I have an idea for a new product. How does one go about determining
the idea's value and selling it to a company? I am not interested
right now in patent info. Assume that this idea is not patentable.
Thank you very much for your help.

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Request for Question Clarification by chris2002micrometer-ga on 28 Apr 2004 13:17 PDT

I had my own true experience with a toy idea that was briefly sold (by
Ideal), then mysteriously disappeared. I can dig up all the
correspondence, scan it online and explain if you want, for your $25.
Based on that experience and more that I read about, I would recommend
involving no one else and simply selling it to your own customers. If
the idea is any good, you will have a window of opportunity to make
money until it is stolen from you. The only money you are likely to
receive is from your customers.

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Clarification of Question by wanting2know-ga on 28 Apr 2004 14:08 PDT

Hi, Chris.

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate the offer and the advice. I would
like the kind of information that you refer to when you say "what I've
read" rather than copies of the correspondence. I am looking for
industry-type guidance that summarizes situations and points to
patterns, etc.

Best,
Cheri

This is difficult!

I have been introduced to many 'new ideas' over the years which have
turned out not to be new, it was simply that the inventor had not
appreciated that there had been any earlier work in the same field.

It totally depends on the Ideas.

Easy!

I've been recommending this place for YEARS!

http://academics.uww.edu/BUSINESS/innovate/innovate.htm

It is partially sponsored by the University of Wisconsin and you can't
get ripped-off.

Have a great day, 

Chris