After speaking to They1, on 2 occasions, I find him to be an honorable guy. He has a good idea, but needs to decide how to proceed. "that's his business", In my humble opinion, either he licenses the design, or "patent pending", to a large manufacturer. Who will then take it from there, or raises capital from either Private Equity, Angel investors, or Venture Capital sources. My discussions with him included helping him write the business plan for investors to see, so he can get this out past the "gun community" and into the land of investment capitol. I also spoke to a couple great guys in here that agreed, and had the background to help with this endeavor. I offered my services for free, if it takes off, I would get paid, if not then it was time well spent.
I know that many of you come from legal and business backgrounds. What do you think?
I didn't tell "They1", that I was going to post this, but I think he will understand why I did. Brassfetcher seems to think it's a good idea, but you fellows who have played this game before know that you need all your ducks in a row, before an investor comes up with the startup capital. Also you need to show how to mitigate risk among other things. After that it's a matter of marketing. Unless They1, gets angry about me putting this up like this, perhaps we could get this idea off its butt.
We have all seen many gun related ideas make a lot of money, that did a lot less than this one does. Any ideas? we have the talent here to move this into the next phase if you guys think It is ready to go.
Again remember that all these tests cost money. So getting “seed” or”start up” money would be the next move if he doesn’t license it. Just my 2 cents.
If this post is off base, feel free to remove it, I just felt it was time for some direction here..
Gym
Gym speaks the truth.
Franky, I didn't anticipate this post, but his base format of business theory is correct.
I have debated all along what the best course of action would be for this project. After the concept has been proven, I've tried to figure out, based on all facts and circumstances involved, how best to progress and bring Hypercav to market.
My first thought, and preferred, was/is to License this project to an existing manufacturer. This would be the most efficient means, given they already know the industry, have the network, the marketing, etc.. It's also the least expensive plan to implement.
Plan "B", is if I decide to modify bullets myself. Granted, I can make a much higher ROI, but I would have to secure a facility, fund the building of multiple "Porting Station" machines (said machine is already designed incidentally), establish contracts with the manufacturing, licensing, shipping, etc..
This would also take more time to bring product to market.
I have had some companies offer to send us bullets, we modify them and return for finish assembly, so that theory is valid.
Gym, is right. If I were to choose that path, I would have to take on a partner, or otherwise secure funding to get this rolling. It would take some serious bucks to move forward.
My hesitation to do so has been based on the conversations I've had to date with the manufacturers. Currently, there are five companies seriously considering this project.
Two have been testing HC samples for sometime now, and have reported that Porting HAS shown improvement in performance, even in their own ammo. One company has sent a 'Letter of Interest' as a result. I expect a second soon.
Another company, who specializes in green Frangibles has sent samples to be modified and tested. The other two, are still 'thinking' about it, but has to date only been looking at the test data as it becomes available.
Note that these are "very well-known companies", and I'm sure you'll understand that I cannot disclose who these folks are due to confidentiality reasons.
To be candid, I'm no fool. I know this is a potential gold mine. In the U.S. alone, we sell 14
BILLION bullets annually. 44% of those are Hollow Points. Even if if I get 10% of that market, Royalties alone will make a very good living.
Given that porting can be applied to literally every HP brand, caliber, handgun, rifle and shotgun (SABOT) out there, only increases that percentage.
Look at it this way; Out of all the auto manufacturers, how many offer power steering as an 'option'? Power steering is considered standard because it makes the fundamental, steering a car...better. Regardless of make, model or brand.
If porting an HP bullet makes a very good bullet more efficient, and it can be done inexpensively, why wouldn't 1, manufacturers not include it in their lines, and 2, why wouldn't the end-customers not want to have every advantage in their personal protection firearms?
I move
very carefully with this project. And although I generally have the patience of a "snapping rubber-band", I'm keenly aware of the potential of this project, and must insure that there are no issues with the base concept, and that I secure the best possible (and fair) deal, where I get a reasonable return on my investment, that the project is implemented in the most efficient manner possible, the time-to-market timeline is minimized, and the end-users get the best possible product, without much additional cost.
I look for the very definition of 'good business'; where everyone wins.