I have been working with a biological scientist(M.D.) that wants to release a diagnostic kit for companion animals.This kit would be given to the pet owner either at the veterinarians office or at a retail outlet.The kit is comprised of some test tubes and instructions in a small box.It is used,then mailed to our facilty and results can arrive in many ways(fax, email, etc)which will come in report format and can be interpreted by a studious animal owner or a veterinarian. It is meant to diagnose an animals sickness,or general health, using the most modern methods thus creating the most comprehensive results.It is a fecal exam which can diagnose an animal of ANY intestinal pathogens(Bacteria,parasites,eggs,etc),which is the most common route for sickness and zooinosis(passing disease from animal to human).I have evidence that supports the fact that the same battery of testing would cost the vet over $900.This is only a diagnostic tool not a treatment.So,the scientist is wanting the service to cost $125;I feel this is too high for todays consumer.We need a plan from here,I have run restaraunts and started several "service businesses",but never a product business.I am questioning whether or not this is viable and if so,then where do I go from here.Thank you for your response.

Dude

I think it is certainly viable as there are similar testing kits available for people (e.g., UTI kit, HIV kit, etc.) which can be purchased at drug stores.

But, I agree, the service sounds expensive. I think I need additional clarification to give you more guidance. You have this kit with all this stuff - is the $125 per every kit? Does the kit include actual testing at the lab? Basically, does the dog owner have to pay $125 every time they want tests run and does the kit only provide enough stuff for one time testing? What about economies of scale? Generally, when you take that into account, the price can be lowered much more.

Also, why would you target just people? Why not vets themselves? I'm sure they want to save money for their customers too.

You should talk to animal owners - I know many of them would spend a lot on their animal. Can this be used for horses too? Those owners would spend anything! I would recommend that you go to some animal forums to get some market information (fyi, you may need to contact the forum owners to make sure you can post and ask). But, given that people spend hundreds of dollars on clothes for their animals, they would probably pay for this. Or, if that doesn't work, if you have everything together - get a website up, advertise, and see if people buy. If not, lower (or even raise) the price and see what happens.

Oh also, there are companies that advertise on tv about selling medication for animals that people can get at the vet but it's more expensive. You may want to try to get in touch with them - this sounds like something they could be interested in selling (maybe even investing?).

Best of luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://pagebuzz.com - Small Business Website Hosting. $19.99 per month, no up sells, no contracts, no surprises. Shopping cart, photo galleries, drag and drop editors, graphics, specialized programming for car dealers, real estate agents, and others.

$125 is NOT too much. People will spend that on their pets... remember it's a highly technical product-- sell it too cheap and people won't buy it.
Sounds like a good idea-- even if it's already being done there is probably room for it.


Berry
We offer a platform for graphic designers, photographers, and marketers to build their websites on. If you get offers to do websites but don't know how or can't do it all- we are who to turn to.