[TimmyP]

This looks like a scam. Smells like a scam, and might be a big scam.
First I received an E-mail like this.

I saw your design on CT: http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/custom-chip-mock-ups/32849-my-fantasy-illegals-5-colors.html

My partner and I are starting the latest and greatest Custom Ceramic Chip Production business and are looking for a test market.

We are going to be offering prices below every other Ceramic Maker out there and we will be making exactly the same chips as Nevada Jacks, Mr. Chips, Palm Imports, etc.

We are currently working on pricing and also a "Design for Chips" program.

So there are 2 ways for you to save money.

1. Simply take advantage of our low pricing.
2. Participate in our "Design for Chips" program.
   1. In the innovative "Design for Chips" program the artist licenses us to produce and sell the chip as a stock item.
   2. Artist can receive compensation in 4 different ways.
      1. Profit Sharing on EACH chip sold for as along as the chips are sold
      2. Lump Some Payment once we sell X amt of the chips.
      3. Gift Certificate to use with us once we sell X amt of chips.
      4. A Full 300 or 500 chip set once we sell X amt of chips.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in please let us know.

Thanks,
Steven

So I sent them an Email and this was the response.

I should be receiving samples of stock chips from my factory in a couple of days.
I can then send you some samples so you can compare the quality.

If you would like for me to include in these samples of YOUR artwork, please send the artwork to me ASAP (by midnight PST).

(there will be a small fee if you opt for this since running a small number of chips is rather expensive--on a per chip basis).

Any thoughts?

[Chipaway]

No way. Business is not ran or offered in that way at all.

[Diablo_Rojos]

Better hope they're not ripping your designs. Watermark that stuff.
BTW your mockups are flippin sweet.

[Wedge Rock]

Yeah, if they want your design, they should run prototypes, not sell you prototypes...

[TimmyP]

My favorite part of the E-Mail.

please send the artwork to me ASAP (by midnight PST).

I Googeled them, it comes up to a password protected web site.

[JM]

Actually, this same kind of offer was being made by one of the sponsors here at one point. I don't think its a scam.

But you definitely don't want to be sending ANY artwork until you have a contract in hand!

[WolfPack]

kinda sounds like the chiplab, but with sunfly instead of chipco

[mrcashflow]

I was just about to send them a response which I assume was similar to yours TimmyP. thanks for posting this. I think I'll hold off for now. the lack of a website concerned me before seeing your post too. (Corrected)

[WolfPack]

i didn't get their email, I was just making an observation.

[tmpa2001]

Originally Posted by Wedge Rock

Yeah, if they want your design, they should run prototypes, not sell you prototypes...

Lets HAMMER the Deuce Seven offsuit HAMMER!!!
mauahahahha!!!

I love the mob mentality.

Anyways, it looks like others charge for prototypes:

From Mr Chips forum: http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/mrchip...mic-chips.html

Prototypes
If you want a preview how the finished product will look like we can:
1) Print and send prototype chips of your designs for $45 including shipping.
2) Print and send you a picture of the prototype chips for $30.