Combined 3D Services

How to Get a Prototype Made Without Getting Scammed

Posted on by Shelle Parsons

By Mike Moussa, PE — I’ve been building prototypes for inventors since 2010. I’ve also seen the aftermath when inventors get taken by predatory “invention help” companies. Here’s how to protect yourself.

The Invention Help Industry Has a Problem

The Federal Trade Commission and the US Patent and Trademark Office both publish warnings about fraudulent invention promotion companies. This isn’t speculation — it’s documented federal enforcement action.

The typical scam works like this:

  1. You see an ad: “Have an invention idea? We can help!”
  2. You call and describe your idea to a “consultant” (actually a salesperson)
  3. They tell you your idea is brilliant and has huge market potential (they tell everyone this)
  4. They sell you a $500–$1,000 “market evaluation” or “patent search” (often worthless)
  5. The evaluation comes back positive (it always does)
  6. They sell you a $5,000–$15,000 “development and marketing package”
  7. You get a generic report, maybe a basic 3D rendering, and zero actual prototyping
  8. Your invention goes nowhere. They keep your money.

The FTC has documented that some of these companies have a success rate of less than 1% — meaning fewer than 1 in 100 clients ever make money from their invention after paying thousands to these firms.

Red Flags to Watch For

🚩 They say every idea is great

A legitimate engineer or product developer will tell you honestly if your idea has issues — manufacturing challenges, existing patents, limited market, or design problems. If everyone who calls gets told their idea is amazing, you’re talking to a salesperson, not an engineer.

🚩 They want money before you’ve seen their facility

Any company that builds prototypes should be able to show you their shop, their equipment, and examples of their work. If they can’t — or won’t — that’s a problem.

🚩 They sell “packages” instead of specific services

“Complete invention development package for $12,000” is a red flag. Real engineering work is quoted based on your specific project — because every invention is different. A $12,000 package price means they haven’t actually evaluated what YOUR project needs.

🚩 They emphasize patents before prototypes

A patent doesn’t mean your invention will sell. Many predatory companies push expensive patent filings ($5,000–$15,000) before you’ve even confirmed your invention works. A prototype that proves the concept should come BEFORE the patent application in most cases.

🚩 They won’t give you a line-item quote

If a company can’t tell you exactly what each dollar pays for — how many hours of CAD design, what material, what manufacturing process, what the markup is — be cautious.

🚩 They have lots of TV ads but few actual products

The biggest invention promotion companies spend millions on advertising. Ask to see products they’ve actually brought to market. Ask for references from clients whose inventions are now selling. If they can’t provide these, walk away.

What Legitimate Prototype Help Looks Like

Here’s what you should expect from a real prototype company:

  • Honest assessment — they’ll tell you if your idea has problems, and help you solve them
  • Clear pricing — line-item quotes with no hidden fees
  • Visible capability — you can see their shop, equipment, and past work
  • Staged approach — they recommend starting small (proof of concept) before spending big
  • Engineering expertise — the person you talk to understands manufacturing, materials, and design
  • No pressure — they don’t push you to sign up for a $10,000 package on the first call
  • They own equipment — 3D printers, CNC machines, testing equipment. Not just a website and a phone.

How to Vet a Prototype Company

  1. Google their name + “scam” or “reviews” — see what comes up
  2. Check the USPTO complaint database — the US Patent Office publishes complaints against invention promoters
  3. Ask for a shop tour — video or in-person
  4. Ask for references — talk to past clients
  5. Get a detailed quote — not a package price
  6. Start small — a good company will let you start with a $500 proof of concept, not a $10,000 package

We’re the Alternative

PartSnap is a real engineering shop in Wichita Falls, Texas. We have 3D printers, CNC machines, and engineers who actually build things. We’ll tell you honestly what your project needs — and what it doesn’t.

Start with a free conversation. Send us your sketch, describe your idea, and we’ll give you an honest assessment and a clear quote. No sales pitch, no package deals, no pressure.

📧 info@partsnap.com | 📞 (214) 449-1455 | Contact Form