How I Invented a $1,000,000 Product
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- ► BOTTLEHOOKS: corterleather....
How I Invented a $1,000,000 Product
In 2012 I invented a product that would go on to change my life and do well over $1,000,000 in retail sales. This is the story of how I invented that product, called the Bottlehook. In this video we talk about how the product was designed, how it was launched on Kickstarter, getting a patent for the invention, getting media and finally taking it off the market to perfect it and bring out version 3, which is available starting today!
Thank you for this crazy ride - I hope you enjoy the video :)
"I'm not trying to sell it to you" well too bad cause i kinda want one now...
Ordered one as he said it lol
Seriously lol. I just realized how quickly I blow through bottle openers AND keychains/keyrings. The bottlehook is a genius invention.
Indeed. I'm on it.
same i didnt know i needed this
yeah, same XD
I've had my bottle hook on my hip for 7 years now, and i'm happy to finally hear the story behind it. Thanks for sharing.
Yet this is the first time in 7 years I hear about it. I wanted a neat and good quality bottle opener for years.
@@firstranger7282 do you work at a bar?
you paid 40 bucks for a bottle openner ? lmao
@@bakedstreetyt I would pay 7-8 dollars for it. tops!
@@peterpengproductions920 did you not just watch the video dude its single purpose isn't a bottle opener
Next video: How i made a 1M product become a 10M product by making a youtube video.
Good work man, i respect your hustle
Next next video: So apparently in technical terms I’m a “billionaire”.
i agree this is great advertising, I never knew it existed and now I do. That's big, especially when 1m people have seen it by the time i have. How many people need a better keychain bottle opener.
@@Connorknoxrox ive had the same keychain bottle opener on my keys for 12 years dont think I will ever need another one
hehehe
true dat "sold out"
There's something about this thing. I don't need a bottle opener and I don't need a keychain hook, but looking at this makes me just want one. Congratulations on your success.
My man, you'd have to hold me at gunpoint to stop me giving money to a Kickstarter that consisted to pictures of the actual, simple, finished product and a clear plan to make more. Most of the stuff on there is pie-in-the-sky nonsense with six digitally rendered videos that cost more than my house to make. You did it right.
"i'm not trying to sell this to you, but this finish is silky smooth" I can hear the passion in your voice and it's very wholesome to hear you geek out about the product you created. I think most people can tell it's not a sales pitch, you are just excited about the quality of your product and it shows.
Which is also why it works so well as an unintentional sales pitch.
@@Philip_J for real, isnt the phrase something like "cant sell something you dont believe in"?
Yes passion of money in his voices, I can feel it too
“Cause again I was in college... and we .. opened a lot of bottles.”
Omg a college students who drank, what a shocker 🙄
@@newthrash1221 I don’t think he put the quote to contest the idea of his college life. More so to relate or have a laugh with him.
@@newthrash1221 haters gonna hate
@@newthrash1221 bruh, why is everyone harassing this man, it's called sarcasm.
@King Croc you just angry cause never got invited to a college party and now everyone can see why lmao
Great Story, I worked with your Dad and he gave me a Camo Bottle hook, Still have it works great, Glad you have had success with your business and hope your dad and mom are doing well
Absolutely fantastic. Totally inspiring, foound this story through your leather craft vlogs
This guy sounds so genuine and I'm happy for him.
Very cool and so glad you posted this. We would love to see the patent process and your take on it.
Thanks!
As a Mechanical Engineer I found this inspiring. I went to college to learn how to manufacture useful, physical things like this, and found most manufacturing was moving over seas. Worse yet, most designs were being copied, often poorly, and undercutting costs so we could not make a living. I tip my hat to you sir.
Agreed, I'm studing mechanical engineering and like to see more countries having local industries and not outsourcing everything.
@@CircleSeven as some regular consumer though, I'm just after some robust item for cheap
Idk how much you really care to know but just fyi these are manufactured overseas. If you look on the website it says they're imported and that they're partnered with IAS which owns a factory in China where the casting is done.
@@TheSully48 Fair enough. Although I thought I saw "made in USA" on an early version. When you go to volume, it just makes sense. In my dealings with China for example, the cost of finished goods (shipping and tarrifs included) can be less than 1/2 the cost of raw materials in the United States. That blows my mind. I don't know how to fix that. Of course, for that price, the cost of defending your IP and scrapping the out of specification parts will cut into that gap, but generally not by enough. More power to the people that keep swinging, and fighting that battle I say.
I don't usually talk money but tbh it's more expensive to have them made overseas now than it was domestically - we couldn't find the quality we wanted in the US at the volume we needed and sampled from dozens of foundries all over the US for years. Custom brass mix, cooling times need to be monitored because of the open hook design so things don't get too brittle, specific finishing of the raw castings before plating...took almost 10 years to do it but i finally bit the bullet so we could get them up to the best quality possible.
love the story, love the product. Great work Eric:)
Great story, you’re very real and down to earth. Glad for your success :)
LOL!!!!!?????
I was just about to say Love the Story as well 😅😌
Never giving up pays off, endure and move forward (as it relates to his down time due to injury)
36$ bit expensive tho
for a piece of cast metal, would sell better at a lower price
My takeaway from this video:
"If you want to be successful, make something insanely useful in the worst way possible."
I am not even at the stage of wanting to be successful yet.
@@evilkidm93b i am not even in the stage of grasping the concept of success myself
I. Can. Not. Even. Successful.
"If you want to be successful, get extremely lucky"
@@miningcow "If you want to be lucky, get extremely successful."
"I'm not an inventor"
You are an inventor and a leather smith, just not a metal worker.
The noise of these jangling together is lovely.
"I don't want this to be a sales pitch." Proceed's to give the best sales pitch for the next 4 minutes.
And then doesn't have any product and does not sell in Europe. I can't imagine the amount of revenue missed here. Super sad.
We ship to Europe daily :) you can preorder the next batch on the website, didn't expect to sell out so fast haha
@@Corter You might wanna think about a division in England if you grow more.
Taxes make EU countries pay a lot more when it's from out of EU
@@martinljungberg5753 England is not in the EU
@@Corter YOU SOLD OUT?
youtube is a godsend for people like you
Yes I would like a patent "how to" video please
Ok! Coming up!
@@Corter Yay!
@@Corter Hello! If you can, could you please include costs and duration of the development of the patent.
I'll do my best, that's going to be VERY different for every individual product though
Definitely
1:58 "I've never been a big spender" sounds funny coming from a guy that makes wallets for a living lol
Well, if he doesn't spend it he'll need a lot of wallets to keep the cash in! 😅
@@lilypower i applaud you for this reply
@@Muudge thanks! 😁
😂😂😂😂
and for a guy who asks for 36 dollars for a bottle opener
Still rocking mine every single day. The first one snapped after a decade or so of daily use and I immediately went to buy another one, only to notice you had warrantied it and I was entitled to a replacement! Your product is fantastic!
Normally I'm annoyed by product placements and people constantly shoving things in my face they want to sell me but you actually made an interesting and informative video that features the product by necessity, so kudos to you.
this product is kinda useless
@@sgt.miningdrill2680 No it's not, it's made him a heap of money so therefore it was very useful to him...
@@bagpussmacfarlan9008 to him maybe but to other people i can't find any use for this
I needed bottle opener like twice in my life
Why would i lug it around
@@sgt.miningdrill2680 Well obviously you're not the entire world as it seems plenty of people find it useful or he wouldn't be making a video about how many he's sold 🤷♂
@@bagpussmacfarlan9008 i wouldnt be saying that if i knew people finding use for this
This item is probably targeted for americans anyway
Awesome story! I'm a product design engineer and it's so refreshing to see something created to solve a problem instead of so many companies trying to jump on a bandwagon to make cash...
But it was to make cash because his hand was fuxord and he needed another way to work. It's always about money. Love doesn't cost a thing but the rent does.
@@maxxsteele9396 He’s saying that it’s solving a problem while making money and not just making what’s popular at the time like fidget spinners or Gaming chairs, people making those are just copying off each other and not solving or making anything new
@@damianreed9081 You think making a 129 year old invention is new. This is the reason for the phrase, "build a better mouse trap."
Solving a problem doesn't automatically make the solution novel. Admiration for the problem solver doesn't separate it from it's monetary significance.
Why am I explaining this to you when he explained why he made it in the video? Come on and represent your species in a positive light for once. Pretend that human common sense is on trial. If found innocent you live. If found guilty, the planet is nuked from orbit.
@@maxxsteele9396 that was rude and unearned. "represent your species in a positive light" come on man
@@williampierce5579 If you and your little playmate don't want to set a good example for your people, someone else will. I refuse to believe that you're the best humanity has to offer.
Mad respect for the "I don't want this to be a sales pitch"
Reverse psychology
Watched a 20 min ad and doesn’t even know
If you didnt hurt your hand this could have never been created, incredible story !
Right! Sometimes necessity can be the be king!
You have no idea if that's true lol
@@DragonHuman00 Well it wouldn't have been by him though, Only reason he set out to make it was because he couldn't make Leather Wallets. 1:41
If he didn't hurt his hand, he would have drawn the thing quicker and made the hook right-handed.
@@Sniffowasabi Refer to my reply from a week ago.
He wouldn't have drawn it at all.
Rewatching this video two years since I saw it for the first time. The sheer humbleness of your story and this video completely changed me. It inspired me to be a better person and don't treat information and knowledge like a product - just share what you know to make the world a better place. Since then I have been lending my hand to any human being in this world without asking nothing in return, and I've been the happiest person for this.
These are the kinds of simple and genuine innovations that should be taught in high school. Because it would open up kids' thought process of how the world works and how anyone can not only invent cool stuff but also protect their patented ideas.
i mean you are right but a he was able to do that already being graduated from school. srry if my english is kinda bad im from argentina.
This is actually dumb.
honestly this is not even close to new- i have at least 10 bottle openers that i can attach to my keys.
@@MrJDG2011 idk why people praise this thing so much its a fucking bottleopener with key hold its nothing new and its overpriced af with 37 dollars
its a bottle opener - not exactly inventing anything.
SO weird, I've been watching your videos on leather working and then saw this. I've used this key chain for my keys for at least 5 years, never put it together that it was your design.
small world, i'm glad it's treating you well!
Basically saying “I cut my hand and couldn’t work so I spent all of my money making a bottle opener that I had no idea would sell” haha love that I’m glad it worked out
Kinda like Bob Ross used to say... "Happy Little Accidents"
it's interesting when inventions arrive at a time of loss, hardship and setback.
I've had my Bottlehook since 2015! The thing is built like a tank. It's been with me all around the world with me popping countless bottles along the way. It will forever be a part of my EDC - thank you for creating one of my favorite products ever! I will definitely be recommending the V3 to everyone and anyone who might need one
My man created this hooks without any plans to invent a $1M product, and now he just published a video without the intention to promote his product further. So pleasing to hear you talk about something you created I just want to buy one myself.
as the old saying goes :
"if it has 1 square inch of free space, it will have a bottle opener"
Wow, I have been following and watching your channel for a while now and this story was an unexpected surprise on what an entrepreneur and small business success story you have been. It's very inspiring. Through the lens of just your videos, it's easy to assume Corter Leather is a small simple operation (which I realize you are) but when you step back and realize all of your offerings, intellectual proprerties, partnerships, collaborations, etc it's clear how much hard work, investment, and good business acumen you really have. I have a lot to learn from this channel.... much more than just how to make a wallet. Thank you.
You should try to take this on Shark Tank but I guarantee they're gonna probably roll their eyes like "The bottle opener's already been invented, man."
we actually turned shark tank down 5-6 years ago haha, they took an automatic percentage of the company if you appeared on the show at the time. I think they've stopped doing that now but I was like 'well...i don't exactly know what i'd ask for?"
@@Corter ask for their connections to places like Home Depot etc.
@@Corter I know exactly what you mean. You currently have a manageable product and you are fully able to supply the demand. Glad you realized you had something cool and kept it fairly unique; I think the fact not everyone has one of these makes it more exclusive and much cooler. Not every product needs to be the next Scrub Daddy.
@@Corter They ( tank you no, I'll go make my million without you ) would want you to immediately start making the product in a factory in china or India from whom they likely have an interest in. I doubt they would see anything novel, especially without a utility patent. I am AMAZED you won a lawsuit against another making a similar shape and design, as most knockoffs only need to change the smallest detail. Congrats on that!
There was a keyring made in the 1970s that dissapeared. It was called jailer's key ring. Patterned roughly on a keyring used in jaihouses, so Otis could put himself to bed. It consisted of a solid round 1/4"dia brass ring, and from it a special swivel and a J-hoold with a ball on the end. This keyring sold in hair shops and giftstores, as well as sold by locksmiths. I could not get them in fast enough. They were made in a reg and large size. 19.99 and 29.99...back in the 1970s. If you want to give me a royalty of 2.00 per unit, I will send you ther only iteration of one of these you are likely to find today! ( Call ME Locksmith Wonderful )
@@Batmannerz It's crazy how much money someone has made off a happy face sponge. It kind of makes me...angry?
I remember this when it was on Kickstarter, backed the project and got myself the camo variant, still using it til today :)
Wow good for you! My Son is a Ferrier he makes all of his on shoes. In the process of improving on his craft he started making his own tools when one of his would break and now he makes knives for people to wear on their belts. I watched this whole video I’m only sorry that I just find it today! Thank you for the time you put into this video. Continued Success. In the process of again perfecting his craft he has become a Nationally Ranked Ferrier,I’m very proud of him as I’m sure your family is just as proud of you.
I like background stories like this, brings things into perspective. Love your stuff
Man this is actually so inspiring, a super simple product that can really fulfill the buyer's needs
It's a shame that theres so many people who have probably had amazing ideas like this but dont have the equipment motivation or skills to bring them to life
You don't need equipment, everything can be designed and produced externally. It's probably motivation like you say, and the ability to spend the time to learn what you need to learn, and execute what you need to execute.
@@PartDistribution so. Another thing to keep in mind is the ability physically or mentally. Now, what I mean by physically (im using myself as an example) i have severe pain throughout my body. Sometimes I can't even draw for 5 minutes without crying out in pain. So this is a HUGE hit or miss situation. Mentally, the pain has a huge toll on my mental health, so on days I don't feel much physical pain, I am drained emotionally.
I do truly try, but my health just isn't there sadly to keep up.
@@DeathProductions200 snap
It's a keychain with a bottle opener. Save "Amazing" for things like syringes and the wheel.
@@Colphin looking at your other comments it's clear your against this and when it comes to the price its high because each one of these are made by hand they dont have a big company now onto your comment yes the creation of syringes was a great time but even simple inventions can change life without you noticing think of things like stair railings or straws tinted lenses all things you dont think about but still have an effect on your quality of life
I learned years ago the "why didn't I think of that" is not grounds for sadness. It is grounds to forever keep striving forward. Every idea is a good idea for SOMEONE, you just need to find who it's the best idea for.
My first thought is I want one of these, than I remember that I can't remember the last time I opened that kind of bottle. After that I remember I have never hooked my keys or anything else in a beltloop. This shows that with billions of people in the world, there will always be a market for something that is well made and meets a need.
Thank you. I just purchased the stainless steel one. Glad I can support you since I've learned so much from your channel.
That was a cool story and very nice product 👌
i have only just found this by random YT algorithm, and I love how much passion you have for your products, and your passion for quality work!
I've never seen this thing before, but this is EXACTLY what I've been looks my for for my work keys.
just don't keep 'em next to your car keys
@@briancows8368 why not?
@@0xEden. well I don't wanna be the guy to explain the joke but..
its cause its a beer bottle opener and with car keys so ya know, cars and beer don't really go well together
I'm jealous of how good this idea was. Thank god that some people are brave enough to go through with million dollar ideas
I always liked such simple, but ingenious tools.
Thank you for sharing the story on how you brought it into life.
It's inspiring.
he sounds so innocent while saying "cause again, i was in college...and we opened a lot of bottles"
For someone who studies design right now, this is a really interesting story. Thank you.
You say you don't want it to be a sales pitch, but by the time you got there we all knew because you sounded so genuinely passionate about it.
I bought one of those original bronze/copper ones. and have long since lost it, was super nice while I had it. Thanks for having the throughput to put that thought into reality.
I bought this just because of the great story in this video. And I love it so far. Opens bottles perfectly and acts as an amazing key hook. Its very solid. It doesn't bend and I can trust the ring for holding my keys (ive had some bend in the past).
You're the reason why I started to get into leathercraft this past Winter, but this story is just amazing, I love it
This actually amazing man. Really glad to hear a story of someone taking something that should be a huge setback and turning it into an opportunity to do something really good for themselves. Good on you!
“I’m Not trying to sell this to you”
-Proceeds to sell it to us
Did you actually bought it?
Excellent to know the backstory of this success. Thank you for sharing. Im sure it will help many other Entrepreneurs. Great idea and video
This is awesome and love how humble you are. I’ve been tired of my typical carabiners I’ve owned but never really thought about there being an alternative. Just ordered a copper plated one and I’m really excited for it to arrive!
It’s a novelty bottle opener.
There isn’t really anything special about it, a mass produced Chinese bottle opener will get the job done.
It’s just like those fancy electric pepper grinders going for $300
LOL
THATS WHAT HE WANTED
CONGRATS U R FOOLED
You weren't trying to sell me a product. You told a beautiful story, and that's worth more than any advertisement could ever be worth.
Cant even imagine how thankful you must be for that one piece of glass
Thank you slum lord 🥺🙏
@@Jake-jo1iz?
if commercials were more like this, then i wouldn't mind watching. this really feels like an up close look.
Love that you don't cheap out and compromise on the finish of the product, it looks great.
maybe like 10 or more years ago I bought a belt from you. Then today I found one of your videos suggested by yt. (not this one). I love when things just come together and make connections down the road. and now I want a bottle hook.
I just discovered your channel, suggested for some reason by the TH-cam algorithm. What a wonderful story -- the V3 Bottlehook is really wonderful! I'm going to order some for gifts and myself! Wishing you continued success!
One of my favorite movie quotes on inventing, "See a Need, Fill a Need" from Robots. Thank you for sharing an interesting story and I do like the look of the v3.
I got one brass and one steel. So excited to see them in person! So proud to support this awesome brand!!
I got my solid brass bottlehook a few weeks ago. Its not that I open a lot of bottles, but it really is a gorgeous piece of work!
Just by looking at this video I can see how much effort you put in the stuff u make, Its so nice!
Love, love, love that you went through this. To see your patent to the number printed on the actual product.....that had to feel amazing. Thank you for covering some of the resources you used as well. They are beautiful and beautifully made.
This ,,patent,, exists for over 100 years soon.
@@misterfister7714 No, this specific patent was awarded for a set period of 14 years. It isn't a utility patent; it is a DESIGN patent (which only covers a very specific visual presentation).
As a quadriplegic this is perfect for me. I can attach it myself and no one can steal my keys out of my wheelchair's pouch no more.
Very nicely done, my father Alistair has been in Sales, Marketing, a buyer and has always told Me and explained in detail this very story not 100 % the same but how to cut corners, but I let life and others needs, come first in my life, so I have note pages, sticky notes, scraps of paper drawing books, diaries full with what I believe are marketable products. So in short My hats go off to You, the Wife (which with every successful Man out there, a Great Woman is right behind him Pushing, prodding, pouring him forward) and any another Team members Dog, Cat, friends, sister-in-law, etc. For getting it done. Thanks for sharing great, fantastic lives story, and examples of Goal Setting. Wit-Luv™ Andy T Barrie Ont. Canada
How can a quadriplegic even Move a HAND to hook this key chain anywhere at all. I'm not trying to be insensitive but isn't that what Quadriplegic Means or is this person just being A Smartass. From Lost somewhere in 🇨🇦
@@Busted.Knuckles.Garage You do realise Quadriplegic doesn't necessarily mean the limbs are entirely non-functional right? For example, maybe they cant move their shoulders but they can still move their bicep, bending their elbow? maybe they cant move their upper arm but roll their wrist and move their fingers? You don't know the specifics of their condition so you really have no leg to stand on in your statement. Pun intended.
As someone who regularly watched his mom take care of a quadriplegic man I can say with experience that man could move their hands and arms, Being impeded in movement of all four limbs is enough to be diagnosed as Quadriplegic, It doesn't mean they have no function of their limbs or their are entirely immobilised.
@@Busted.Knuckles.Garage they still use wheel chairs they steer with their mouths
@@alangarduno9540 how they using a key though bro they dangling off the key like a dog turning it with their mouth? how they opening anything they're supposed to have a care taker
Congratulations on your success. I would personally really appreciate a video on the patent process. I have a few things I’m working on by myself and am clueless on nearly everything. This video was helpful and inspiring. Thanks.
"I am not trying to sell it to you"
Me: Hmmmm, I kinda want one *goes to the site*
Message on the site: " YOU SOLD US OUT"...
Thanks for telling your story. Beautiful product, great story 👏.
Great sharing! It’s a wonderful story worth watching for!
As a wannabe entrepreneur, I find this inspiring and frustrating at the same time. To think something so simple could be so popular in this modern-day Byzantine market. Maybe one day I can follow in your footsteps.
Simple wearable objects actually sell a lot. Apparently, wallets are some of the most commonly crowd funded products.
The design is going to be a classic design in the future, like the paperclip. This is the Bottlehook, and it's going to appear in the dictionary.
Ngl the split rings are one of my favorite things here, something so simple but made so well
Incredible story! Sorry if this is a stupid question but doesn't this product exist for many years already and are availabe in most stores?
Great story! Very cool. I really like your channel and leather tutorials. Thanks for putting out the content that you do.
Great story! I still have my natural leather Corter belt from back in the day. Fun fact, I think I only know about your stuff from back in the VWVortex days!
Necessity is the mother of all inventions my dude. this is so cool. very inspiring!
This was an awesome story, I'm very happy everything worked out because is sounds like you took some huge risks at the start. The picture of the product didn't impress me until you showed that it hooked on a belt loop, as which point I was like "I need this!".
I have had the same $8 medium duty home Depot carabineer for 8 years and it's still like new. Has never failed me
Just bought 2 of these, exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks!
As a person who has keys, I need this.
As a Newfoundlander, I need this
Saying ur a newfy on the internet is risky
@@boopsaber6905 why
Really appreciate you sharing that story. Your channel is one of my favorites.
Had my bottlehook for several years now, wearing beautifully and still going very strong.
Such an awesome story! Inspirational. I love it.
Such a great story! Thank you for sharing your journey!
I love how you became a craftsman with leather, then inventor / designer, then entrepreneur, then business-man yet still kept that focus on product quality. Your product is not only a useful commodity / novelty - it's a symbol of what can be achieved when western mind gets creative. Others can only copycat without really understanding the story behind it. You've made someone's life better, made him/her feel better, satisfied his/her need, created a conversation piece. I salute you. God bless you, sir.
Its less about eastern and western minds, just creativity in peoplr
I love this video. The genuine pride you have in this product came through in the video, and is really what charmed me into watching the whole thing. I don't have a reason why I watched it all, but I really don't feel like I need it. 10/10, very interesting! Please continue leading an awesome life!
This is extraordinarily interesting, thank you so much for giving such a great transparent look into how one launches a new product. So insightful.
Great story and really nice product. I really like the look, very professional.
Ok I finally subscribed after staying up all night watching leather working videos and making a list of things to buy. Thanks!!
Amazing story, main things was that this didn't change anything in you. You seem as humbled as you were back then. Kudos to you and your journey.
Dude this is awesome. I'm glad that inspiration hit you right when it did. Educational too, on top of all the other cool factors 😤
Gonna have to get one (or several, probably several) someday.
I’m loving the brass. I might just have to get one of those
Beautiful story. I'm so happy for your success! Well done :D God bless.
why do 1.6k people not like this vid ? it's a great tale of an idea, through the various stages, brought to fruition. good luck to you.
I would love to see a story of the patent process and what it took to get through it.
No it's not a simple process, and lots of $
I've owned one of these since ~2015, it's one of the only things I own that I think will last me my entire lifetime.
Your video is helping me a lot with my TH-cam activities. Thank you. This video is also very helpful.
Great video! I loved the story! Thank you for sharing! 😎👍🏻
Congratulations on your success and good to hear the story..well Done. GOD BLESS..I like the idea of making leather stuff. But I don't know where to start so I started watching utube and came across your videos. Love your videos and they way you explain everything especially for someone that knows nothing about leather. Hope to get all the tools I need n some leather n make my own stuff. Any advice to someone new to this will be appreciated. Thank you..Love from South Africa 🇿🇦 🙏