Category Archives: Product Concepts

These posts will be added to our Student Work menu item. This category should be used for submitting posts for our Week F Assignment.

Product Concept: Shark Tank S14 E20

Djibrilla Issa Hamani

MAR 100-B051

P. Buckler

Week F: Shark Tank

I chose the second pitch from Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 20 for this project because I found it captivating. Furthermore, I am fascinated by clothing and its power to influence our emotions and self-expression. I can also say that on the show, we also saw two people seeking investments, but they did not receive any funding. They were, however, given the opportunity to expand their firm with the help of a multi-millionaire Shark who promised to teach them.

In this episode, the two partners presented their unique concept of clothing developed particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. The partners spoke strongly about how they had spotted a void in the fashion business, with very few clothing options accessible for people who don’t match the standard gender binary. They stated how this discovery inspired them to found Dapper Boi, a business that caters to people who want to express themselves through apparel that suits their identity. Their proposal was appealing because they spoke from personal experience and demonstrated a deep understanding of their target market’s demands. Their enthusiasm and commitment were contagious, and it was evident that they had a strong vision for the future.

The Brand Dapper Boi is designed to fit all body types, regardless of gender, and provides a much-needed alternative to traditional gendered clothing lines. In essence, Dapper Boi’s objective is to make fashion more inclusive and accessible to everyone. I think brand like Dapper Boi has a lot in common with FUBU funded by Shark Daymond John. These are brands created to represent minorities and also include everybody within the fashion business.

During the pitch, the entrepreneurs asked for $250,000 in exchange for a 5% interest in their company. They also stated that their lifetime sales were $3.5 million, up from $1.5 million the previous year. When questioned how much their items cost, the entrepreneurs revealed that it costs $9.40 to make a shirt, which they sell for $60. Furthermore, they stated that a pair of jeans costs $15 to make and $99 to sell, resulting in significant profit margins.

I think the consumers may need the clothing Brand Dapper Boi because it provides gender-neutral apparel alternatives that appeal to a wide range of body types and gender expressions, making shopping more inclusive and affirming. Dapper Boi also allows people to express themselves genuinely via their attire and feel comfortable and secure in their own skin by providing a varied choice of clothing options. CNN states that: “Approximately 1.2 million people living in the US identify as nonbinary, according to a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Of those 1.2 million people, the majority are under 29 years old and White” (CNN, 2021). We are sure that these people will want for themselves brand like Dapper Boi that represent them which will create the demand.

         To appeal to its consumers, I think Dapper Boi has to develop new ways and policies. First, I will suggest that Dapper Boi could utilize branding and packaging that reflects this concept, such as including images and content that promotes variety and individuality. Second, I think the brand should work on getting new distributors and suppliers which will help them deliver the product to the customers: Prior to the epidemic, they reported that it took them 4 to 7 weeks to supply their supplies to consumers. When the pandemic struck, however, delivery times were extended by several months. Additionally, Dapper Boi could also underline its devotion to sustainability and ethical production processes, which are significant values for many customers. And finally, I must say, they should as well work on the packaging. A package is very important in modern business: It’s an innovative way to catch a potential customer attention make a lasting impression. This episode, we could clearly see that the owners of Dapper Boi did not invest in Packaging.

 

Works Cited

CNN, Leah Asmelash. “1.2 Million Nonbinary People Live in the US, a New Study Says.” CNN, www.cnn.com/2021/06/23/us/nonbinary-survey-study-number-trnd-wellness/index.html.

Week F – Shark Tank Assignment

This one was pretty fun for me and the pitch I liked best was fro “Dapper Boi.”

Dapper Boi is a fashion brand that specializes in creating stylish and comfortable clothing for people who don’t fit the traditional “men’s” or “women’s” sizes. I immediately connected with this brand and as a queer person I appreciate the company! The founders of Dapper Boi, Kyle and Kris, were seeking a $250,000 investment for a 10% equity stake in their company.

Their clothing line includes items such as button-up shirts, blazers, and trousers that are designed to fit a variety of body types. They use high-quality materials and innovative design features to create clothing that is comfortable and stylish, while also being gender-inclusive.

Dapper Boi has already established a strong following within the LGBTQ+ community, and they have seen significant growth in sales over the past year. With the investment they are seeking, they plan to expand their product line and increase their marketing efforts to reach a broader audience. I believe they would have a better chance marketing their brand more in social media platforms, as well as selling their product online. (Which they have! Check out their website. 🙂
https://www.dapperboi.com/ looks super clean.)

They are a company that is not only is addressing the gap in the fashion market but is also making a positive impact by promoting inclusivity and diversity. In my opinion, Dapper Boi has the potential to become a leader in the gender-inclusive fashion industry, and with their investment, they can continue to grow and make a difference.

“Shark Tank .” Season 14, episode 20.
Dapper Boi, https://www.dapperboi.com/

PlayMaysie

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

Dapper Boi

Aldon Lamb
MAR 100- B051

Dapper Boi

This essay choice was an easy one for me. As a queer person who doesn’t fit a ‘normal’ body type, I immediately connected with Vicky and the pitch for their brand, “Dapper Boi.” Vicky and Charisse Pasche began their brand for the simple reason that Vicky wasn’t comfortable in typical men or women’s clothing. I loved the enthusiasm of the wife team and the models they brought with them. The couple really cares about their brand and their inclusivity and that’s why I chose them.

The product that they presented is their “Dapper Boi” brand with its gender and size inclusive jeans, tops, and outerwear. The pair came in hot and started presenting their original dilemma which was that Vicky couldn’t find women’s clothes that fit her style or men’s clothes that fit her body type. They wanted to create a brand that she felt comfortable in as a queer person of a larger body type with “a booty”. They work to create a brand that reaches people of all shapes, sizes, and origins so that they can feel comfortable in their clothing without having to shop in a section that may make them uncomfortable.

Vicky and Charisse are hoping to use their brand as a way to bridge the gap between the two mainstream genders with an androgynous style for people who don’t necessarily subscribe to our society’s gender norms. A ’genderless’ clothing brand is a great concept in today’s push for breaking gender roles and understanding that we are all much more than what gender we are assigned at birth. I do believe in what they are trying to put forward and that they have done a great job thus far with the exception of a few marketing mistakes.

As far as branding and packaging goes, I think they have some room for improvement. To begin with, I think the name is a little… divisive even if the intent is to bridge a gap. They are trying to become more mainstream and appeal to more audiences, but their brand has a gendered term in it, even if the term is spelled in playful way. I think this creates a subconscious pause in a lot of female-identifying humans. A change of brand title may draw the eye of a broader audience.

The pair do however seem to be in the best position as far as having their online store as opposed to brick and mortar. I think that unless they built their own brick and mortar stores, they don’t make a ton of sense in a department store. The idea that they would create a “middle area” just isn’t practical for 90% of stores selling clothing and would cost the company a substantial amount of money up front.  In my opinion, they could do more business by taking the “bespoke box” approach. This would give them the money to purchase the garments before they’re made and have a better idea of how many to order. They would be able to send out a monthly box that has all the right sizes for the consumer and that consumer can purchase what they like and return the remaining items. The leftover garments that aren’t purchased by the original recipient can then be sold as individual items on their store as a limited supply.

When it comes to the question of, “Do I need this?” and “Does this fill a hole that I have in my everyday life?”. I think the answer is yes. To the right individuals, something as small as pants that are the correct fit and style or a shirt that fits and hides the parts of themselves, they don’t identify with, can be life changing. While this may not be a need for everyone, it is a need for a growing number of human beings who are struggling to find a place where they are comfortable and feel beautiful in their own skin. As a person that wears clothes that don’t always identify with my gender, I really think Dapper Boi is doing a beautiful thing.

Work Cited 

“Shark Tank .” Season 14, episode 20.

Dapper Boi, https://www.dapperboi.com/.

Week F – Shark Tank Assignment

The pitch that resonated with me the most was Kayla Lupean’s pitch for Play Maysie. I have been working with young kids for 10 years, both as an educator and as a babysitter/nanny, so I am very familiar with the pain of stepping on stray legos. Beyond not having to deal with the annoyances caused by stepping on and having to clean up small toys, I appreciate Play Maysie’s goals of being sustainable and encouraging children of all genders to engage in doll play.

Described by Kayla as “a portable dollhouse for quality play on the go and less mess at home,” the Play Maysie dollhouse cases were inspired by vintage tin lunch boxes. When they are opened, the case contains two interchangeable rooms with magnetic floors and wooden floors, and because of the structure of the case and the materials inside, clean-up and storage are extremely easy.

This product fills the need for toys that are quick and easy to clean up, won’t hurt so badly when accidentally stepped on, and encourages children of all genders to engage in imagination play (which helps with emotional, social, language development and more) all while also being sustainable for the environment and portable. This is a product that is both fun for children and nostalgic for adults (through the case design and the nod to the paper dolls era that many of us grew up in). With all of this considered, and as evidenced by the revenue that Kayla was able to amass in her first couple of years of sales, the Play Maysie dollhouses are absolutely filling a hole in the toy market.

The price for the toy ($49.99) is quite expensive for the average American household, especially considering the ways that inflation is impacting most households’ disposable income. I think that the toy design as is great, but I would love to see a more affordable version of the dollhouses offered, more patterns, and more diversity in the dolls. By increasing the diversity of the dolls and providing a more affordable version of the dollhouses, I think that Play Maysie will be able to appeal to more kinds of households. I think that Play Maysie’s website does a great job of sharing its story while also encouraging visitors to biome customers. Though their website is great, I think that their Instagram feed is somewhat inconsistent in regard to their posting schedule. I think that they should post more consistently and engage with their digital community better (engage via comments etc vs just liking comments). I would love to see more of the content that Play Maysie posts on YouTube, on their Instagram. They have stop-motion animation videos on their YouTube, and I think this can further induce nostalgia for parents who grew up when this type of animation was more popular, while also introducing a new generation of children to yet another form of play that they can easily engage in with their dollhouse. Furthermore, during her pitch, Kayla mentioned that she has a children’s book coming out and will be writing more about the stories of the dolls. Animating these stories with stop animation or claymation techniques would be incredibly cute and fun, and, in my opinion, would perform very well on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Product Concept Assignment

After watching season 14 episode 20 of Shark Tank and viewing all four pitches, the one that reasonated with me most was Hector Saldivar and his product line called Tia Lupita Foods. The reason why I loved his product and pitch is because I love how the food he created comes from his cultural background and how he decided to use clean ingredients that help him stand apart from other hispanic food brands at the supermarket. I like to try foods from different cultures myself, to use in my home cooking, but I’m the type who really cares about what I put in my body. I like that Mr. Saldivar cares about making his brand both tasty and healthy and chooses not to add unnecessary ingredients. I also liked that he incorporates ingredients that are unfamiliar, such as the nopal cactus. It is a native plant to Mexico and used in plenty of Mexican dishes, but this was the first time I heard of it.

Hearing about the backstory of Tia Lupita Foods, like how Mr. Saldivar explained that his mother would send him their family hot sauce recipe after he moved to the states from Mexico, was relatable and made me think about the closeness of my relationship with my mother as she would send me home cooked food whenever we spent time apart. Overall, I thought his presentation was funny, engaging and his product is one I would be most likely to buy and invest in if I were a shark. I actually will be trying Tia Lupita Foods in the near future.

I think a lot of people want to eat healthy, but sometimes are short on time due to busy schedules so it’s easy to reach for an unhealthy snack. So I like that Tia Lupita makes healthy chips and tortillas that are convenient to have at home to snack on or make quick meals in a half hour’s time. Mr. Saldivar mentioned that both the chips and tortillas are a low glycemic food, meaning that it is slowly digested while being absorbed by the body and causes a small, slower rise in blood sugar levels, which is good for those who are diabetic. Eating low glycemic foods can also help prevent negative health effects such as heart disease, stroke and damage to our nerves and kidneys.

This is a good product for people who are health conscious, and like food to take on the go or to have at home for parties, special occasions, or simply a quick healthy meal and snack while watching TV or doing their work. For me personally, chips are one of my mother and I’s favorite snacks. I used to eat Lays, Doritos and Ruffles chips all the time growing up. But as I got older and started reading the back of the ingredients lists, I would get turned off by things I did not recognize. I started doing research on the ingredients in these chips and realized I was doing my health a disservice by eating them so I stopped buying them. I still love chips but now I look for those that have simple, few and easy to recognize ingredients. My mother absolutely loves chips but she is a diabetic, and I try to encourage her to eat snacks that she might enjoy that also won’t be bad for her health. The Tia Lupita cactus tortilla chips would be perfect for her.

Products like Tia Lupita Foods shouldn’t just be a want, but it should be a need for consumers because our food, especially processed foods, are so unregulated here in the United States. Food agencies apart of the government allow food companies to put synthetic ingredients and chemicals into our food, and this has been linked to certain cancers, infertility, hormone disruption, developmental delays, obesity, heart disease and much more in both sexes. There was also a study done in 2022 by Datassential stating how younger people in the United States now prefer Mexican food over other cultural cuisines.

Keeping all of this in mind, consumers need products like this because as interests shift to certain cultural cuisines, knowing the store bought versions can sometimes be unhealthy, it’s important if they want to maintain their health and possibly change the landscape of the food industry. The pharmaceutical industry makes millions of dollars each year profiting off of people’s health issues with medication. A lot of this comes from what we eat, and even supermarket food is a huge culprit of bad health like the problems mentioned, especially due to cheap processesed food.

If we put our dollars towards a product like Tia Lupita Foods, that has ingredients that are simple and non-GMO and stop buying other brands that are junk, we would do good for our body long-term. We would also stop supporting bad food brands that only care about making profit and nothing else. I bet the CEOs of these unhealthy brands don’t even eat the foods they market and sell. They probably eat foods similar to Tia Lupita Foods instead. Consumers do need more foods like these on the shelves at the supermarket, simply because in a perfect world (or country) we shouldn’t have to worry about what we are literally consuming. It’s great to have a brand like Tia Lupita that cares about making a difference health wise, and I can definitely support that.

Mr. Saldivar joked on the Shark Tank episode that eating good should be easier than trying to touch your ears with your elbows, and I think that would be a great way to play on marketing tactics for his business. Tia Lupita Foods has distinguished itself from other similar hispanic food brands by its quality ingredients because it contains superfoods, but I would not be aware of it by just looking at the packaging. While the packaging is colorful and vibrant, so are other brands on the shelves selling the same products. I like the packaging, but nothing catches my eye so I think it could be better.

If I were in Mr. Saldivar’s shoes with a goal to get more eyes on Tia Lupita, I would add special label(s) to the packaging, perhaps one or two, emphasizing it’s healthier ingredients, or that it does not contain any bad stuff. I’m more likely to take a second look at a product while shopping when it has extra labeling on the front. If the packaging just contains its brand name with a design and nothing else it does not make me look twice.

Even with labels such as “gluten-free”, “___g of fiber”, “vegan” or “non-gmo”, those labels are often small and not noticeable. A major brand like Lays potato chips can afford to market with TV commercials and that’s why people buy it. When you are a small business trying to grow you won’t be able to do that at first, but you can get creative with your packaging to attract consumers. Even if extra labeling is costly, it would differentiate Tia Lupita Foods from many other brands in its category at supermarkets. A label that tells us that the tortilla chips and tortilla wraps are packed with superfood ingredients, in a short simple wording could go a long way.

References:

Kingson, A. Jennifer (2023). Latin and Tex-Mex Overtake Italian As America’s Go To Food Order. Axios.com. Accessed 30 April 2023.

https://www.axios.com/2023/04/14/food-trends-us-restaurant-menu-tacos

Product concepts

The pitch that resonated with me the most was the Play Maysie. I found it so cute and i loved her background story on how her business came about. The aesthetic was something I’ve never seen and the magnets pieces were honestly genius, especially for moms who likes things organized and put back in its place easily. Also the fact that it’s travel friendly and could be brought places conveniently with zero mess. Most of all she made her pitch relate-able for first time moms/ moms in general and, brought some nostalgia back for some like Barbara.

The product is trendy and comes with two room ideas on either end of the vintage looking lunch box design. The pieces are all magnet which means no mess and everything stays collectively in place. Also its wooden pieces instead of plastic. The characters are gender neutral making for both girls and boys. It’s basically a pack and play set. This makes it more convenient for parent to store the toy easily and also bring it along places, as it also comes with a carrying strap. Its way less of a headache and as mentioned “saving the bottom of parents feet”. As parents we all know what it is to step on those annoying toy pieces that easily end up everywhere. It’s absolutely super cute and stood out to me just off of looking at it, i wanted one immediately. Easily stored, less of a mess, and convenient.

If your person like me that likes uniqueness, likes convenience, and likes to be organized then this product is for you. Not only does it help the parent but it also helps the kids learn how to keep their toys where they belong while having fun. There’s nothing on the market like it. Her product is positioned very well. Her business grew rapidly all organically. Also her slight hiccup was minor and not in her control. I definitely see her getting right back on her feet as she already did with her first investor. I’m not sure if she expanded into other stores like Target but i think that’d be a great thing to do. Her target audience are parents more so than children and its perfect! I think this product would catch a parents attention faster than the child’s. Also she’s making books to develop character story line and i think its great its not something other companies haven’t done. The books help engage the child even further with the product. It’s a win win. I love her packaging and product. Her daughter sits on the front of every box, of course some sort of diversity eventually should come in play. But she is the reason for pushing her this far. Its a lovely back story and product. 

Product Concepts

Upon watching this episode of Shark Tank, the last contestant, the owner of “Tia Lupita Foods” resonated with me the most. Even though he was technically in debt & his numbers weren’t as solid and sustainable as the other contestants, his passion project finally proved profitable a month leading up to the episode. This spoke to me before even considering products, his devotion very clearly showcased what market gap he is trying to fill & how he was going to do it in an ethical manner. 

His products consist of cactus-based tortillas and tortilla chips, ensuring his food & salsas are held to a certain standard in regard to health and lack of artificial flavors/fillers. This is vital, especially for people who genuinely enjoy Mexican food/snacks from the shelves of their local grocery stores, but are concerned or wish for a healthier lifestyle. This is clearly a gap in the existing market since the vast majority of similar products contain unhealthy amounts of sodium, fillers, and artificial flavors which are all detrimental to one’s long-term state of health. In addition to this, not a single judge had a negative comment in regards to taste, including Kevin saying it’s “one of the best” he’s had, in terms of healthy tortilla chips. This is also very important due to the number of people who care more about taste than health, a product like this may result in a positive and healthy switch for many tortilla enjoyers, and some of these switches may be necessary for people on the brink of horrible health problems. The number of different flavors may also ensure an uptick in loyal customers since it’d be more difficult to get tired of multiple flavors rather than just one, which is a major problem within many of the competitor brands.

Upon reading the chapter and assignment, I struggle to find advice to further his marketing skills, especially when it comes to packaging and branding, which happens to be one of my favorite aspects of “Tia Lupita Foods”. I genuinely believe the packaging and branding aspect of the brand is executed in a great manner since they cater and market specifically to his intended audience. When I first saw the bag my mind instantly went to Whole Foods, which has a prominent reputation for expensive, niche, organic brands. The packaging doesn’t look anything out of the ordinary in comparison to snacks off the shelves in Trader Joe’s, but at the same time, it’s original, authentic, and down to the core in regard to the company’s ideology and mission. The branding on the packaging is also very hip, with a playful font that appeals to anyone no matter the class or age, but at the same time goes with the same flow as many of these other organic/healthy snacks.

Week F

PLAY MAYSIE COMPANY

As a renowned show in the United States, the shark tanks is an award winning entrepreneurial themed reality show that has reinvigorated entrepreneurships in America. Hosting and interviewing different entrepreneurs with different ideas across the globe, the shareholders are always looking forwards to funding worthwhile ideas that can bring them a return on investment.

In this episode, the four entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to the Sharks with an aim of convincing them into partnering or even buying them. However, one of the businesses that resonated the most was Play Maysie. This is a company that creates portable doll houses for children with an aim of making playtime easier, quality play and less messy.

In a quick review of the company’s product, the concept can be concluded to be simple yet a very brilliant one. Play Maysie provides fun, as well as a creative play option for children who doesn’t require a lot of space but with limited mess. Apart from the fun filled play depicted by the idea, there are other aspects that adds to its ability to succeed in the Sharks.

First is the ability of Play Maysie to fill the market gap, by its unique design concept. Numerous companies have not been able to produce a portable, sustainable and mess free play option for children. Because those parents have been looking for other new and creative ideas to keep their children entertained and engaged, especially during vacations, travels etc. being the company that can produce a portable and sustainable playhouse, many parents and caregivers are more likely to acquire them for their children.

Secondly, because of their portable nature, Play Maysie will make play time easier and more convenient to both parents and the children. The doll houses are designed to fit in backpacks, which makes it easier for children to carry them everywhere they go. Therefore, this feature can be more appealing to those parents who are always on the move, and at the same time wants to provide their kids with a stimulating and a fun-filled play option.

Lastly, with the current developments, customers are looking forward to using products from companies who have corporate social responsibility in their undertakings/products and services. Being that Play Maysie’s strong social mission of supporting youths entering foster care through product donations, it not only adds the product’s appeal but also positions the company as a socially responsible brand and the consumers can feel good/ see worth in supporting them.

Generally, what positions Play Maysie apart from other toy companies is their social mission. The company website shows that every purchase made supports their donations of cases to youths entering foster care that not only makes it a socially responsible company, but also appealing.

Much can be done in terms of the branding and packaging perspective to make them more appealing to their customers. Apart from having a website, the company can have their product advertised in different social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, that is accessed by numerous people. The advertisement can be accompanied by having a packaging that features fun and colorful designs that are appealing to children. Moreover, the packaging can also highlight the product’s sustainable materials and other unique features such as its ease of use.

In conclusion, Play Maysie fills the gap evident in the toy market by providing children with fun, portable and mess-free options during their play time. Therefore, by positioning themselves as a premium and eco-friendly product, Play Maysie can attract parents who are always looking for toys that are of high quality and at the same time socially responsible (PlayMaysie, 2023).

 

References

PlayMaysie. (2023, April 13). playmaysie. Retrieved from playmaysie.com: https://playmaysie.com/

Shark Tank. (2023) Retrieved from ABC.com: https://abc.com/shows/shark-tank

“Play Maysie” – Ariel

The product that I think will be successful and profitable from the Episode of  “Shark Tank” is “Play Maysie,” founded by Kayla Lupean, the current CEO. Kayla launched this toy game from her own experience as a parent. The mess of Lego toys and other problems made her think from another point of view, the point of view of a parent. “Play Maysie” is a unique and interactive toy that is incredibly durable and difficult to lose any parts. It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of rough play, and the ball is designed to prevent any small pieces from falling off or becoming detached. This makes it an excellent investment for parents looking for a toy that will last a long time and provide hours of entertainment for their children.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2021, there were more than 152,000 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries to children younger than 15 years of age, including two deaths. The fatalities involved choking on a small part of a toy and suffocating on a soft toy in an unsafe sleep environment. These injuries frequently involved lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the child’s face and head. Significantly, many of the incidents were associated with, but not necessarily caused by a toy. This big issue that each parent is afraid of is solved with this product. The unique ability of this product makes him incredibly durable and makes it difficult to lose any parts, and prevents young children from choking and hurting themselves. 

Another benefit of “Play Maysie” is that it is easy to carry every place. Its lightweight and compact design makes it perfect for families constantly on the go. Whether heading to the park, going on a road trip, or running errands around town, “Play Maysie” can quickly be brought along for the ride. It can keep young children entertained and engaged for hours on end. With “Play Maysie,” parents can rest assured that their children are occupied with a safe and stimulating toy, allowing them to take care of other tasks or relax.

Finally, “Play Maysie” is very easy for young children to hold and play with. Its soft and plush exterior makes it comfortable to grip, and the ball’s unique shape and texture provide an engaging sensory experience for children of all ages. This makes it an ideal toy for toddlers who are still developing their motor skills and may struggle with larger or more complex toys.

Despite the advantages of the branding and packaging of the “Play Maysie” toy, parents could choose not to buy this product because it is a new product without any brand recognition associated with the toy industry. I think this problem can be solved by proper promotion and packaging that I mentioned above regarding the current product. For example is not emphasized enough, its safety, durability, mobility, and sensory advantages compared to the competitors. In addition, we need to appeal more to parents who want a quality and fascinating toy for their children. By highlighting these unique features and benefits, the product can stand out in the competitive toy market and attract a loyal customer base. Also, if Kayla invests more effort in promotion on social media and the ability to purchase her product on “Amazon,” it could take it to the next level.

Overall, “Play Maysie” is a fantastic toy with many benefits for children and parents. Its durability, portability, safety, and ease of use make it an excellent investment for families who want to provide their children with a high-quality toy they can enjoy for years. Those benefits of “Play Maysie” are unique and will make him, in my opinion, the next thing in the toys industry, and because of this reason I chose him, and I’m sure in the following years, it will be a very profitable product.

Work Cited

“CPSC Is Working to Keep Families Safe This Holiday Season.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/CPSC-Is-Working-to-Keep-Families-Safe-this-Holiday-Season.