Developing my concept into a product

[DJ Samson]

I have an idea for a snowmobile flap product line. For those who don't know, a snowmobile is a vehicle that is used mostly for recreational purposes on the snow. The snow flap is just like a mud flap on a truck, but instead blocks the snow from going into the driver's face behind you.

Every snowmobile comes with a stock flap so it would be pointless for me to sell basic flaps with nothing on them. My niche is provacative and funny sayings for each flap. Snowmobilers are amazingly loyal to their make, just like how some people only buy Chevys and others only buy Fords. A small company called Sno-Stuff made this flap and was pretty successful:



The "Cat" in "Cat Eater" stands for Arctic Cat - a snowmobile brand. As far as my knowledge goes, sno-stuff is the only company to make a custom flap that is provacative. And Sno-Stuff doesn't even specialize in flaps - they're a full parts maker. Right from the start I would have an advantage on my only competitor by focusing 100% on snow flaps.

This is taken from their online catalog:



It's difficult to see, but their trend continues. One with a naked character with a kiss mark on his rear end. Another with the saying "No Fat Chicks." Other flaps are more traditional with just checkered flags and solid colors.

I want to join this market because I think I can come up with better and sometimes more provacative/funnier sayings. I also think I have a large advantage with my own connections in the snowmobile industry and my uncle's. I am a long time customer at many retail stores which gives me a start for approaching retailers.

Now onto my problem: I don't know how to turn my concept into a product. Before I go ahead and hire a graphic artist to draw up the flap designs, I need to know if I can make this.

Where would I go if I needed this rubber flap molded and printed with the graphic? Somone suggested I look into wholesalers who make blank (all-black) flaps with no graphic, but this is such an un-tapped market that I can't find any companies.
Thank You

[NIPS Global Solution]

Your best bet is to find a wholesaler who sells these flaps, and then get the equipment necessary to print on them.

However, your never going to find a wholesaler for this by googling this kind of thing. You need sometype of database of wholesaler listings, and not some Ebay Scam crap.

I use WorldWideBrands, and they so far have had geniune listings. It should be what your looking for.

If it isn't feel free to PM me. I'll see if I can help.

Ryan Scott

[SpencerB]

www.thomasnet.com is a good resource for finding local manufacturers, if you want to make the entire flap. Start talking to local rubber fabricators/manufacturers, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

For large volume manufacturing, you'd probabily want to move something like this overseas to china/asia, but thats down the road.

Good luck