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How can I sell my idea for an iPhone app?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by pdmac8, Nov 25, 2009.

  1. #1
    I have what I think is a really good idea for a new iPhone app and would like to know if I can sell the idea.

    I don't have any money to invest in development so I just need to sell the idea in it's raw form, I can write it up as I have experience of this but I just can't develop it myself.

    So, who can I sell it to?
     
    pdmac8, Nov 25, 2009 IP
  2. jacky8

    jacky8 Active Member

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    #2
    There can be many ways but they do require some work on your part. If you are sure that your idea will work, you will have to do some initial work to prove to the investor/programmer that you are serious about it and not a noob posting ideas everywhere (They do get all this regularly)

    Make a plan. A complete plan about how the product will work, its features, general design, etc.
    Do some market study, whether people are willing to pay for it or not. Try to prove it.
    Are there any similar products (not iphone apps) that sell good? Proof for the same.
    Things like that..

    Once you are ready with the rough plan about the product, then you can do the following:
    Consider posting it in the partnership forum here at DP
    Try to PM app developers
    Search on google for app developers, try contacting them.
    Show them your plan or tell them that you do have a Detailed Plan that you would like to share.
    Invite them for a quick chat.

    You can do various things like that. Make sure that your idea isn't stolen by someone. It isn't going to be easy at all.
     
    jacky8, Nov 25, 2009 IP
  3. Jon1771

    Jon1771 Well-Known Member

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    #3
    If you're so sure it will work why not invest in the idea?

    Also, where are you based on the South coast?

    I may be interested in your idea.

    Thanks
     
    Jon1771, Nov 25, 2009 IP
  4. pdmac8

    pdmac8 Member

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    #4
    In answer to both of your questions

    I can do the planning and the market research parts - that is what I do but I am no programmer and I have no experience so I was looking for the possibility of a Joint Venture with someone so I will take Jacky's advice and put my plan together and take it from there!

    Oh, and I'm in Brighton in Sussex
     
    pdmac8, Nov 25, 2009 IP
  5. TheMarketingMadman

    TheMarketingMadman Well-Known Member

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    #5
    really good question.....how do you sell any idea for that matter...?
     
    TheMarketingMadman, Nov 25, 2009 IP
  6. bryanon

    bryanon Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Send me the idea, if it's solid then I'll bring it to life and after it's started to make money we'll debate whether I should pay you anything or not :p

    On a more serious note, selling an idea is one of the most complicated matters in doing business. There's millions of people in your shoes and most of them sadly end up either getting their idea stolen or sitting on it for the rest of their lives (or until someone else comes up with a similar idea).

    If it's not millions that you require then your best bet would probably be to try and raise the money yourself (there's several options starting ranging bank loans to private investments from friends and relatives). If the above is not feasible then you should write a solid business plan and pitch it to reputable VCs/angel investors. Other than doing a thorough check on your potential VC's reputation, you can somewhat protect your idea by developing it to a certain stage beforehand, so that even if your idea is stolen, it would be likely that you (together with an investor) would still beat the thief in the launch date. Oh, and ALWAYS sign an NDA before sending your business plan to anyone - and keep the exchange of any sensitive information documented (email is a great way of doing that), i.e. don't reveal any secrets via phone or chat.
     
    bryanon, Nov 26, 2009 IP
  7. silverion

    silverion Active Member

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    #7
    silverion, Nov 27, 2009 IP
  8. webmoney

    webmoney Well-Known Member

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    #8
    This is old post but looks like there are some new ways how to sell ideas.

    Isnt there some development company where agreetment would be done and in case the idea is profitable, the idea creator would get share?

    I have simple idea which would be very usefull but starting to make research would be risky because someone could steal it. So before sharing my idea I like to have written contract.
     
    webmoney, May 6, 2011 IP
  9. Andreon

    Andreon Peon

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    #9
    If it's such a great idea just get someone to develop it for you. You can make much more by actually owning the app by means of sales as well as by selling the complete app itself.
     
    Andreon, May 6, 2011 IP
  10. Jakiller

    Jakiller Member

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    #10
    I think its hard to sell an idea, i mean, i wouldnt pay you before reading the idea, but then, i could just run with the idea, and let you fucked, so its a hard thing :D...
     
    Jakiller, May 6, 2011 IP
  11. webmoney

    webmoney Well-Known Member

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    #11
    webmoney, May 9, 2011 IP
  12. worrall966

    worrall966 Peon

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    #12
    My name is peter and I am an app designer I am looking for programmers to design my 2 apps that I have one is a platform game and one is based on free info. We need people who are quick and are able to finish a job to a very good standard.Please contact me on if interested no timewasters.
     
    worrall966, Nov 2, 2011 IP
  13. webmoney

    webmoney Well-Known Member

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    #13
    They liked my idea and see earning potential however they not sure if its possible to implement it and it requires external DB which needs to be maintained time to time. So they put it away... if there is some programmer who wants to make money with my idea and share revenue than ping me.
     
    webmoney, Nov 2, 2011 IP
  14. PrinceSuperstar

    PrinceSuperstar Peon

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    #14
    I have admittedly two amazing app ideas, one that is a sure sell and should even be mandatory in all smart phones. Are there any developers or investors interested? Please reply here and I'll provide contact info/details.
     
    PrinceSuperstar, Sep 23, 2012 IP
  15. stn

    stn Peon

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    #15
    This is known problem - how to sell ideas, or even how to make money having only idea. As you see you have to seek for: programmer, right selling place , sometimes hosting and so on.
    Of course you may find some kind of business angel that would help with all.
    But if you think that you should be able to:
    - with few clicks find programmer, investor or hosting specialist
    - invite them to videochat at find right persons and make a team
    - post your idea and sell it to wordwide or to team only
    then you proppably would be happy that there is a GetIdeaValue.com early startup that is going to give you all of these and more . Hope with your help we can do even more.
    Do you find such idea interesting?
     
    stn, Sep 24, 2012 IP
  16. Nicksay3

    Nicksay3 Peon

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    #16
    Hey guys, this thread caught my attention because I have an amazing idea for an app or website. I really want to develop it myself but I'm still in school and broke due to how expensive an education is. If anyone is interested in working with me and hopefully profit from it then contact me, this idea will grab the attention of all college students. I put a lot of thought and work into this on my own and would love to see it turn into something.
     
    Nicksay3, Jan 7, 2013 IP
  17. bestwriter

    bestwriter Well-Known Member

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    #17
    Tell me your idea and I will share it with everyone visiting my site.

    Thanks
     
    bestwriter, Jan 7, 2013 IP
  18. AlexGreene

    AlexGreene Peon

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    #18
    An idea is worth nothing. Execution is worth everything. Only what you build upon the initial idea has value. You would have to form sort of business plan along with the idea, and sketch it out. Even then, I don't know a single app developer in their right mind that would pay more than a buck or two for an app idea. The value of an app developer is that they can develop the app. An idea alone is worth nothing, but when you are an app developer and you start building upon it, the idea grows in value. This also means that a developer is not stupid enough to build an app for you for a fraction of equity.

    Wow, I just realized this thread is from 2009.

    Well in reply to you Nicksay3, let's hear it!
     
    AlexGreene, Jan 8, 2013 IP
  19. iceball

    iceball Banned

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    #19
    Tell me your idea and I will share it with everyone visiting my site.
     
    iceball, Jan 8, 2013 IP
  20. ATBdesign

    ATBdesign Peon

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    #20
    Intellectual property, you know, is pretty tough thing. And it is still not very well described for mobile Application. I suggest you finding developers and arrange a meeting with them.
     
    ATBdesign, Jan 10, 2013 IP