Focus group for invention

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dsmith2296

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I have a patent pending on a device to teach young children tennis. I am trying to get feedback on the marketability and pricing for the device, but am not a member of a tennis forum board and if I joined one, I would not know anybody. There are alot of really smart folks on this site, so provided Brian doesn't mind, I am asking for input.

Here is the site, which is half complete.

Rally Server Pro: The best tennis teaching device for kids
 
curtisj76

curtisj76

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I'm a no BS guy so I'm gonna give you a no BS answer. I HONESTLY think it would be a hard sell, BUT I'm not a tennis fanatic. The first thing that comes to my mind is that it's big. So a potential buyer is thinking, "how am I gonna get that in my car and how long is it going to take to set up?" It also looks like it's really only for little kids so a potential buyer is thinking how much use are they going to get out of it. Also, is there even a large enough market for youth tennis? I have NO idea. Tiger really catapulted youth golf but I doubt tennis is as large.

As far as price, only you can figure that out. Figure out how much it costs to build one of them and then you also have to recover all other costs such as patent expense, etc. I've heard patent's are very expensive so you would probably have to sell a BUNCH of them to break even.

Good luck with your business. I'm not trying to be a dick and ruin your dream. Just an honest opinion. You MAY want to join a golf forum (like you mentioned) to get better opinions. Once again, good luck and in a few years bump this thread and let everyone know that I'm an idiot for being wrong. :)
 
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mb6606

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dsmith2296 said:
I have a patent pending on a device to teach young children tennis. I am trying to get feedback on the marketability and pricing for the device, but am not a member of a tennis forum board and if I joined one, I would not know anybody. There are alot of really smart folks on this site, so provided Brian doesn't mind, I am asking for input.

Here is the site, which is half complete.

Rally Server Pro: The best tennis teaching device for kids
Click to expand...

I was a highly ranked amateur in my section, played a few pro qualifiers and had many friends playing the pro tour full time. I think your invention is great!!!! The hard part will be marketing - your best bet would be finding clubs and schools with young junior programs (like your sons age). Tennis players like golfers should start as young as possible. I believe individuals with easy access to tennis courts or a home court would consider it as well. Andre Agassi's father set up ball machines at different heights and fired balls at him as a young kid. You might even consider a nerf version for indoor home use if you can somehow make the ball bounce. You could also put targets on the nets - clown faces? Kids love to hit at targets. I used to tell my kids to try to hit me with the ball - if they did I would drop all the balls and do something silly (like pretend to fall down) - it kept them giggling and interested. I wish you good success - as tennis desperately needs some young US stars.
People don't realize how tough tennis is at the top level. It is the only pro sport that I am know of where very few can survive on the pro circuit after age 30.
 
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JonWil

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curtisj76 said:
I'm a no BS guy so I'm gonna give you a no BS answer. I HONESTLY think it would be a hard sell, BUT I'm not a tennis fanatic. The first thing that comes to my mind is that it's big. So a potential buyer is thinking, "how am I gonna get that in my car and how long is it going to take to set up?" It also looks like it's really only for little kids so a potential buyer is thinking how much use are they going to get out of it. Also, is there even a large enough market for youth tennis? I have NO idea. Tiger really catapulted youth golf but I doubt tennis is as large.

As far as price, only you can figure that out. Figure out how much it costs to build one of them and then you also have to recover all other costs such as patent expense, etc. I've heard patent's are very expensive so you would probably have to sell a BUNCH of them to break even.

Good luck with your business. I'm not trying to be a dick and ruin your dream. Just an honest opinion. You MAY want to join a golf forum (like you mentioned) to get better opinions. Once again, good luck and in a few years bump this thread and let everyone know that I'm an idiot for being wrong. :)
Click to expand...

+1 with Curtis here.

Tennis is a passion for me. There is no way you are loading that thing and observing what you need to in a developing player. As you go for it though I wish you the best of luck.
 
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dsmith2296

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Just to add some perspective, I do have a real job so I am not relying on this for income!

And I appreciate the constructive criticism. I really can't argue with somebody's reaction, as it is what it is. That does help me on the marketing though. The big contraption is probably not going to sell. I have known that all along. But the small one (with one shoot), I still think has some potential.

I built this strictly for my own use at home with my son. I only got the idea to patent it when the neighborhood kids starting coming over and loved it. And if you ever taken a young kid to the court, you will know how hard it is to just toss them the ball.

Also, you need to keep in mind my target audience, which are tennis parents frustrated with how futile tennis pee wee leagues are. Kids get no training in pee wee leagues, but are merely socialized to the game.

Finally, I believe the results are objectively undeniable. How many 5 years olds can hit like my kid in the clip? He's only been to a real tennis court 3 times in his life. In any event, all comments are welcome and I am now off to my real job!
 
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mb6606

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JonWil said:
+1 with Curtis here.

Tennis is a passion for me. There is no way you are loading that thing and observing what you need to in a developing player. As you go for it though I wish you the best of luck.
Click to expand...

No need to observe just let them hit the ball and build eye hand at that age. IF the tennis purists had gotten to Bjorn Borg at a young age and changed his method where would tennis be?? In my mind he was the forerunner to the modern game of heavey topspin off both wings.
 
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puttmad

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ds,
Why don't you contact some tour pros who have an active interest in youth learning programs.


If they like the idea they will promote it for you....

Also send a press release (it's free) to the major tennis publications...you never know, if one of the journalists or editors likes your product they will push it for you and you will sell loads...

One guy make over $17 million because one editor endorsed the product....
 
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