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Paper Rucksacks Set To Take The Strain
We’ve all been there. You set off on the family day trip carrying enough food and drink to feed an army only to be left with a clutter of empty bags on your shoulders when their contents have been exhausted and the kids are off enjoying themselves.
Sounds familiar? Then you’re already a potential customer of a Bracknell-based business whose new product will ease the strain on parental backs (and patience) everywhere – and provide companies with unique promotional opportunities as well.
Simon Mitchinson founded the Paper Rucksack Company two years ago following a trek around Chessington World of Adventures. “I was left with three empty rucksacks to tote around after lunch and thought how great it would be if I could throw them away in the nearest waste bin,” he recalled.
“When I got home I looked around to see if disposable back packs were available – there was nothing.”
It was redundancy, and the decision to become a house-husband while wife Kathryn resumed her teaching career, that spurred Simon to spend the next 12 months researching the market and patenting the design of the Piggy Pac, a paper rucksack that is not only disposable but also fully recyclable.
Simon designed the Piggy Pac himself drawing upon his chartered engineering expertise. It consists of a standard paper bag capable of holding two kilos or more to which back straps have been attached. Meant for one-off use, the Piggy Pac will have a retail price of £2.99 for a pack of ten.
“Finding a paper supplier who could see the potential was one of the biggest hurdles,” he said. “I went through 12 before I found one who was prepared to work with me.” The prototype was field tested on a school trip and stronger paper incorporated as a result.
While family and school use is seen as a core market, Simon also sees opportunities with conference/exhibition organisers who can use branded Piggy Pacs to hold giveaways and show materials.
Simon is targeting 10,000 online sales from the Paper Rucksacks website this summer, and a further 10,000 sales from a sale or return deal with a key tourist attraction. Then in 2006 and armed with growing sales data credibility, he’s aiming at 200,000 sales and a supermarket tie-up.
“Although the Piggy Pac idea is quite simple, everything about its development has been a challenge - from finding the right bag to sorting out the barcode,” he went on.
“Now the development phase is over, it’s time to make the most of the market potential.”
-end-
Information file:
Simon Mitchinson can be contacted on 01344 411998 or 07766 230839.
Email: simon.mitchinson@paperrucksacks.co.uk
Web: www.paperrucksacks.co.uk
Article written by Christopher Snowden of Moving Finger
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