4 ms·

It's that time of the year again, where you have several minor heart attacks reading through the list of start-ups that might just be one you're about to launch

by smickie 13y ago

It's that time of the year again, where you have several minor heart attacks reading through the list of start-ups that might just be one you're about to launch. On a another note, I have to say one that really stands out to me is True Link. The old-people credit card, my grandad has almost fallen for online scams before and I think all would happily get our grandparents this peace of mind. Brilliant idea that one.

cwilson 13y ago
I actually think this is a good idea for everyone, not just old-people, and I'm curious as to why it's being marketed this way. My parents and siblings have all had issues with this. In fact, the worry I have is that they will pigeon-hole themselves into being a product for old people. When they go to expand to other markets (which according to their demo day pitch they will be), they may run into brand issues. No one, not kids, 20 somethings, or middle-aged people, want to feel old or be associated with anything that might make them feel that way (have you ever heard or seen someone rant about receiving an AARP letter in the mail?).
- rdl 13y ago
  They can re-use the back end and banking relationships when moving to non-old-people markets, but I think they'd be better off using a new brand for cards for under-18, cards for normal people, etc. Going 100% after the elderly market makes plenty of sense, though, for the future. There already are under-18 products, and elderly are kind of a unique market -- you don't want your parents/grandparents to be scammed, but they have every right to spend their money however they wish (since it's their money), unlike under-18 where it's usually money from parents.
- dmckeon 13y ago
  Wonderful idea, but drop "for old people" and replace it with something less like an elevator pitch, and more like appealing marketing: 'reduced risk' or 'anti-scam'. And then market it to people who are either children of aging parents or parents of younger teenagers - or both.
retube 13y ago
Isn't that a good thing? Iddea validation etc
dangero 13y ago
I found the product interesting too. This is a minor nitpick and/or question. The sample conversation shown on the iPhone screen is in blue which indicates it's an iMessage conversation. Not a big deal, but it was a red flag to me because it meant I wasn't looking at a real screenshot of the product in action, but rather I was looking at promo material and I'm not sure how much of the product actually exists right now vs how much is a concept that is still being built.

by smickie 13y ago

cwilson 13y ago

I actually think this is a good idea for everyone, not just old-people, and I'm curious as to why it's being marketed this way. My parents and siblings have all had issues with this. In fact, the worry I have is that they will pigeon-hole themselves into being a product for old people. When they go to expand to other markets (which according to their demo day pitch they will be), they may run into brand issues. No one, not kids, 20 somethings, or middle-aged people, want to feel old or be associated with anything that might make them feel that way (have you ever heard or seen someone rant about receiving an AARP letter in the mail?).

rdl 13y ago
They can re-use the back end and banking relationships when moving to non-old-people markets, but I think they'd be better off using a new brand for cards for under-18, cards for normal people, etc. Going 100% after the elderly market makes plenty of sense, though, for the future. There already are under-18 products, and elderly are kind of a unique market -- you don't want your parents/grandparents to be scammed, but they have every right to spend their money however they wish (since it's their money), unlike under-18 where it's usually money from parents.
dmckeon 13y ago
Wonderful idea, but drop "for old people" and replace it with something less like an elevator pitch, and more like appealing marketing: 'reduced risk' or 'anti-scam'. And then market it to people who are either children of aging parents or parents of younger teenagers - or both.

retube 13y ago

Isn't that a good thing? Iddea validation etc

dangero 13y ago

I found the product interesting too. This is a minor nitpick and/or question. The sample conversation shown on the iPhone screen is in blue which indicates it's an iMessage conversation. Not a big deal, but it was a red flag to me because it meant I wasn't looking at a real screenshot of the product in action, but rather I was looking at promo material and I'm not sure how much of the product actually exists right now vs how much is a concept that is still being built.