I have a really awsome invention, there is nothing similar to it. It solves a problem (an annoyance) that mothers have been dealing with as long as mothers have been around. It's very simple. I have made several and given and sold them to friends that have babies. Everyone says it's great, they don't know why it hasn't been made and sold before. I found out that getting it patented will be very expensive. I do not have any rich friends or family. I am afraid to make it myself and sell it on a website for fear the idea will be taken. Same with selling it at the local flea market. I can not just get in touch with companies and ask if they want to buy the idea because without a patent I do not legally own the idea, even though it's completely mine and origonal. I know I could make a huge profit off of this idea, I just don't know how. Any suggestions?
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This might seem kind of silly, but I am serious. Do you think that it is possible to sell the idea to an investor, maybe on e-bay? Of course I know I couldn't sell it to an individual for a million or anything like that, but could I sell it for no money upfront with a contract saying I get 20 or 30% of total sales after it's successful and is marketed? I'd still make a lot, it's worth it. I just don't want to sit around and make them all day everyday. It would get expensive and I like to work in a social setting with other adults. Thanks a ton for all the feedback and ideas, I will look into several of them. I really appriciate it.