I consider every startup idea to have value. Although it is easy to get an approximation of how well an idea will work, one will never know unless he or she tries. The most oft cited example of this is AirBnB, [1] but one example most people haven't heard of is Washboard [2]; they charged $27 for $20 in quarters to help people pay at the laundromat. Did they get customers? ..yes, actually. I think the final count was 11 or so.
Just goes to show you, any idea can succeed... to a degree, at least.
Happy holidays to you, too.
[1]: at first, people said "you want to rent your house out to a stranger? What!?" but then apparently many realized that it was relatively safe to do so.
Striking... you are right about the AirBnB [1]. Even Henry Ford said if he would have asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses. Steve Jobs also was known to do as he pleased because users don't know what they want.
Not familiar with washboard. I will check it out.
Another interesting case is the founder of SnapInspect. He asked realtors if they would pay in advance for this solution. A few did... and now it seems to be doing very well.
Just goes to show you, any idea can succeed... to a degree, at least.
Happy holidays to you, too.
[1]: at first, people said "you want to rent your house out to a stranger? What!?" but then apparently many realized that it was relatively safe to do so.
[2]: http://valleywag.gawker.com/real-startup-that-mails-you-quar...