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Submit your toy invention idea and hear nothing back? You’re not alone. In this episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry," host Azhelle Wade—discusses the frustrating problem of feeling ghosted by toy companies. You’ll uncover why your submissions might be hitting a dead end and learn actionable strategies to finally get a response.

So, why aren’t toy companies calling you back? Azhelle kicks things off with key definitions: What exactly is an inventor in the toy space, and what's involved in the submission process? In this episode you'll learn the different submission methods used by toy companies, from emailing, agents, portals and beyond.

Ever thought it would be amazing to have a wish list and know exactly what companies are looking for? Well you're in luck, because in this episode Azhelle explains how to get a wish list from toy companies, ensuring you’re pitching what they actually need. 

And what if you put into action everything from this episode and companies still aren't biting? Tune in for the backup plan that will give you more creative control and a bigger chunk of the profits.

Don’t wait for toy companies to discover you—hit play and learn how to stand out in a pile of inventor submissions.

Submission Methods To Pitch Your Ideas To Toy Companies Covered In This Episode

Email Techniques:

Learn how to craft the perfect introductory email to get that all-important Zoom meeting. Pro tip: Never send unsolicited ideas!

Agents:

Discover how to approach toy brokers and agents, and why they might be your golden ticket.

Inventor Relations Managers:

Understand the role of these gatekeepers and how they can be an asset or a roadblock.

Online Portals & Pitch Events:

Get the lowdown on using company portals like Hasbro Spark and My Mattel Ideas, as well as virtual and in-person pitch events.

For a deeper dive into submission methods, hit play on this episode.

Episode Cliff Notes

• [00:04:01]: Discover the various submission methods toy companies use to review inventor ideas. From email etiquette to online portals, learn practical tips to get your foot in the door and present your innovative concepts effectively.

• [00:11:22]: Are you targeting the right companies with your invention? Learn how crucial market research can elevate your pitch and improve your chances of getting noticed by aligning your ideas with the right companies' product offerings.

• [00:24:32]: If traditional approaches aren't yielding results, it might be time to consider entrepreneurship. Learn about effective crowdfunding strategies and how launching your toy idea independently could turn your dream into reality, even attracting attention from larger companies down the line.