We’ve been getting a ton of questions from inventors about how to submit products to Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan — especially since the debut of the Discovery Channel’s hit show PitchMen. So let’s clear a few things up.
First and foremost: an online submission to Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan is NOT writing to Discovery.com. We know the Discovery Channel has directed some folks to a link, but the proper channel for product submissions is through Sullivan Productions directly.
Discovery.com PitchMen Tips from Sullivan Productions
Here are some principles to keep in mind when submitting your product:
Have a working prototype. Ideas are great, but Billy and Sully need to see and touch a real product. If it’s not built yet, get it built first.
Demonstrate the problem it solves. Every great “As Seen on TV” product starts with a problem. What’s the frustration? What’s the pain point? Make it clear.
Keep your pitch short and compelling. You’ve got two minutes to make your case. Practice until your pitch is tight, clear, and exciting.
Show that there’s a market. Who buys this? How many people have this problem? The bigger the market, the more attractive the product.
Be realistic about pricing. Direct response products typically sell at specific price points. If your product costs $500 to manufacture, it’s probably not a DR product.
Protect your intellectual property. Before you share your product with anyone, make sure you have appropriate patents, trademarks, or NDAs in place.
The PitchMen show has shone a light on the incredible process of turning everyday inventions into household names. If you’ve got a product you believe in, follow these guidelines and submit it properly. Who knows — your invention could be the next big thing on As Seen On TV Network!