My sister and i are trying to start a new business called munchkin muffs. Basically noise protection ear muffs for children. My sister has three kids and I have a son who is now 7 months old. My husband wanted to take him to his first NBA game at 6 months but I couldn't find anything that fit his head, ears and was comfortable. SO, munchkin muffs was born. At this point we're looking for feedback from parents (moms in particular) to tell us if this is a product that they see a need for in thier lives.

If you want to help us out here is the survey we've created. no solicitation to buy anything- that's so annoying when people do that. Just want your opinion as a mom wouldn't it be great if every company wanted our opinion...
thanks!


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=yJD2wr47FiI7 xfZGXQNOIw_3d_3d

Just wanted to tell you that I took the survey just now and think this is a really neat idea. My daughter gets really upset when it's too loud, so these would help in certain situations. There is also a boy in her class who has serious noise sensitivity issues and something like this would help.

Munchkinmuffs may be a good idea because on occasion there are times kids are exposed to loud noises. Are they exposed often enough to purchase muffs? I'm not sure. No baby belongs at an NBA game, just as no child belongs in a bar, a casino, a rock concert (that's not outside) or anyplace exceedingly loud. Now would parents buy muffs for trying to get them to sleep in loud places? Yes. too often I've tried getting my kids to sleep in noisy places and muffs that are soft and can be slept on would be a big seller. Examples of places to use them: Camping, airplanes, airports, hotels, staying with friends or family, or having guests stay at your home. My 7yo just did a camp out at the Museum of Science with scouts. He would have slept a bit more with muffs!
Just food for thought. When starting a new business, keep an open mind, the product idea you start out with may be a very different one you actually launch. Get as much feedback as possible and perhaps do a forum or two.
Dana

Hi
Your survey is an excellent way to start your business before investing significant time and money. It is important to see if you have a viable product from the start. I think you have a great idea. And a very catchy name. Another plus, there is nothing on the market like it.
My advice is that you should heavily focus on developing your product messaging. The mistake that could be made is to pigeon hole yourself as a product that consumers can't relate to- ie "I never take my kids to concerts or sporting events". Your marketing concept (tag line, logo, packaging) needs to be somewhat open ended and stimulate the consumer to think and then say, "I do need a Munchkin Muff for...." Let them create the need and then the Buy In will follow. Tough, but it is important to find this angle. This is necessary because your item is so specialized.
Just as Dana mentioned, also keep an open mind with product development. The product I created and launched, My Plate-Mate, originally started out as a toddler product. However, by staying open ended in our questions we found another market segment and we now have a second line for the Elderly and Special Needs.
Best of luck to you! Keep the questions coming. It took us 15 months to complete the R&D and get to market. Feel free to contact me directly if needed.

Michele
Michele@MyPlate-Mate.com