These experts won't necessarily rack their brains for ideas to help you over the phone, but as Lahens found out, they probably will in person. They suggested he track down companies that make aroma-release products and find out who their suppliers are. Lahens went back to the Thomas Register and found a marketer of fragrant plastic cards. That company directed him to a injection molder who manufactured the cards, which led in turn to a manufacturer who showed Lahens how to mix plastic and fragrance so aromas are slowly released. By now, Lahens knew quite a bit about manufacturing the product and was ready to make and test prototypes.
Most inventors never get their product right because they're in such a big rush to get it to market.
But if you take the time to learn everything you can about the process, you won't end up with a poor-performing prototype. Better yet, follow Lahens' lead and you may be able to make your prototype for next to nothing. Lahens knew if he could make a low-cost mold, he'd be able to make his own prototypes. Thanks to Inventor's Digest magazine, he located Jack Lander, who publishes a series of booklets about prototypes and manufacturing. To make a low-cost mold, Lahens learned, you start with a piece of wood or plastic in the same shape as the finished product.