Most inventors hope to license their ideas, but the reality is that many have to go to market themselves, It can be a challenging process.  Presenting a product to a distributor is a very hit and miss process, I have presented the same product to two different distributors in the same week, One loved it, the other hated it, So it is very important n0t to be deterred, present a good prototype, with manufacturing cost verified, a distributor will at least show interest, and once you have their attention, your product will speak for itself.

If you decide to market your product on your own, it is crucial that you first build and refine a prototype.

James Dyson said it took him 5,127 protypes before he was happy with his vacuum, once you’ve perfected your prototype, you’ll need to find the appropriate distribution channel to reach your customers.

As much as a company may like to sell its products at B&Q sometimes you have to start with smaller retailer, perhaps a specialty one or even online, to establish some traction.