you can forge a successful partnership that brings your product to market and sets the stage for future growth and innovation.

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Published on: April 11, 2025

How to Sell Your Invention to Canadian Tire

Canada’s iconic “we-sell-everything” retailer, Canadian Tire, is launching thousands of new products, relying on local inventors who understand the market, weather, economy, and unique needs of Canadians to fill the gap, embodying its mantra “Tested for life in Canada.”

Highlights:

Canadian Tire is actively seeking new innovative products to enhance its portfolio, focusing on the Canadian lifestyle.
Private-label brands are central to Canadian Tire’s strategy, emphasizing unique innovations exclusive to the retailer.
A new straightforward process for inventors and companies to bring their products to the Canadian market through Canadian Tire
Design 1st – Canada’s largest product team, helps inventors develop their ideas for volume manufacturing for partnerships with Canadian Tire

What Types of Products is Canadian Tire Looking For?

Canadian Tire seeks products that address the unique challenges of Canadian living, from the harsh winters to the diverse outdoor activities enjoyed across the country. If your invention simplifies daily life, increases safety, or adds enjoyment in a distinctly Canadian way, it could be the perfect fit for Canadian Tire.

Tip: Explore Canadian Tire’s “Consumer Brands” division webpage to explore all the in-house brands Canadian Tire currently sells. Will your product fit into one of these? What is missing? Build a story angle that showcases your product’s value.

Why Should Inventors Care?

Partnering with Canadian Tire offers a transformative opportunity for your invention, turning it from a concept into a household name across Canada. It’s a chance to make a significant impact on the daily lives of millions, providing solutions that resonate with the unique Canadian lifestyle. Your product could become an essential part of homes nationwide, cherished for its utility and innovation.

Plus, Canadian Tire has over 500 stores across Canada alongside a robust distribution network.

How Catch Canadian Tires Attention With Your Idea?

To catch Canadian Tire’s attention, your product must innovate or significantly improve upon existing solutions, addressing everyday problems in ways previously unimagined. Products that offer a unique benefit or solve a problem in a new way are especially appealing.

Most importantly, have a well-thought-out design and path to volume manufacturing for your product. Major retailers, like Canadian Tire, need new products to sell now. A rough product idea will not cut it, development time times a minimum of one year. So start now!

Canadian Tire Inventor Success Stories:

Rumidifier and Wheel Nut Caddy, Ottawa Inventors.

Two Ottawa-based inventors caught the attention of Canadian Tire with unique, simple product innovations that were fully developed, tested, and ready for scale manufacturing.

Rumidifier: an eco-friendly, zero energy home humidifier

Wheel Nut Caddy: storage for wheel nuts (bolts) with the off-season wheels

How Can You Get Your Invention into Canadian Tire?

Step 1: Register Your Company

Start by registering your company with the Canadian Tire Vendor Gateway. This crucial first step allows you to introduce your product to Canadian Tire. Follow the provided directions carefully and wait for your registration confirmation.

Step 2: Participate in a Sourcing Review

Next, participate in a sourcing review, which includes specific training and documentation. This step is designed to prepare you for presenting your product to Canadian Tire, moving you closer to potential selection.

Step 3: Negotiate Your Contract

If Canadian Tire shows interest in your product, you’ll enter negotiations on contract details, such as costs and discounts. This is your opportunity to finalize the details and secure a spot for your product within their offerings.

Step 4: Onboarding

After selection, you’ll undergo an onboarding process to familiarize yourself with Canadian Tire’s operational procedures. This ensures a smooth transition for your product into the market, setting the stage for a successful launch.

Getting Help Bringing Your Product Idea to Volume Manufacturing

If you’re in the thick of product development and encounter obstacles, remember that assistance is within reach. Collaborating with experts who excel in scaling products to mass production is pivotal. These specialists provide support in navigating manufacturing challenges, ensuring your invention aligns with Canadian Tire’s quality standards and market expectations.

Act now—your invention could be the next big hit at Canadian Tire.

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Published on: February 26, 2024

The Benefits and Risks of the JD Shopify Partnership for E-Commerce Merchants

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The new Shopify and JD.com partnership is exciting news for Shopify merchants. The partnership deal makes the challenges of selling goods to the Chinese market much easier.

Shopify merchants can add the official JD.com app from the Shopify Marketplace and begin selling to Chinese customers in under four weeks.

Here is what you need to know to get started selling on JD.com:

1) What is JD.com?

JD (Jingdong) is one of the largest e-commerce marketplaces in China with 550 million active customers. JD runs a warehouse fulfillment network similar to Amazon Prime FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) that includes over 500 warehouses and 7000 delivery stations spread across China.

In 2016, JD.com launched “JD Plus” premium membership which functions similar to Amazon Prime and includes free shipping plus members benefits.

The key difference between JD.com and Amazon.com is JD’s focus on last-mile logistics. JD delivers the package to consumers’ residences, whereas Amazon relies on third-party logistic providers.

2) What is Shopify?

Shopify runs the world’s largest e-commerce platform with over 1.6 Million merchants including individuals, startups, and large retailers that sell physical goods to consumers online. Shopify’s e-commerce platform allows you to launch, advertise, manage and grow an online store to sell physical products.

Shopify platform features include website builder, hosting, payment processing, shipping services and provides a website, hosting, payment processing, shipping services, and an Apps marketplace with over 6000 apps to easily add features to your store.

3) How does the JD Shopify Partnership benefit merchants?

The current process for North American merchants to sell in China is challenging. It can take over 6 months to complete the JD.com onboarding process and require significant legal, logistic, and translation costs.

The new JD-Shopify partnership aims to speed up the JD on-boarding time to four weeks.

Key benefits of the partnership for North American Shopify stores include:

Automated store creation plus content translation
Automated Price Conversion
No setup or recurring fees
Access to JD Worldwide (JK.hk) Platform with 500,000 active customers
Ship products direct to JD.com California warehouse (No China customs/duties challenges)
Simplify the process for importing goods to China:
- Sellers will ship goods to the California JD warehouse, where JD cargo flights will move the goods from US to China
Access to JD Sourcing:
- North American sellers can add existing products sold on JD.com to their Shopify stores and JD will drop ship them to customers

Note: At this time your Shopify business must be registered in the United States to use the Shopify/JD.com partnership.

4) Three Ways to Start Selling on JD.com

JD.com has three partnership models for companies to sell goods on the JD platform including:

Direct Sales: (Global brands with presence in China)
Marketplace: (Shopify Partnership)
Worldwide: (Global brands outside of China)

Partnership Model	Requirements	TimeLine to Launch	Type of Company	Fee + Payment
Direct Sales	Existing China Business Operations Products Already Inside China China Trademark Registration Certificate Bank Account in China Pass JD.com Application Process All Product Info and Customer Service in Chinese	3 – 6 Months +	Established Global Brands Existing Business Operations in China Manufacture Product in China	Payment to China Bank Annual $1K USD Fee 15K-30K USD Deposit Sales Commission: 2 – 8 % Product Sale Fee Formula: (Price + Logistics Fee) * commission%
Marketplace (Shopify Intergration)	Local Country Business License USD Bank Accounts Proof of Product Ownership (Brand Trademark)	3 – 4 Weeks	Shopify Merchants Hardware Startups Small Consumer Product Brands No access to Chinese Translation	Payment to USD Bank Free to Register/Apply No Recurring Fees Sales Commission: 2 – 8% Fee Formula: (Price + Logistics) * Commission
Worldwide	International Brand (Not Startup) USD Bank Account Proof of Brand Ownership Brand Not Launched in China All Product Web Descriptions and Customer Service in Chinese	3 – 6 Months +	Global Brands No Existing Presence in China	Payment to US Bank Annual $1K USD Fee 15K-30K USD Deposit Sales Commission: 2 – 8 % Product Sale Fee Formula: (Price + Logistics Fee) * commission%

Note: Full details on each of these partnership models can be found on JD.com/partners

5) What are the risks of joining JD through the Shopify Partnership?

The ease of setup on the JD.com network for Shopify sellers does not take away the existing legal risks of entering the Chinese market. To be successful in the long-run, Shopify merchants still need a strong legal footing to navigate intellectual property and business risks.

Tainpeng Wang, CEO of China legal services marketplace Trustiics, put together an article on the major risks the JD-Shopify partnership sellers will face entering the Chinese market. The three risks sellers must be aware of include:

Existing Trademark Registration by Chinese Company:
- Use a Chinese lawyer to check whether an existing China-based company has registered any of the trademarks tied to your brand. Worst case – a third-party can stop you from using your own brand name
Protect Your Brand by Filing File Trademark Application:
- China adopts the same system of trademark classifications US, Canada, EU etc.
- To protect your brand from being copied, it’s critical to file trademark applications when entering the Chinese market
Taking Legal Action on Trademark Infringement:
- If you discover a trademark application by a third party for your brand you need to take legal action to oppose or invalidate the filings

If you are pursuing entry into the Chinese market, it’s always helpful to contact a Chinese business lawyer to understand what risks you face. The market opportunity in China for North American sellers is large but so are the risks.

6) How to sell on JD.com using Shopify?

Selling on JD.com using the Shopify App called “JD Marketplace” is easy. The best part? It’s free.

Here are the steps to get started:

Login into your Shopify store, go to the Apps marketplace
Search for “JD Marketplace”
Install the App and the follow the application steps

Note: The JD Marketplace App is only available to Shopify merchants who have an address in the United States. If your business is in another country, you will need to apply using one of the other JD.com partnership models

References:

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Published on: February 27, 2023

CBC Dragons Den: Inventor Product Pitches

Watch Design 1st clients pitch their hardware product ideas on CBC's Dragons' Den

Over the past several years, Design 1st has had multiple clients pitch their product ideas on Dragons’ Den. These products have included everything from pot light covers to fitness equipment, toddler monitors to ice cream makers, dog showers and humidifiers.

Watch some of our favorite client appearances on Dragons’ Den below:

Toddler Monitor

The next generation of toddler monitoring devices.

Calgary entrepreneurs, Krista and Lisa, came to Design 1st to transform their vision for a Bluetooth connected Toddler Monitor device into a working product. After successfully moving through product development and blowing past their Kickstarter campaign goal by 137% they got ready to pitch to the Dragons. And the result was even better than they hoped.

Learn More…

Rolling Desserts

DIY ice cream rolls at home.

Rolling Desserts is an innovative ice plate that enables you to make your own rolled ice cream at home. After going through the entire product development process, Rolling Desserts ran a successful Indiegogo campaign blowing past their goal by 325%, and adding lots of new customers and fans. Their next stop was pitching their innovative idea to the Dragons.

Learn More…

Rumidifier

Humidify your home using ZERO-energy.

Jeri Rodrigs embodies the true definition of an entrepreneur. With help from Design 1st, he took his product idea for a zero-energy humidifier from napkin sketch to store shelves across the country. Along the way, he has gained many happy customers, positive reviews, and mentions in the press. But the most memorable event for us was watching him on CBC Dragons’ Den.

Learn More…

EzClipse Decor

Magnetic recessed lighting covers.

Ezclipse magnetic recessed lighting covers are shaking up the home decor lighting industry with an easy to install product that can instantly transform the look of a room. Based on a patented magnetic fastening system, the Ezclipse covers can snap onto existing recessed or potlight covers without tools or new wiring. Watch what the Dragons thought of the product.

Learn More…

The PowerPress

Olympic barbell adapter.

A personal trainer for over 30 years, Guy Murray has thought of many useful fitness product ideas. But one idea stood out from the rest. This was the Powerpress; a barbell adapter that can transform any standard Olympic barbell into a smooth moving barbell press with a natural arc. Enlisting the mechanical design expertise of Design 1st, Guy brought his idea to life and onto CBC’s Dragons’ Den.

Learn More…

K9 Clean

Portable pet and utility shower solution.

Combining their love for pets and a clean car, K9 Clean inventors Ron and Kim Hamilton searched for a product to help them clean their pets after long trail runs. After coming up empty handed they decided to develop their own. With help from Design 1st they brought K9 Clean from idea to prototyping, manufacturing, and market. But the highlight for everyone was giving their pitch on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.

Learn More…

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Published on: February 26, 2023

Patent Support to Protect New Product Ideas

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How-to-Guide for Do-it-Yourself Patent Research

Hiring a lawyer is a critical part of the new product idea protection process, but being able to read patents yourself is also important!

Here is a simple guide to help you read patents.

What is a Patent?

On a high-level, a patent is a subset of legal protection for intellectual property. Grouped with patents are Trademarks and Copyrights; however, for hardware and physical products, patents are most relevant

Although definitions of patents very, the concise description below, sums it up well:

“A patent is an intellectual property right provided by the government, giving an inventor sole usage of their invention for a limited amount of time; 14 to 20 years, depending on the type of patent. Patents are given in exchange for public disclosure of the invention, as well as payments made to the government.”

Importance of Patents

Patents help improve the value of technology developments through allowing a firm to deploy patent based strategies. The result is an exclusion of competitors, higher profit margins and a mechanism for generating licensing revenue. For startups, patents will both help with external funding and allow potential investors to access tangible evidence of what excludes you from competitors.

How to Read a Patent

When trying to read a patent, many individuals get caught up in the legalize. The key point to remember is you don’t need a four year degree in IP (Intellectual Property) to read a patent and extract information. The key is knowing what to look for and what to skip past. In reality, it can take hours or days to “fully” evaluate a patent; however, with time precious “eHow” put together an excellent summary of how to read a patent effectively. The main points are highlighted below; however, if you’re short on time, skip to Step 5:

Step 1: Skip the title

The title of the patent can be just about as general as the author wants; for example it often describes a product being improved on – not a new invention. For example, a patent titled “Virtual Desktop Manager” does not actually patent virtual desktops; it covers a particular set of features of a specific virtual desktop management implementation. Effectively, the patent may set the context but not the content.

Step 2: Skip the drawings

Patent drawings are mostly similar to quick sketches of a product concept except that they cost in the area of $5,000. These drawings are generally impossible to read and only have a small bearing on the enforceability of the patent.

Step 3: Skip the abstract

In other fields, the abstract is your best friend: a short, direct summary of the major points of a paper. Patent abstracts are at best meandering and hard to read, and at worst deliberately misleading. The best suggestion is to skim over it and not make concrete opinions as to the validity of the statements made.

Step 4: Skip the specification

Essentially the specification is a detailed description that does not clearly separate what’s, new, novel and invented from what is common knowledge. The background and field of the invention are usually not relevant and the description of the drawings is generally incomprehensible and difficult to comprehend.

Step 5: Find the independent claims and read them

The independent claims are the only part of the patent that have any actual legal enforceability. They are usually short, one sentence or so, difficult to parse in detail but skimming them over will bring both the context and content of the patent into view.

Step 6: Toss the dependent claims

Any claim that starts with “The _____ of claim _____” is essentially a refinement or detail with narrower scope than the parent claim, meaning if the original independent claims provided no value and meaning to you, these will not as well.

Step 7: And that’s it!

Getting sucked in to a patent dispute is no good for any entrepreneur. By the time it’s done, you may be able to recite 40 pages of “patenteese” by memory, but if all you need is a quick summary, just cut directly to the independent claims. You’ll be done in a minute.

Over all patents are critical to the success of startups, entrepreneurs and existing firm exploring new product avenues. They can provide legal protection, stimulate investor confidence and reduce competitive pressures. They key is to know what they can do for you. If you thinking of filing a patent or looking for legal advice regarding IP contact our partners at Hazlolaw.

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Published on: February 23, 2023

Strange Industrial Era Inventions

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Weird Inventions from the Industrial Revolution

“Daring Ideas are like chessman moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game” – Johaan Wolfgang

People have been building “daring ideas” since the dawn of the industrial area when inventors, manufacturers and eager consumers created an exciting market for new products. From helping people better their opera singing skills to building all terrain bicycles there has been few industries inventors have not touched. While not all of these ideas gained the commercially success the inventor hoped for they did offer a unique solution to a problem. Here a few of our favorites!

1) Amphibious Bicycle

2) Bike Tire Swimsuit

3) Apartment Window Baby PlayPen

4) Man-Powered Passenger Cart

5) Multitasking Rotating Desk

6) Paper Hot Air Balloon

7) Barrel Submarine

8) Gas-Powered "Unicycle"

9) Dimple Maker

10) Steam Engine

11) Sewing Machine

12) Railroads

13) Hansen Writing Ball

14) Edison Standard Phonograph

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Published on: November 23, 2022

9 Examples of Hardware Startups Founded by Doctors

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Doctor are inventing successful new medical devices.

Entrepreneurial doctors across North America are driving medical innovation forward across a variety of niches including cardiology, orthopedics, dentistry, pediatrics and DNA analysis.

Explore 9 medical devices startups founded by doctors:

Montreal-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Edward Harvey saw an urgent patient need to improve diagnosis of Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS), a limb-threatening muscle condition that occurs within 48 hours of a trauma. MY01 is his solution: a real-time patient monitoring hardware device and companion application.

Fun Fact: My01 was selected as MedTech Top 50 Global Innovator.

Toronto-based Cardiologist Dr. Yair Feld co-founded Paragate Medical to develop his idea for an implantable device that would limit pathologic fluid overload, a major symptom of heart failure and kidney disease. The device works through continuous clearance of systemic congestion.

Fun Fact: Paragate Medical was selected as a MedTech Top 50 Global Innovator for its medical device.

Ottawa based dental surgeon Dr. Marc Lamarre saw an opportunity to improve dental charting and periodontal probing. The current methods use paper charts and a metal probe — the gold standard for over 120 years. Dr. Lamarre’s solution was a 3D voice-activated charting system and digital probe that he is bringing to market with help from Design 1st.

Fun Fact: Cumulus Dental is in the middle of clinical trials and plans to launch in 2019.

Harvard-educated, Toronto-based physician Julielynn Wong founded 3D4MD in 2011 to bring affordable medical tools to support medical care worldwide. The solution was a 3D printing system approved by Health Canada and the FDA that prints medical tools, supplies and equipment on demand, anywhere in the world – or space.

Fun Fact: 3D4MD was used on the International Space Station to 3D print a finger splint

Toronto-based reconstructive surgeon Dr. Podolsky wanted to bridge the gap between theory and training on real patients for cleft palate repair surgery. The solution was a life-like cleft palate simulator, a physical model that can be used with real surgical instruments in an operating room setting.

Fun Fact: Dr. Podolsky’s received a $25,00o Joule Innovation grant to help bring his idea to market.

Toronto-based cardiologist Dr. Brian Courtney saw an opportunity to use new medical image guidance systems to improve cardiovascular procedures to make common procedures faster and safer. The solution was an intravascular coronary imaging system that can visualize blood flow in 3D, giving a clear picture to the surgical physician.

Fun Fact: Conavi announced first clinical use of their technology in August 2018.

Ottawa-based pediatrician Dr. Matthew Bromwich knew the importance of endoscopy video for patient care and resident training but found getting access to video equipment difficult. The solution he invented was the Health Canada approved CLEARSCOPE Adaptor, an endoscope attachment that uses a smartphones HD camera.

Fun Fact: The CLEARSCOPE sells across the globe with distributors in every continent.

University of Ottawa educated physician Dr. Paul Lem was frustrated with the status quo of DNA analysis, a process that was slow, complex and expensive. Dr. Lem’s solution was to take DNA analysis out of the lab and into the clinic via a portable DNA analyzer device that could provide the same DNA results at a fraction of the cost.

Fun Fact: In 2018, Spartan’s CUBE provided a breakthrough in testing for Legionnaires Disease Bacteria.

Edmonton-based cardiac surgeons Dr. Darren Freed and Dr. Jayan Nagendran saw a major problem with organ transplants in Canada – wait lists were long and less than 25% of donated organs were suitable for transplant. The solution was to increase the amount of organs suitable for transplant through an innovative-thermal controlled medical device.

Fun Fact: Tevosol received $20 million in Series A funding to bring the technology to market.

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Published on: March 1, 2021

Search First – Then Design Your Product

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With a world of data at your fingertips, quickly determining if a new product idea is already on the market should be easy and fast. Unfortunately, for many companies, would-be inventors and entrepreneurs harnessing the power of Google for market information and related patent data can be just out of reach. While basic keyword searches and a quick look through Google images may provide easy low hanging data fruit, access to the high value bits takes a little more search skill knowledge.

Design 1st has developed our search acumen and business expertise helping inventors and start-ups better understand the patent and competitive landscape of their new product idea. We offer our clients a ‘Product Opportunity Investigation’ (POI) report that provides a detailed web based examination of their product idea. When doing searches yourself, with a little web search knowledge, a more intelligent Google Search query is all that’s needed to see that your inventions market is saturated with competition and you should abandon the idea, modify the idea or move onto the next idea.

For the do it yourself crowd, to get a full understanding of whether your product idea has value beyond the napkin sketch, here are 3 Google Search tricks that will either set you on a path laughing all the way to the bank or sulking back to the drawing board. A simple search leads to millions of results and all of us get tired of looking after page 2. Tricks you should use, in any search using Google to bring more relevant information to the first pages:

1) Google Search Operators

The internet has often been called the “largest library in the world with all the books on the floor”. If this stands true than Google is the Library catalogue and Search Operators are the Dewey decimal system. To find what you want and leave out what you do not, Google has several Operators that help structure your keyword search, returning more relevant results. Commonly used search operators include:

– “Quotes” to specify exact words and phrased that must be included in search results

– Hypen (-) to remove certain keywords and

– Number Range (#..#) to specify specific dates and series’ of numbers

– OR: gives you a choice (cats OR dogs)

For example, if your product idea is for a new Mouse Trap Innovation that works by capturing not killing the mice and can accommodate rodents up to the size of squirrel; a Google search query that will reveal any competitors in the past three years could look like this:

– New “mouse trap” OR “squirrel trap” product invention OR innovation OR idea 2010..2013 –kill

A review of the Google Search Results show that the game Mouse Trap is within the top search results. This is not helpful for the information we are trying to find so we remove it from the search results using the Hypen operator (ie. –game). This returns a number of relevant results including the “Big Cheese Multi-Catch Mouse Trap” for $5 and the “Mouse Trapp” which also sends a text to your Smart Phone when mouse is caught.

2) Google Alerts

Google Alerts is your own private army of internet searchers that go out everyday crawling the web for keywords that you specify. The best part, its free! All you have to do is sign up to Google Alerts with your Google account, enter your search query and watch the results trickle into your inbox. If you’re trying to get a better understand of your product idea’s industry Google Alerts is a perfect place to start. You can track news on competitors, product reviews and industry news. Although one tip to remember with is to set up very specific keyword phrases for Google to alert you about or you may end up with dozens of irrelevant results. To do this refer to Trick 1 and use your Google search operators.

3) Google Trends

Google trends is another handy free tool that lets you see the popularity of search terms over time, by region, industry and type of media (ie. Text, image, video). Simply plug in a search term (ie. Mouse trap) and get a chart, map and similar keyword terms that are rising in popularity. This is a valuable tool to determine the popularity of certain brands. For example, if your product idea is a new golf club that you ideally want to license to either Taylormade or Callaway Golf club manufacturers – you can type both their names into Google Trends and see who is more popular. Additionally, Google Trends provides a forecast feature of future search interest along with news Headlines from companies, brands and keywords being searched.

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Published on: June 24, 2019

Mom Turned Inventor of “myColdCup”

27 Years Experience

75+ Design Awards

1,000+ Manufactured Products

From Idea to Prototype in as Little as Six Weeks!

Ready to Start?

When engineer and mother Gwenda Lindhorst–Ko visited the Design 1st offices for the first time in 2009 she brought only herself and an idea. The idea was an invention that would solve the novel problem of keeping her child’s milk cold throughout the school day. The end result was “myColdCup” an innovative product guaranteed to keep milk cool for 5 + hours.

Recently, Gwenda was featured on the television show “Backyard Inventors” – a demonstration video of myColdCup is shown below.

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Published on: July 19, 2012

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Category: Inventors

10 Steps to Finding a Manufacturer for your Product

Dave Ingram

Table Of Contents

Kickstart Your Manufacturer Search Here:

Next, follow these 10 steps to vet and select the best manufacturers you've found:

1. Build a list of potential manufacturers

2. Define Your Product Requirements

3. Assess Manufacturer Capability and Capacity

4. Request Manufacturer Quotes and Proposals

5. Conduct Due Diligence on Suppliers

6. Visit Facilities or Conduct Virtual Tours

7. Negotiate Terms and Contracts

8. Develop Prototypes and Samples

9. Consider Geographic Location and Logistics

10. Establish Long-Term Relationships

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Canada’s iconic “we-sell-everything” retailer, Canadian Tire, is launching thousands of new products, relying on local inventors who understand the market, weather, economy, and unique needs of Canadians to fill the gap, embodying its mantra “Tested for life in Canada.”

What Types of Products is Canadian Tire Looking For?

Why Should Inventors Care?

How Catch Canadian Tires Attention With Your Idea?

Canadian Tire Inventor Success Stories:

Rumidifier and Wheel Nut Caddy, Ottawa Inventors.

How Can You Get Your Invention into Canadian Tire?

Step 1: Register Your Company

Step 2: Participate in a Sourcing Review

Step 3: Negotiate Your Contract

Step 4: Onboarding

Getting Help Bringing Your Product Idea to Volume Manufacturing

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The Benefits and Risks of the JD Shopify Partnership for E-Commerce Merchants

From Idea to Prototype in as Little as Six Weeks!

1) What is JD.com?

2) What is Shopify?

3) How does the JD Shopify Partnership benefit merchants?

4) Three Ways to Start Selling on JD.com

5) What are the risks of joining JD through the Shopify Partnership?

6) How to sell on JD.com using Shopify?

References:

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Watch Design 1st clients pitch their hardware product ideas on CBC's Dragons' Den

Toddler Monitor

The next generation of toddler monitoring devices.

Rolling Desserts

DIY ice cream rolls at home.

Rumidifier

Humidify your home using ZERO-energy.

EzClipse Decor

Magnetic recessed lighting covers.

The PowerPress

Olympic barbell adapter.

K9 Clean

Portable pet and utility shower solution.

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