text: is the financial investment worth the risk? i have an idea for a product and have gone to davidson inc. with my idea and they have sent me a contract outlining what they will do with my idea.  they will research it, find companies who may license it, then put together a portifolio, and let me decide if i want them to create a prototype for actual presentation. the catch is, it's about $700 for the research and portfolio, then potentially up to 15k for creation of a prototype with which to take to companies for them to consider. i think my idea is a good one, i know of nothing like it on the market, and i believe in it's marketability. (esp. compared to some of the crap out there in stores) what i want to know is if any one has experience with this company, and feedback. does anyone know of the cheapest way to promote an idea or product. i can't make one. i could draw a picture with a written description. i was advised to not get a patent right away, as the product itself may require revision. unless you have the knowledge or resources to make a prototype yourself, your going to need a company to help you. however like the previous poster said if they are the ones that advised you not to get a patent then i'd be very wary. there are reputable companies that do deal in this but i couldn't tell you who. you could go with the private investors but again unless you can make it, or know someone who can what good will that money do?