Few ideas, feedback appreciated

**CharlieB** · 08-10-2010 04:09 PM

Hi

I've got a few ideas i'd appreciate feedback on.

1) A laptop case with a firm side designed so you can place the laptop case on your lap, cushioned by the soft side with the harder side supporting the laptop so it can receive the same air flow it does when on a desk and doesn't get as hot. This would make using your laptop on your lap a more comfortable experience.

2) I saw these in America recently and don't think they exist in the UK - envelopes with an 'additional postage required' reminder where you put the stamp. This should stop people forgetting to put a stamp on an envelope.

3) Envelopes with a stamp already fixed on saving the customer having to do it. The customer would pay a higher cost for this privilege.

What do you think of my ideas?

Many Thanks

Charlie

**Encrypted** · 08-10-2010 04:22 PM

First and last ideas seem reasonable. I don't see the point in the second though.

Perhaps even throw some fans in the laptop case thing.

**CharlieB** · 08-10-2010 05:10 PM

yeah I agree with you on both points. I had thought about the fans but then they would make the case bulky. I thought of having it as a white colour to reflect any heat to try to keep it as cool as possible. Hand on my heart, I don't see any of the ideas being world beaters but could they be a starting point to my entrepreneurial career?

With the second idea, I'm currently reading a book called 'nudge' which is all about how to subtly influence people's decision making eg putting salads first at a cafeteria to encourage people to eat more healthily. I thought that the second idea has the same merit to it in that it subtly reminds someone to put a stamp on the envelope so the receiver won't have to pay for it at the other end. But then idea 3 would solve any problems that idea 2 encounters.

**mattnelson** · 08-10-2010 05:50 PM

Doesn't the third idea already exist in most countries? I know in NZ that the postshop sells prepaid envelopes

**jkhustle** · 08-13-2010 09:08 AM

I can see idea number 1 having some validity for some consumers. Personally it wouldn't attract me, but I'm sure it would attract some.

Idea 2 and 3 wouldn't interest me at all, and I'm finding it difficult to see how this would be attract enough consumers to make it a worthwhile venture.

Please don't take my this reply as negative feedback, it's just my initial reaction. I do, however, hope that you make the best of these ideas. Good luck!

**CharlieB** · 08-13-2010 12:42 PM

thanks for the feedback, I plan to do some market research on idea 1, i'd appreciate it if you could leave your thoughts in this thread about how I should do it. Thanks Market research online

**generationy** · 08-15-2010 05:42 AM

Hey! You have some interesting ideas. One of the things that I would suggest, in your quest to learn more, to reach out to entrepreneurs and experts within these individual fields for advice and suggestions. Be honest, genuine and value their time. Many entrepreneurs would be glad to offer their piece of advice, input etc. so that is the best source of information I'd say. Just write a simple email, not too much, and your intent.

Apart from that, read tonnes of blogs, entrepreneurial websites etc. for business suggestions. Always have a thirst for gaining knowledge! Google everything you need to learn about. Subscribe to newsletters of interest, podcasts etc. too! Good luck!

**CharlieB** · 08-17-2010 01:28 PM

would my laptop case idea be patentable or not? Would it have to be more of a first to market thing?

**crate** · 08-17-2010 01:32 PM

Charlie, I hate to "burst your bubble" or anything but all three of your ideas have been done already with various success. With that said - patents are in place either way making it a non-viable opportunity and you should try and think of a new idea.

really sorry pal

**CharlieB** · 08-17-2010 01:44 PM

thanks for the feedback, spent the last few days thinking about the laptop case idea. So if a laptop case is patented then even if I did have permission to use it would it be so expensive that I would have to charge a very high price to sell it? Would the hard and soft side not qualify for a separate patent?