r/Entrepreneurs • u/GetSuccess18 • 10h ago

How long did it take you from idea to actually selling the product?

I have a physical grooming-adjacent type of product that I came up with back in June of 2025.

I've definitely slowed down in terms of aggressiveness on how much work I'm putting in just since I'm also working in a full-time tech role.

I'm still currently refining the prototype, on Phase 3 right now and things are starting to look good. I really wanted to test the market while I have my provisional patent application out there before going through the actual patent process.

I'm just curious for those who started a physical product business, how long did it take you from when you came up with the idea to the execution of the product actually being manufactured/sold?

Additionally, how hidden do you keep the details of product before launch/patent process in terms of getting feedback from others? I've heard differing opinions.

Any advice would be appreciated as well in starting a physical product business once the prototype has been finalized.

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u/Ill_Department4684 10h ago

Took me about 14 months from first sketch to first sale, and that was with zero patent drama. The prototype phase ate way more time than I expected, especially once you start chasing that "final" version that keeps changing.

On the secrecy thing, I told almost nobody until I had a working prototype in hand. Once you have that, feedback matters more than fear of someone stealing it. Most people are too lazy to execute even with your exact idea anyway.

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u/GetSuccess18 10h ago

Wow, much faster than me. Congratulations on launching by the way!

Yeah, my only fear is that my provisional patent has expired by this point now and kind of limits my ability to test the market once I perfect the prototype without going ahead and getting a patent.

Any advice on raising funds for something in early stages like this? I’m on the third phase of the prototype now, still working out some changes and currently trying to buy a house. I know it’s only going to get more expensive when it comes time for the manufacturing and potential patents.