Exploring a RetroTechnology Marketplace
One things for sure. I want to develop a mashable product. I’m always coming up with ideas. Some of them better than others. One of the problems with ideas is exit strategy. Not that you always need an exit strategy. Blogging for instance needs no exit strategy. If I enjoy it and its making money. Then let me continue without an exit strategy.
I want to develop a product in the short run that is not web based per say. In fact its capitalizing on an entire market that is not web compliant. Let me explain. I used to live with the Amish. Not that it matters why or where. Just that I did. One of the issues that was constantly coming up was technology. I am still to this day basically the Amish Tech Consultant for one community.
The product I want to develop is a product that no longer exists in the mainstream society. It’s completely irrelevant. However to the some 200k+ plus families who are Amish. This product would be purchased literally overnight. It’s partly technical and partly not. It was phased out in late 80’s and early 90’s and doesn’t exist outside of thrift stores, garage sales, and occassionally ebay.
However I want to design, develop and market a better newer version. I can’t seemingly come up with any reasons why I shouldn’t be doing this. I know my market. The market is ripe. I know the product. I know how to make it better. I can probably even find a damn good way to finance it and still come out on top of the control pyramid.
I have dozens of ideas like this. Ideas where products have been phased out of mainstream society but are still in use by the amish. And still in very high demand. Problem is I’m tired of searching around on ebay and then reselling it at next to no profits. I want to cut the ebay monster out completely. Essentially starting up a retro technology company aimed specifically at Old Order and New Order Amish communties.
I’m looking for potential partners. Anyone interested? Do you have any idea what this product is?
I’m thinking typewriter… although, the manufacturing on those mothers has got to be a nightmare.
Regardless, I say, long live the typer. Long live the luddite…
Cool strategy. Makes me think of other ignored groups where “the market is ripe” and the demand for an unsexy product is high.
Robert Bruce said this on March 24, 2006 12:56 pm
Robert,
Your close on the product. But not quite. And there are huge markets to be had in ignored sectors.
David said this on March 24, 2006 1:02 pm
“It’s partly technical and partly not. It was phased out in late 80’s and early 90’s”
The pager? har har I jest.
You don’t need an exit strat! Seriously, having the option is nice, but that in and of itself means you’ve reached critical mass. I think having an exit strategy only makes it easier to focus your energies on something else.
adamsb said this on March 24, 2006 10:26 pm
Thanks for the insight Adam. Good to see you around here.
David said this on March 25, 2006 1:52 am