Pattern Testing Etiquette?

[Lazurii]

For the record I'm not going to disclose all information because I am paranoid and afraid someone will steal my idea.  That being said I want to start a sewing pattern company for a niche market.  My patterns will include a lot of sizes, up into the plus range.  I obviously will need to test my patterns before I sell them.

So, what is the etiquette for testing patterns?  How do I find testers?  Do I pay them for their time?  Their materials?  Or is(are) the finished garment(s) payment enough?  How does that work?

Thanks for any input, I really appreciate it.

[CraftyChef]

It seems to me that you would be able to organize better by getting local testers, pretty easily found in your local sewing/crafts shops if the managers would agree to let you leave a flier or something. I would think, if it's a niche market, people would want to pick out their own materials for the most part if they get to keep what they make. The free pattern would be enough, I think; just get their full contact information so you can nudge them for feedback if you have to.

[Lazurii]

Thanks for the reply, that's a great idea!