What a sell sheet looks like
A sell sheet is one page: one image, the benefit in one sentence, three bullets, the product’s status, and how to reach you. Its only job is to earn a call.
The template
[The benefit, in one plain sentence]
- [The problem it solves]
- [The feature that solves it]
- [Why it beats what is on the shelf]
[Patent pending, or none] · [Working prototype] · [Estimated unit cost at a stated quantity] · [Target retail price]
[Name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Fill it with what companies ask for
Lifetime Brands names what helps it evaluate an idea:
“While not required, any patented ideas, market research, CAD drawings and prototypes will greatly enhance our ability to evaluate your idea and explore the opportunity with you.”
Mindware wants a real object in the picture and turns away generated ones:
“Please do NOT submit AI generated images or text; we want to see real prototypes that have been thoughtfully developed and tested in the real world!”
So photograph the prototype, even a rough one. Before you send, check the company’s page here for its own list and follow it over this template.
What stays off it
Leave off how you came up with the idea, market-size figures, other products, and the royalty you want. Terms come after a company shows interest.
Sending it
Export a small PDF that opens on a phone and name the file after the product. Link a short video of the prototype working instead of attaching it. Then choose where to send it.
A factory wants something else
If you are making the product yourself, a factory needs a spec sheet: drawings or a CAD file, materials, dimensions, tolerances, colors, packaging, quantity and delivery date.