The pitch that resonates the most with me is the one for the portable children’s toy, PlayMaysie. This product resonated with me the most for multiple reasons, including the story behind the development of the product—the intended purpose of the product and the product itself.
The founder of PlayMaysie is a woman who had to face adversity in her personal life by getting divorced, moving out to live by herself for the first time, and figuring out the timing of her motherhood without a partner. She followed her heart and curiosity, leading to her adopting a baby girl. Later, she continued to pursue her interest by following up on her idea: a dollhouse in a suitcase, which would become PlayMaysie, the portable dollhouse. This product intentionally offered convenience in play on the go and gave back by allocating some of the proceeds to help foster care children. I liked the product itself because it was colorful, incorporated a theme, and looked like it would be fun to use for all children, such as my niece.
The product’s concept presented to the ‘sharks’ is a portable dollhouse that can be used indoors and outdoors by its design to create less mess for parents to clean up especially first-time moms who may be tired or busy with other parenting tasks. The magnetic feature of the pieces makes it possible to easily keep all the items together without losing them or creating a mess in the house. With the additional concept of a suitcase, this feature makes it an idea to take on the go. The toy will also stimulate children’s imagination and creativity.
The gap this product fills is the need for a portable and versatile playset that can be used in various settings. As mentioned by the founder when coming upon this idea, there was no dollhouse in a suitcase. There was no product with a feature such as a magnet to keep everything easily attachable. Many parents are looking for toys that are easy to transport and can keep their children entertained while on the go. First-time moms, or all parents, for that matter, want to be able to clean up the play area in their homes as fast and quietly as possible, so looking for new products that can provide that efficiency is always appreciated and wanted. PlayMaysiev makes the play process easier by providing children with a structured environment that stimulates their imagination and encourages creativity.
Consumers should want this product because it provides a fun and engaging way for children to stay occupied by playing with different scenarios. Various versions, such as a wild, kitchen, and bathroom theme, allowed children to be entertained and learn. The dolls were also gender-inclusive and diverse, enabling all children to be comfortable playing and learning with an open mindset. The portable aspect of the toys will relieve the burden on parents and make it fun for children to pick up and move from room to room.
To best position this product, it should be branded and packaged to emphasize its easy transportation and clean up as well as educational benefits and versatility, which it is currently doing. The packaging should clearly explain the different accessories in the playset, shown on the website and advertisement. The branding should highlight the portability of the toy, making it clear that it can be taken on the go and used in various settings, which is done by being in a lunch box/suitcase style with a band to be able to carry it around the shoulder. The founder’s story and the company’s purpose of giving back to foster children by providing them with their own PlayMaysie should also share to make that an additional reason people would want o buy this product. Overall, the product should be marketed to parents who are looking for a fun and educational toy that can keep their children entertained and engaged while on the go or at home while also helping other children in need.
References
About the Founder. PlayMaysie. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://playmaysie.com/pages/about-1?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwo7iiBhAEEiwAsIxQEbiRxW4MwREVOYRNGaGKNhou0yyGD7y74EmLo5DrIcoi01h_yxbNJhoCSgIQAvD_BwE
O’Malley-Smith, S., & About the author Shana O’Malley-Smith. (2022, November 7). Just us: Kayla Lupean shares her adoption story –. Northeast Ohio Parent. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://www.northeastohioparent.com/featured/just-us-kayla-lupean-shares-her-adoption-story-and-how-shes-building-a-business-to-give-back/
Shark Tank season 14 episode 20 online. ABC. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://abc.com/shows/shark-tank/episode-guide/season-14/20-episode-20
