Investor needed for Innovative Snack Food Idea!

[PretzelBabies]

We are writing to introduce you to a new and innovative snack idea that we call “Pretzel Babies.” This idea is so creative and new that there is, at present, nothing similar to this on the market. Allow us to briefly explain what this new concept is.

Pretzel Babies is a uniquely shaped pretzel born from a simple concept: take an ordinary hard pretzel and cut away the center (“heart”) of the pretzel and you have a Pretzel Baby! The "heart" of the pretzel that we captured actually looks like a little person! Hence, the slogan we created for Pretzel Babies is “The Heart of the Pretzel!” We uploaded a couple pics. so please take a look see!

We currently have trademarked and copyrighted this product, the name and the slogan. We also have a few packaging designs as well.

Start up capital is what we are seeking in order to take our idea to a distribution company and get Pretzel Babies mass produced. Once you see what will follow Pretzel Babies the snack food, we believe you will be astounded! Of course that bridge will be crossed following a non disclosure agreement.

Pretzel Babies! "It's The Heart of the Pretzel!"

[capforge]

If you are looking for an investor, you need to provide a business plan. You should also provide some more general info, such as how much you are looking to raise, and what your plans are for the idea.

But this doesn't seem like the kind of venture that is going to raise a lot of interest with investors. First, there isn't much to the idea- it's just a differently shaped pretzel. I don't know what the non disclosure is going to protect, since you've already shared the idea, and you've already said all you have is a trademark on the name. That by itself isn't much.

So, here is what you should do, if you don't raise the money you want. Rent a few hours at a commercial kitchen, make the pretzels yourself, and then try selling them at a farmer's market or something similar.

See how it goes. If people go nuts for them, then you can try moving into commercial production on your own. Maybe eventually one of the big players will buy you out. If people don't care much one way or the other, then at least you are only out less than $1000 bucks (plus whatever you already spent on the trademarks, etc.)

[2gould]

I don't mean to sound negative, but can you please explain what is creative about the idea and why you believe people will be willing to buy your product. It appears that you just took a normal pretzel and removed over 80% of it. Tell me why I would want to buy your product instead of continuing to buy a regular pretzel - getting more "bang for my buck"? The fact that there is nothing like it in the marketplace does not alone make it a viable business opportunity. However, maybe I am missing something and you will be able to point me in the right direction.
Also, asking potential investors to sign an NDA for something like that will seriously limit your potential for funding.

[PretzelBabies]

First, we would like to thank both of you for your responce. And second, WE BOTH DESIRE TO RECEIVE ANY AND ALL CRITICISM because we truly believe in our product. (All caps is for emphasizing, not hollaring)

I would like to start by saying very confidently that I know and understand that "Pretzel Babies, "It's the Heart of The Pretzel" in and of itself is what's going to sell this product.

Take for instance Teddy Grahams. Why would anyone want to buy a graham cookie/cracker called Teddy Grahams? What's so innovative about a cracker shaped like a teddy bear? Or who would even look at the idea of Bunny Grahams? It's the same concept. Take a graham cracker and shape it like a little bunny rabbit. Why would anyone want to buy a graham cracker that looks like a rabbit? Well my wife and I decided to purchase Bunny Grahams over Teddy Grahams due to the health benefit of Bunny Grahams. And again...why in the world would anyone want to buy a cheese cracker that's shaped like a gold fish??? Afterall we already have Cheez-It crackers. The simple answer could be "because they all look like animals". Sure they do! Even Animal Crackers look like animals...don't they?

We captured the already existing "shape" within the very "heart" (center) of the pretzel shape and created an anomaly. Pretzel Babies are alive. They capture the heart's of parents and children alike. Unlike Cabbage Patch Kids, "Pretzel Babies" are a health conscious snack food that will provide kids and adults alike a healthy alternative to junkie, high fat, greasy, powdery, chemically based snack foods...allowing Pretzel Babies to fulfill it's obligation of literally being "The Heart of The Pretzel!"

Again, why would anyone want to purchace Teddy Grahms, Bunny Grahms, GoldFish, a Pet Rock, Cabbage Patch Kid or any other "out of the ordinary" product...whether it be food or non food products? The pet rock was cute. The Cabbage Patch Kid is, was, and always will be, in my personal opinion, the dumbest creation the toy industry released. To This day I refuse to buy a Cabbage Patch Kid for my little ones. I just think it's stupid and ugly! But "people" are allowed to think "whatever" people want to...

Why? Because people are simply that...people.

Pretzel Babies is literally "The Heart of The Pretzel". The market already exists and ALWAYS WILL as long as we remain "people".

Take an ordinary pretzel shape and picture the pretzel starting to vibrate if you will...with the drum roll in the background getting louder and louder the pretzel then explodes and right out of the middle of that pretzel comes a Pretzel Babie! The childrens eyes widen as the Pretzel Babie giggles and runs off the table...Pretzel Babies is already commercialized...the market needs this concept because everything healthy begins with the "heart", Hence, "Pretzel Babies", "It's The HEART of the Pretzel!" The health benefits of Pretzel Babies are off the charts when compared to any other snack food on the market. And we can dominate the "junk food" side of the market as well...

I already see a "soccer mom" holding her daughters hand as she says sternly "you don't even like pretzels!" as she guides her child out of the snack food isle of the grocery store. There is an open market for the soft pretzel side of Pretzel Babies and the NDA ideas that will be presented will overtake the "normal" soft pretzel companies such as Aunti Anne's.

The reason for a NDA is because of what Pretzel Babies becomes once the snack food product itself hits the market. I will not share with you what that consists of and that in and of itself should peek the interest of a potential investor.

We are not here to "get over" or make waves. We simply believe in our product and the "gimmick" the product is. It's a "Pretzel Babie" and it truly is "The Heart of the Pretzel!"

Now concerning a business plan. GREAT POINT!!! but the humble question is...what is a business plan and how do we produce one???

As far as leasing a certified commercial kitchen...ANOTHER AWESOME IDEA!!! But living literally paycheck to paycheck and using our tax return to Trademark and Copyright---"Pretzel Babies"---"It's The Heart of the Pretzel"---and the figure itself, not to mention catching up on past bills and the mound of debt I sit on...it sure would be nice to know someone personally who could "lend" me their kitchen with a promised return from the "Pretzel Babies" sales...but not knowing anyone who owns a bakery and such...here we stand.

Thanks for the questions and comments and we both look forward to your responces! If I left anything out, please feel free to let 'er rip!

Thanks again and God Bless!

[capforge]

Quite a few things jumped out at me from your response:

What's so innovative about a cracker shaped like a teddy bear?

Nothing. But the company behind it has millions to spend, so they can sell what they want. You don't, so you have to come to the table with a lot more than they do. Not fair, maybe, but the way it is.

Pretzel Babies are alive. They capture the heart's of parents and children alike.

Without proof (sales, or really solid test marketing, or both) this kind of statement just says "amateur".

Pretzel Babies is literally "The Heart of The Pretzel". The market already exists and ALWAYS WILL as long as we remain "people".

Again, just writing it doesn't make it so. Prove it, or move along.

Take an ordinary pretzel shape and picture the pretzel starting to vibrate if you will...with the drum roll in the background getting louder and louder the pretzel then explodes

I can imagine a pretty cool commercial for a miracle drug that cures cancer, too. But that doesn't put me any closer to launching the product.

The health benefits of Pretzel Babies are off the charts when compared to any other snack food on the market. And we can dominate the "junk food" side of the market as well...

Proof?

The reason for a NDA is because of what Pretzel Babies becomes once the snack food product itself hits the market. I will not share with you what that consists of and that in and of itself should peek the interest of a potential investor.

Qualified, smart investors don't sign NDAs. And their interest in not piqued by the fact that you promise to reveal the magic if they do.

what is a business plan and how do we produce one???

Try google. And don't expect to raise a dime until you have one. Even then, don't expect to raise a dime, but at least you'll understand the retail packaged foods business better if you do some solid research.

As far as leasing a certified commercial kitchen...ANOTHER AWESOME IDEA!!! But living literally paycheck to paycheck

Well, living paycheck to paycheck and buried under debt is definitely not going to help your cause. But don't bother with a commercial kitchen- bake 'em right at home, and then sell them at the farmer's market or swap meet or whatever. See if the "market already exists". You can make some extra money and prove the concept at the same time. Then you will have something to show investors. It won't cost you more than a few hundred bucks all in, which surely you can put on a credit card or borrow from a family member.

I am not trying to shoot down your hopes at all here. What I am trying to do is get you to see that the only current realistic path for you at this point is to self fund and grow organically until you have enough capital and proof to shoot for something bigger.

You may actually have something. Here is the story from my blog of a guy with a new food idea that made $150,00 in three weeks selling it a country fair. Maybe that will be you. But waiting around for an investor is a waste of time, energy and hope at this point.

Best of luck.

[jasaunders]

First, we would like to thank both of you for your responce. And second, WE BOTH DESIRE TO RECEIVE ANY AND ALL CRITICISM because we truly believe in our product. (All caps is for emphasizing, not hollaring)

I would like to start by saying very confidently that I know and understand that "Pretzel Babies, "It's the Heart of The Pretzel" in and of itself is what's going to sell this product.

Take for instance Teddy Grahams. Why would anyone want to buy a graham cookie/cracker called Teddy Grahams? What's so innovative about a cracker shaped like a teddy bear? Or who would even look at the idea of Bunny Grahams? It's the same concept. Take a graham cracker and shape it like a little bunny rabbit. Why would anyone want to buy a graham cracker that looks like a rabbit? Well my wife and I decided to purchase Bunny Grahams over Teddy Grahams due to the health benefit of Bunny Grahams. And again...why in the world would anyone want to buy a cheese cracker that's shaped like a gold fish??? Afterall we already have Cheez-It crackers. The simple answer could be "because they all look like animals". Sure they do! Even Animal Crackers look like animals...don't they?

We captured the already existing "shape" within the very "heart" (center) of the pretzel shape and created an anomaly. Pretzel Babies are alive. They capture the heart's of parents and children alike. Unlike Cabbage Patch Kids, "Pretzel Babies" are a health conscious snack food that will provide kids and adults alike a healthy alternative to junkie, high fat, greasy, powdery, chemically based snack foods...allowing Pretzel Babies to fulfill it's obligation of literally being "The Heart of The Pretzel!"

Again, why would anyone want to purchace Teddy Grahms, Bunny Grahms, GoldFish, a Pet Rock, Cabbage Patch Kid or any other "out of the ordinary" product...whether it be food or non food products? The pet rock was cute. The Cabbage Patch Kid is, was, and always will be, in my personal opinion, the dumbest creation the toy industry released. To This day I refuse to buy a Cabbage Patch Kid for my little ones. I just think it's stupid and ugly! But "people" are allowed to think "whatever" people want to...

Why? Because people are simply that...people.

Pretzel Babies is literally "The Heart of The Pretzel". The market already exists and ALWAYS WILL as long as we remain "people".

Take an ordinary pretzel shape and picture the pretzel starting to vibrate if you will...with the drum roll in the background getting louder and louder the pretzel then explodes and right out of the middle of that pretzel comes a Pretzel Babie! The childrens eyes widen as the Pretzel Babie giggles and runs off the table...Pretzel Babies is already commercialized...the market needs this concept because everything healthy begins with the "heart", Hence, "Pretzel Babies", "It's The HEART of the Pretzel!" The health benefits of Pretzel Babies are off the charts when compared to any other snack food on the market. And we can dominate the "junk food" side of the market as well...

I already see a "soccer mom" holding her daughters hand as she says sternly "you don't even like pretzels!" as she guides her child out of the snack food isle of the grocery store. There is an open market for the soft pretzel side of Pretzel Babies and the NDA ideas that will be presented will overtake the "normal" soft pretzel companies such as Aunti Anne's.

The reason for a NDA is because of what Pretzel Babies becomes once the snack food product itself hits the market. I will not share with you what that consists of and that in and of itself should peek the interest of a potential investor.

We are not here to "get over" or make waves. We simply believe in our product and the "gimmick" the product is. It's a "Pretzel Babie" and it truly is "The Heart of the Pretzel!"

Now concerning a business plan. GREAT POINT!!! but the humble question is...what is a business plan and how do we produce one???

As far as leasing a certified commercial kitchen...ANOTHER AWESOME IDEA!!! But living literally paycheck to paycheck and using our tax return to Trademark and Copyright---"Pretzel Babies"---"It's The Heart of the Pretzel"---and the figure itself, not to mention catching up on past bills and the mound of debt I sit on...it sure would be nice to know someone personally who could "lend" me their kitchen with a promised return from the "Pretzel Babies" sales...but not knowing anyone who owns a bakery and such...here we stand.

Thanks for the questions and comments and we both look forward to your responces! If I left anything out, please feel free to let 'er rip!

Thanks again and God Bless!

I like your enthusiasm and passion for your product. Unfortunately, many of the things capforge said are correct. The food industry in general does not lend itself to obtaining financing from private investors, mainly because margins are extremely small and investors are looking for a much higher ROI to balance the risk. With that said, your best best is going to be the traditional route of friends and family or going to the bank. Talk to a banker or many bankers about what types of loans or SBA lines of credit they could establish for you.

No matter what route you go, you will need a business plan. There hundreds of resources online for this, but for a general template go to: Template Gallery | SCORE
You will need to spend considerable time on your business plan, especially on a marketing strategy.

Another thing, just because you don't know the right people doesn't mean you can't find them or get cheap help from connecting with the right people. You had it right when you said "it sure would be nice to know someone personally who could 'lend' me their kitchen with a promised return". Have you tried calling around to commercial kitchens or tried talking to bakeries? Odds are they will say no, but it doesn't hurt to try. Maybe you'll get lucky and find someone who is sympathetic and really believes in your product.

[capforge]

Talk to a banker or many bankers about what types of loans or SBA lines of credit they could establish for you.

Unfortunately, I can tell you right now, with the debt you have, no capital of your own to invest and no industry experience, there aren't any SBA avenues open to you. Stick with the family and friends route to get enough together to test the idea yourselves.

[PretzelBabies]

I'd like to thank you both (capforge and jasaunders) for your forthright responces and awesome enthusiasm...your replies were both very thought provoking and encouraging, not to mention filled with the information and direction we both needed to hear.

We are going to follow the direction that you both suggested and as long as it takes...you will be hearing back from us as we "go to market" and see what Pretzel Babies can produce.

We will be checking out both of the links that you've provided for us and again...my wife and I are very greatful for your replies!!!

God Bless and we will keep you posted!

Curtis & Dawn Reinas


EDIT: WOW!!! Fried Coke?!!? This article totally flipped me out!!! YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! LOL Mind bending inspiration! Thanks again!