Little desk toy idea

[Peteyw]

I have an idea for a small (potentially highly annoying but fun) desk toy. I haven't even started on the prototype yet, but how should I go about doing the development, working out the marketing, then onto sale of the item if it works out? Would it be better to keep it to myself, or sell the idea and rights to a company that produces/sells similar items?

[Dr Red]

I had an idea for a small device to stop people falling off ladders. I drew up all the plans and got a prototype built. The idea worked perfectly but because i didn't know how to go about mass producing it, its become one of those, "part time" things.
My advice is, make a prototype and go and get a patent on it. Then approch some shops and ask them if they would like to order a batch of your product. Make the product to the orders and once the shop has sold some, if its a good seller they will ask you for more. The money you earn from this should be more than enough to cover the cost of production and also make you a nice profit.
As you get more money you'll be able to expand your bussiness and come out with new products, hence, you have your own comapny.