What are Custom Boxes?

1) Designing Your Invention (CAD Software): A) If you just want a shell of your invention, then learn to use Rhino3D, or some other 3D design software. B) If you want to have the entire mechanical internals of your invention be a part of your prototype, then use something like Solidworks which has a physics engine to be able to simulate actual mechanical functions. 2) Showing your invention (3D Rendering or 3D Print) A) After designing your invention in the CAD software you can now make very realistic looking 3D renderings of it (if done right it can be made to look like a photograph of a real thing). You could use these renderings in an indiegogo campaign or demo video or pitch deck. B) You could also print your design as a physical 'thing' that you could actually place into investors hands. To do this you could buy your own 3D printer, or use a company like Shapeways which will print it for you in your material of choice. Alternatively, you can collaborate with a freelancer do help you with those steps. If you'd like more specific advice tailored to your unique invention, or if you have other questions about the early startup process let me know, Lee

Can you give more information on what your product is? Then we can figure out what you need in it. Sounds like electronics...but what?

That's a common fear, but you are better off putting that aside and just going for it. Instead of worrying about someone taking your idea, have any manufacturer, pattern maker, etc sign an NDA, and move forward with your idea. And most importantly, work with people you can trust. Even if your idea is revolutionary (and I'm sure it's excellent), the people you talk to are most likely busy enough with their own endeavors to copy someone else's project. Not to mention they aren't going to be as passionate about it as you are. I'm happy to help if you need advice or a contract. Good luck and take action!

I have been involved in agriculture for over 30 years. The answer, like so many things is: it depends. Most states, but not all, regulate seed wholesalers and require a license. The licensing requirements vary from state to state-some are rigorous, others are like a library card. As to finding a white label company-you might be able to get one of the large established retail seed wholesalers to package your product for you. Or you might be able to find a company that packages food and they could convert part of their line to accommodate your requirements. If you would like to follow up, let me know.

If you have your CAD design done, you can get it printed in plastic first using inexpensive printers at 3DHubs for example. Do tweaks to the design and reprint. This can't cost more than $5 or so per print. Once you're happy you can then send your design to shapeways or i.materialise to be printed in metal. These services will likely charge a fee $100 for a metal print.