Hi there, would really appreciate your thoughts / input on a new business idea I've been developing during lockdown.
Background: The business idea is lockdown born, as I have become the chief camp builder in my house for my 9 & 11 year olds. Every Friday, I build a surprise camp in one of their bedrooms, which they then use to watch a movie and sleep in. Often times the camp will be up for a while and they'll sleep in it (until arguments result in it being taken down!). My 11 year old son has added a big box to his room which he now uses as his den, and will sit in/draw/listen to music/watch screens... They love the outdoors, and love building any kind of camps whether indoors or outside. Truth is building a camp/den that accommodates them, without completely moving all the furniture around is quite tricky, and I've started to get out some of the camping stuff we've got stashed away. I've looked around for indoor camp sets/dens for the 5+ age range, but they are usually v. low quality, or designed for much younger kids.
The Idea: Is to develop a 'modular' system using poles & connectors, that allows kids to use their imagination and to connect them up to build their own frames. Materials can then be draped/attached to the frame to create different shape camps. The poles/connectors would be sold in packs that would accommodate specific designs, but of course you be bought individually to expand the camps. These can be built indoors/outdoors (though they're not a substitute for a tent).
Materials: I'd like to make the materials as eco-friendly as possible, so toying with bamboo poles or recycled plastic. Connectors would most likely have to be made out of plastic. Initially I think it would be a case of selling the frames, but I've also looked at sourcing materials (possibly using recycled sheets etc.). Could add in other additions down the line.
So that's the idea... I'd love to know if you think:
- It's got legs?!? I can take constructive / harsh criticism
- Your thoughts / Feedback?
- Would your loved one enjoy this? What age range do you think you're looking at?
- Concerns?
- Anything else...
My plan is to look at a prototype, and then to run a kickstarter at a later date, assuming I'm not barking up the wrong tree completely.
Thanks, really appreciate it!