Asking people for money is the best way to validate a business. If people pay enough for a profit, the idea is valid. If they don't it isn't. You can ask peopl

Asking people for money is the best way to validate a business. If people pay enough for a profit, the idea is valid. If they don't it isn't. You can ask people to pay before there is a product. Asking people if they will pay is not the same thing because it is less bruising to the ego. Competitors don't matter so long as people are paying enough for profits...just don't take out a big loan and do talk to your customers. Good luck.