I have an idea for a new treestand design but I'm not sure how to go about getting my design to a manufacturer. I've contacted numerous companies but have recieved no reply. Hoping someone can give me some further information. Much Thanks.

Contact an attourney first. If you have an idea and you think it is an innovation and worth putting on the market, you need to get a U.S. patent started. If you call a manufactorer without this, and they actually listen to you, that is all it is to them , an idea. They will go "humm", their wheels will start turning, and before long your idea will become their idea, and nothing you can do about it. The process can cost from $600 to a couple thousands, depending on your attourney fees. If you get this and it works out, it will be worth it. If you have a good idea and you tell other companies without a patent, you are going to be sick when you see it on a commercial on The Outdoor Channel. You get the patent and then you can sell it. It will also let the companies know that you have a serious potential if you are willing to spend money on it for the patent. What exactly is the design anyway? "hummmmm" Just kidding man ---Put some thought into this if you are confident with it. Good Luck!!! Tim

Turkinator gives good advice....

also, you can contact a metal fabricator in the area and have them make a working protype for you... then you can try it out and work all the kinks out.... once you have it "perfected", get input from others that try it..... take pictures and have the design drawings and dimensions...

Also, with any new product, you have to figure out not only if it will be great, but if it will be marketable... how much will they cost to manufactuer, how much can you sell them for, will they be able to compete with the other stuff on the market? etc, etc....