Post 814924 by kmb on 2017-12-06 20:55:02
Hello folks - Just after some opinions from the wise people on here...
A few months back I was considering whether to do some more further education to keep my aging mind busy, but since the cost for an MBA was €16k euro a year I thought... how about building a small company from scratch with one of my buddies (whilst continuing to work full-time) this would give exposure to things like Design, Planning, Marketing etc. learn some new skills, you get the idea.
Well after 5 months of preparation it just launched - The company is called Goodboy Innovations Ltd and is UK registered. Website http://www.goodboyinnovations.com
The product is quite simply a high friction rubber mat with a foot grip (2 sizes to start that cover 80% of circular pedal bins in the market), I've trialled one of the first production items for the last month and my fricking Brabantia bin hasn't moved a millimetre i.e. the product works brilliantly... which is good since my pedal bin is usually sliding around and has knackered the wall behind the bin and scratched the floor. 5 other friends in France/UK have been trying and impressed with the initial samples. Patent is lodged and pending.
Any opinions on the website, plus if you could FB like/share to start reaching an audience, this would be greatly appreciated.
Facebook page is a work in progress here: https://www.facebook.com/goodboyinnovations/
Here's a rough video we filmed in my living room a few weeks back to let you know what it is... We're approaching some of the bin manufacturers with free samples and offering them exclusive branding and the chance to buy direct. Betterware, Easylife, Lakeland and QVC will probably be approached!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30kE7sYfRpU&feature=youtu.be
I fully expect to make sweet FA from this venture, and I know manufacturing is hard work, but it's been more about starting things and learning some new skills. We own the IP, moulds, specs etc.
Would be really interested to know your thoughts.
Many thanks in advance!
Post 814926 by Doingitsideways on 2017-12-06 23:40:12
If you're expecting to make nothing then you've nothing to lose apart from your setup/tooling costs.
I've been in business with friends before and it has ended in tears.
It is truly amazing how quickly the closest friends or family can fall out over money, but if you're both of the same expectation then you're half way there.
Could go either way really.
Could turn into a successful little business that could grow and grow, or it may not.
Either way, I wish you the best of luck :)
Post 814929 by kmb on 2017-12-07 08:49:09
Cheers Mr Sideways, that's basically been it cost wise i.e. our effort in, plus the setup and tooling - It's an aligned approach with my buddy to see what happens and the day job (unfortunately) continues :o
Post 815037 by kmb on 2017-12-21 08:40:56
So, little update on this - Somewhat surprisingly we have sold a few in the first couple of weeks, with very little advertising, customer approaches are going out for potential accessory listing with the major bin manufacturers.
All quite exciting :D
Post 815057 by MoleT-5R on 2017-12-24 11:19:48
Just seen this Kevin, it all sounds exciting and I'm glad the product has started to move with very little advertising, good luck with the new venture and I look forward to hearing how you get on with this project.
Merry Christmas
Post 815058 by V70dan on 2017-12-24 12:35:43
Reali what on earth does plaggy dust bin floor stoppers have to do with Volvo's duck. I am confused surely u should be approaching folks like the dragons .
Any how marry Christmas to every one hope they get all the ipd parts they need and want .
Post 815099 by kmb on 2017-12-28 12:24:54
[QUOTE=V70dan;815058]Reali what on earth does plaggy dust bin floor stoppers have to do with Volvo's duck. I am confused surely u should be approaching folks like the dragons .
Any how marry Christmas to every one hope they get all the ipd parts they need and want .[/QUOTE]
:troutslap That's why it's in the Banter Bar, Merry Xmas to you too (hope Santa delivered the IPD parts) :)
Post 815100 by kmb on 2017-12-28 12:28:02
[QUOTE=MoleT-5R;815057]Just seen this Kevin, it all sounds exciting and I'm glad the product has started to move with very little advertising, good luck with the new venture and I look forward to hearing how you get on with this project.
Merry Christmas[/QUOTE]
Cheers Adrian, very best wishes to you too for the festive season and year ahead! Will try and push the idea a bit more as we move into the new year :)
I hear from Damien that your seats are going strong in the T5, saw him and the car a couple of month back and it was one of the finishing touches.