Simply stated, if you are looking to build a prototype – PRG is a group you should consider.
As a neophyte inventor, I had a lot to learn about building a prototype. Whom should I talk to about my idea, can it be built, should it be built, can I trust the company to keep my idea/invention confidential, what is a fair price for the work, how long will it take to build and what can I expect as an outcome if I decide to build? Each one of these questions needed answers that would not come easily. I routinely asked myself; is this the right thing to do. I have a great day job that pays me very well, a busy life in and out of work, and a full plate of responsibilities that would keep me content and busy until I retire.
But something kept pulling me back to my idea and turning that into a product. So, after 6 months of soul searching and research, I decided to embark on this journey. I reached out to several local firms and universities to see if they could help me bring my patent pending idea to market. Each had a reason why they could not help me, but all agreed it could be done. I then expanded my search nationally and identified 6 firms that I believed could help me make my dream a reality. I put NDAs in place and shared my ideas and designs with 3 firms that I believed would be the best fit. All three had interest, but one stood out during this discovery phase. The owner of PRG contacted me directly and walked me through his plan to make my prototype. We talked for 30 minutes and he said he would like to send me a SOW and quote. I agreed, but shared I was not ready to commit so any work he put into the quote could be for no financial gain on his side. He agreed, promised he would not “hard sell” me on his proposed solution and 3 days later I got his proposal. The cost was higher than expected, but the proposal was very comprehensive. I confirmed I received the quote and waited for the other two quotes to come in. After I reviewed all 3 and decided the PRG proposal was best aligned to my needs. I set up a follow-up call with PRG and after more than an hour discussion with the owner, where he shared ideas to make my prototype a viable product in the marketplace, I realized this was the firm I would work with moving forward. Understand at this point, PRG had not made a penny off me nor had I even confirmed they would be the selected supplier for my project.
After a brief but agreeable 3rd call and quote negotiation, PRG committed to a deliverable at a price point I could live with. But before I signed on the dotted line, I asked the owner one simple question – can you build me a prototype that you would want to buy? A prototype that I could introduce to my perspective customers that would be professional enough to get their attention? His answer was simply yes! I told him I would hold him to this statement – and I would be a formable customer and friend of PRG if the prototype was as promised, or a fierce foe with resources to impact his organization if he did not deliver on the quote and his word. He did not hesitate, simply stating I am the right group to build your prototype.
I signed on the dotted line, and we began. Roughly one year later, two functioning prototypes with features that a more advanced than what was committed to in original quote, I am beginning my sales cycle.
Be cautious, do your homework on who is best firm to build your prototype, but I would strongly recommend PRG is on your list of possible partners. PRG will be my choice for building any future prototypes.
Michael Clough
Product Designer/Inventor
East Amherst NY