Idea validation is the process of testing and validating your business idea prior to launch.  This could be the testing and validation of a product, service, business name, website, etc.  The object is to get feedback from consumers before committing enormous resources to developing the idea.

You've probably heard stories of people who spent tens of thousands of dollars on their startup idea before knowing whether or not it has market acceptance.  It is wasteful to spend thousands of dollars getting a trademark, patent or developing a product before knowing whether or not consumers are willing to buy it.

Hence, it is important to test and validate your idea before taking out a 2nd mortgage on the home or squandering the family fortune.

Testing and validating the idea is not an expensive proposition.  There are many ways that you can approach this task without going broke.  The methods listed below are some of the most cost effective ways to test and validate your business idea.