TL;DR. Is there a way to "suggest a feature" to a company (In this case a software developer), and have them pay you for it? (Either as a consultant, and/or a fee for the "idea"?).How would I approach this? (From the pitch, to valuing "what is appropriate" for compensation?).And how do I make sure I am compensated, and they don't just say "we would if we could" or "That's on the roadmap" and then introduce it in 5 years?----Just before I get too deep into this, yes.. I just have a few "ideas" at this point. BUT, they are very strong, well thought out ideas. I have planned exactly how they should function and why they would be game changing (Especially in combination with each other). But as a power user of this software, I could project manage the hell out of these (and the many other ideas that come to me daily). So I'm not planning to just tell them to "build an impossible feature" and then leave all the details up to them. I know how it should be done. I just won't be coding it any time soon.I'm not looking to build it and "compete", or be aquired for my tech, or as a plugin. And even if I was, most of this should REALLY be core functionality, so I'm sure some of it will be added eventually, which would either kill my venture or force me to innovate, when all I was wanting was better software, and a fair price for my efforts.They do have a "Suggest a feature" email/forum, but they almost seem unmonitored, and IF we see them, they turn up years later. Even if I was going to suggest these features for free, I'd want to know I had their attention before I made the effort.So... whilst I just hope they read my mind and do all this with or without me (It's sorely needed), if it comes from my mouth... I think I should get paid.My questions are:1. Especially with them already "asking for ideas" publicly (but then not really seeming to listen) how do I get my ideas in front of them, and have them cut me a fair cheque?Is there an accepted standard place to start when negotiating for something like this? (% of sales? One time payment? etc. )If I pitch the idea, and they like it but don't want to pay, what's stopping them from just doing it anyway? (And saying something like "Obviously that was part of the plan all along".)Side question: In the past I've also had app ideas that in reality would perhaps have been a great feature to add to someones existing app with a huge user base rather than trying to build my own around this one thing. So with things like this, what would you do?Stop me here if I'm just dreaming and have no ability to try and get these ideas in front of them and asking for payment, (even though I think they'd have a lot to gain if they did).Otherwise, read on for more context...One idea I have is so damn obvious that it makes me angry I have ti suggest it. And it's not complicated at all. I feel like it could be added in an afternoon. But the marketing tagline for the next version of "27% extra x" would move copies.Also, the tech for one of the features I am putting forward has existed exists elsewhere for around a decade (so could be acquired, modified, licensed, etc), and it should have been a CORE feature of this $400 software for years by now. But it's not found in any software that needs it, (with the exception of a stand alone product I just discovered which is about to get a "free trial download" from me, and if it does what I hope, an almost guaranteed $25 a month and a lot of referrals. (And STILL I think my implementation is far superior, and would gain/retain users if it was added).So I genuinely believe that if they implemented my ideas, they would gain marketshare, and could even raise their prices and fund expansion and innovation.And if they won't pay, that's ok. But my ideas don't only apply to them. I feel "loyal", and want "my" software to be the best, but... if someone does take a meeting and wants to offer me something of value... I'd be listening...So, what do I want?- Fair payment for the "great idea" and the project management I assume they'd want me to do.But I don't know what it's worth, or where to start negotiations? If they offered me $50K up front, but I had to consult or that price too, that's just a low paid job. So I don't want to sell myself short if it's worth $1M, or if I could be getting "25c per copy/10c per subscription, per feature for life".In addition:- I'm not really after a "job" because I like what I do now. But if they offered one, it would need to be pretty impressive, and kind of impossible to refuse.- I'm also willing to consult (But that seems like a "less secure job without the benefits"), and I also think that should be accompanied by a fair payment for the idea.So... any advice would be really appreciated.. :)If you read this far, I'm hoping it's because you think I could be on to something here. But if you are going to say that I don't have anything until I build it ask them to buy it, I hear you. Just say it kindly. :) see hubwealthy.com/wealthy
