Advice on selling a new product (game aids)?

[Asmor]

First of all, apologies if there is a better forum for this. The publishers forum was the closest that looked somewhat suitable, and I'm not sure it is...

Anyways, I just had an awesome idea for a product. Without giving too much away, it's something that I could make myelf for probably less than a dollar a piece, minus development costs (which would be minimal) just by picking up some supplies at staples. In fact, that's probably what I'd do since I doubt I'm going to start selling dozens of these. Unfortunately, that also means that the quality would be inconsistent, since it's hand made.

But a bit of a digression, I suppose. Two questions:

1: Self-publishing. If I do decide to self-publish this, what would be the best channels to advertise in? It's something targetted at players, and would be fairly cheap (a couple bucks at most), with maybe a 6-pack discount if someone wanted to buy them for their whole group.

2: Established publishers. I have a feeling it's probably like selling ice to eskimoes, but are there any established publishers who are actively looking for new products?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

1: Self-publishing. If I do decide to self-publish this, what would be the best channels to advertise in? It's something targetted at players, and would be fairly cheap (a couple bucks at most), with maybe a 6-pack discount if someone wanted to buy them for their whole group.

You'll have to run the convention circuit and set up demos and the like. The Game Manufacturer's Association (GAMA) would be another stop though there is much debate (and far more drama) about their efficacy for new publishers. There's another game publishers association but I forget their name (probably "game publisher's association" knowing my luck).

2: Established publishers. I have a feeling it's probably like selling ice to eskimoes, but are there any established publishers who are actively looking for new products?[/QUOTE]

Not that I know of. The publisher's forum would be a place to check. I'd have a prototype ready though.

 

[Asmor]

Thanks for the advice!

Sadly, as a full time student who hates travelling and is also boycotting airlines, conventions aren't really an option. :/ I was meaning more like online places to put the word out (this site being an obvious example).

 

[Cassandra]

In fact, it is the Game Publishers Association, and you can see their website at www.thegpa.org.

 

[Agent Oracle]

You could make it a PDF and sell it on your choice of online RPG content distributors. A good review can sell dozens of copies.

 

[Asmor]

I guess it wouldn't be too difficult for someone to make it themselves from a PDF, but it kind of defeats the purpose of a game aid IMHO.