Making Money Off Ideas

Making Money Off Ideas COMPUTERS Computers 34-4-5 Inventors often tell us they have do-it-yourself plans they'd like to sell. However, we almost never offer them for sale in FARM SHOW because the quality of plans varies so much. We prefer to tell you about a new idea and then let you follow up with the inventor. If you like the way they communicate, and they have plans available, you can decide whether or not to purchase them at that point. But now there's a new way to try to make money selling plans. Inventor Gene Luoma, who has been featured several times in FARM SHOW, recently told us about his new website, www.GismoPlans.com. It's a one-stop shop for all types of build-it-yourself plans. You can upload your plans to the website, and list your contact name and phone number, all at no cost to you. The plans will remain on the website for 6 months, at which time they'll be reviewed and reposted or removed depending on sales. You can update your plans or other information at any time. Luoma is paid a 15 percent commission for each set of plans sold. The buyer pays with a credit card and downloads them onto his computer. "People from all over the world can look at what you've built," says Luoma. "We're set up for all major credit cards, and we're able to receive international funds. The only time GizmoPlans.com gets paid is when your plans are sold. Another advantage is there are no mailing costs to you or the customer who's buying your plans." Luoma says just about any type of plan can be uploaded and sold at the site. "Maybe you have a unique birdhouse; a simple tool that you made for a certain industry; plans for a new outdoor game; or even a self-published book. The types of plans or ideas that can be sold are limited only by your imagination." Once your plans are approved and posted to the website, you're then able to put up any additional photos of your project that you'd like. "The more photos you have, the more people are likely to buy. You can also put a link to any YouTube videos that you may have," he says. Luoma started the website about 6 months ago and so far has signed up people with plans for a teardrop trailer, log splitter, pedal bike, and more. He also sells plans for his own inventions, including a home-built concrete mixer, wheel crusher, concrete forms and numerous other equipment. Luoma reviews all plans to make sure they're thorough and complete. "I look at each plan as soon as it's uploaded and sometimes make suggestions to customers on what to include. I make sure there are drawings with every plan, and photos with some," he says. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Gene Luoma, 4423 Normanna Rd., Duluth, Minn. 55803 (ph 218 591-4382; www.GizmoPlans.com).

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