This is base on what little I understand of US Patents (does not apply outside of the US)... I could be wrong but I don't think you can patent an idea, but rat

This is base on what little I understand of US Patents (does not apply outside of the US)... I could be wrong but I don't think you can patent an idea, but rather, a specific process, method, technology, etc... That said, the overall cost of a patent can be quite expensive, ranging in the 5-figures all told. Its a process at that. As for your original question, I guess like most things, it depends. Personally, I would like to see the idea gain some traction first before you attempt to make any unnecessary expensive decisions towards doing a patent, especially if you don't have the money to lose.