INVIS-ID Finalist for QVC Product Search
Rob Kleiman always had an interest in LED's, or light emiting diodes. As UV or ultraviolet LED's became more prevalent, Kleiman began investigating ideas for their use. After toiling with many different uses for the materials, Kleiman developed an idea for a security ink that could mark valuable property.
Unlike traditional electric engravers, which were previously used to tag property with serial numbers or names and addresses, Kleiman's product would not deface the property. He would market his idea as a kit that would include an invisible ink permanent marker pen, an UV-LED flashlight to view the ink, and a set of window warning decals that would act as a theft deterrent.
In 2004, Kleiman exhibited his product, which he called INVIS-ID, at INPEX. During the show, Kleiman presented his product to the ERA (Electronic Retailing Association) panel and was invited to attend the ERA Invention Showcase in September of 2004 in Las Vegas. "[The Showcase] is definitely a great place for inventors to get exposure in front of key players from the infomercial industry," he said.
One contact Kleiman made at the ERA Invention Showcase was The Shopping Channel, Canada's only television shopping network. They saw potential in his product and immediately bought a few hundred units.
Confident from the recent purchase and determined to sell more, Kleiman decided to attend the "Discoveries Tour," a four-city search for new products sponsored by QVC. Kleiman was one of 5,000 inventors in Los Angeles who attended in hopes of gaining a spot on the special 2-hour show that was to air every Friday.
Kleiman's INVIS-ID was one of 100 new products that were chosen as finalists. Ten new products were then sold during each show for 10 consecutive weeks. QVC ordered 1800 units from Kleiman, but when the show aired, INVIS-ID was so popular that they oversold by 600 units.
QVC and Kleiman are currently negotiating for a new order of 2300 units. He encourages other inventors to take advantages of their product searches. "QVC is very approachable for inventors, especially through their annual 'Decade of Discoveries Tour' where they provide an avenue for inventors and entrepreneurs to meet with buyers."
Kleiman was one of 30 finalists out of the original 100 that appeared on a final show that aired nationally on QVC this fall.
Kleiman is excited about the opportunities he has received from the QVC product search, the ERA and INPEX. "INPEX is an incredible opportunity to network with people in many different facets of production, manufacturing and retailing while gaining knowledge about industry," he said. Kleiman plans to move the INVIS-ID into additional catalogues and produce retail packaging in order to approach major retail chains in the near future.
Although Kleiman's journey began long before he attended INPEX and the QVC "Decade of Discoveries Tour," he never gave up. "If there is one word of advice I can give to other inventors, it is to be perseverant."
While the above exhibitor's experience is not typical of what most INPEX exhibitors can expect from attending the trade show, the events reported are a result of what can happen from attending INPEX – The Invention Show.
