u/BigBubbleMachines

If anybody enjoyed my show, please let me know. I wish I was more than one person so I could run machines all over the park, everyone seemed to enjoy it.

I am looking for feedback on starting a Kickstarter for this bubble machine. I realistically cannot sell this machine for less than $350 even if I have 500 backers to cover necessary overhead, scaling assembly process, regulatory approvals and fulfillment - I would prefer even more per machine if possible as it still leaves very little room to grow the company. I have a commercial use oriented refilling system that I want to work towards, but not sure if I should spend the time and capital now to develop it. Should I try to do a Kickstarter without the commercial refill system? Refills are required every 10-15 min or so without the system. An internal battery is planned for development, but would require more logistics and regulatory certifications - is it ok to proceed without it?

Potential Tiers:

+ 1 Machine

+ 1 16oz Bubble solution concentrate, Tripod

+ 1 Custom laser marked with serial number

+ 1 3D print .stl of early prototype, "The Pill" and component BOM (components not included)

+ 3 Machines, Get 1 Machine Free

I call it CELBELUS and it's currently 3D printed and assembled in my garage, but I do hope to make more of them and share them with the world one day. For now, I'm limited to building about 5 a week when my kids are playing by themselves during the summer. The design is a progression of many ideas and prototypes.

When my youngest started going to school 2 years ago, I took up fishing as a hobby; but felt that maybe catching that many fish was a bit unnecessary. My wife suggested I take up 3D printing as a hobby, but I groaned at the idea. I'm a mechanical engineer by training and used to use 3D printers for work, but now I am a stay at home dad - using 3D printers sounded like it would be a pain and not fun.

For a few months, I just printed random 3D models from thingaverse, but I kept having nagging thoughts that perhaps I could design things to 3D print and maybe it could be fun and not work. I started doing random repairs to plastic objects around the house, fixing a spray bottle, making small wall mount brackets for planters and fixing water guns. One day, I wanted to upgrade my son's bubble machine to use my power tool batteries...and one thing lead to another. First, I made his machine better, adding high capacity battery power and then enabling it to blow stronger and faster. After a few weeks of upgrades, I realized the next improvement would be easier if I ditched the design of my son's original bubble machine all together.

I call the 1st 2 pictures "gen1" machines and the last picture shows "gen x"...actually don't have a good count on the prototypes as there were many major and minor updates for each design.

available at www.bigbubblemachines.com

My youngest's passion for bubbles somehow led me to design a new bubble machine, so I could teach them my passion for engineering; but also to show them that a stay at home dad isn't just for play, a provider, possible slave...I have other skills!? Anyhow, I find it daunting and also maybe necessary to start a business as my kids spend more time at school these days - I've been out of the work force since before covid, so I'm also trying to hone my engineering skills just in case I want to go back to work. Anyone in the same position past or present?