Validation ideas ?

[Bigguns50]

I'm working on a few ideas and this is one I'm stuck on for validation.

I wasn't going to put it out here...but what the Hell...we all know 'ideas' are a dime a dozen.

About 3.5 yrs ago I had granite counter tops installed in my kitchen. We started getting chips in the edge of the granite where the main under mount sink is from pots/pans/dishes striking the edge. The manufacturer/installer came out twice (free) and filled them in.

I spoke with my salesperson then, the installers, and some homeowners of granite tops with under mount sinks and everyone said it's a common problem. No one knew of any protective edge that can be put in place to prevent chips/cracks. Of course I've Googled this too and nothing.

I had a long conversation with a plastics / coating engineer and there are several options I can pursue to try and solve this problem of chipping around the sink. I want to validate that this is a big enough problem to pursue but I'm out of ideas.

There are many repair kits home owners can purchase and companies that will charge to fix chips and cracks in granite and other stone so that's a big problem but my focus is specifically edges.

I'm thinking people that already have this problem seek out their installer or buy a repair kit.

Thoughts / questions ?

Thank you in advance.

 

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[MTF]

What about asking this question on interior design/home repair forums? You could ask people with granite tops if they have this problem and if they would be interested in a solution.

Another idea - talk with manufacturers/sellers of granite tops and ask them if they would be interested in buying from you if you were to develop such a product. You can also possibly guesstimate how many granite tops they sell per year to judge if there's market for it. Perhaps you can even pre-sell it to them once you have a prototype.

You could also set up some highly targeted Google AdWords ads for keywords such as "granite tops cracks" (not sure if there's any sensible volume, though) and just set up a simple sales page to see if anyone at least clicks "order" or subscribes to your mailing list.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Do you have a example picture that you're product will fix? I've had granite countertops for the last 20 years but can't visualize the issue you're talking about, nor have I had such issues. Despite that, I do like the idea assuming that such problems are common occurrences.

 

[Mrs. BRKb]

Do you have a example picture that you're product will fix? I've had granite countertops for the last 20 years but can't visualize the issue you're talking about, nor have I had such issues. Despite that, I do like the idea assuming that such problems are common occurrences.

Like this, B-guns?

 

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[Bigguns50]

What about asking this question on interior design/home repair forums?

I will do this. Thanks !

Another idea - talk with manufacturers/sellers of granite tops and ask them if they would be interested in buying from you if you were to develop such a product.

Right....I will do this too.
I did call and speak with a manager where I bought my granite counter tops and asked if chipping edges, especially around the under mount sink was a common problem....but...she didn't work there when I make my purchase (doesn't know me) and answered the way I thought she might "I've never heard of that problem." mmhhmm. I'm going to go there this week to ask to take some of their scrap pieces (I'll need anyway if need is validated). I'll pose the question you suggested.

Do you have a example picture that you're product will fix?

@Mrs. BRKb posted it. Along any edge really. The chips and cracks around the sink are from dropping/banging pots/pans,etc. It also depends on the rock you install. Some are harder than others.

Like this, B-guns?

Yes !