Unusual inventions - The Pet Rock...
by Startacus Admin
Not every idea or invention, changes the World, but when Gary Dahl, an Advertising Executive from the US, invented the concept of the Pet Rock, he created a fad, that became the 1970’s equivalent of the Digital Pet Tamagotchi, and changed his fortunes forever...
The story goes that Gary Dahl was sitting in a bar with his friends, complaining about their household pets (as you do). Gary in that moment, had an epiphany, deciding that a Rock would be the perfect pet to have, as you would not need to feed, clean, walk...a Pet Rock. One wonders if Gary was stoned himself, but fast forward 6 months, the Pet Rock had become a phenomenon, and although, like all fads, they generally die a quick death, this pet project, ended up selling around 1.5 million units.
The Pet Rock sold with a tongue-in-cheek 32 page manual and although the styling was simplistic, the brand as you can see, stands out and works. You can imagine Gary Dahl on Dragons Den, they would have had a field day!
A lesson for all of us perhaps, that your idea, however stupid, wacky or unconventional it may seem, could do a Gary Dahl, and net yourself a small fortune. Even if others don’t take your idea seriously, the general public may do so...so we say, arise Sir Gary Dahl, the inventor of the Pet Rock!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit launched by Tech Nation to help tech founders and their employees create more diverse and inclusive businesses, and provide equal opportunities for all in UK tech
Digital ID verification startup OCR Labs secures major investment to support further technology innovation and expand its operations in UK and Turkish markets
ECOncrete Wins EU H2020 Funding to Lead the “LIVING PORTS” Project to Deploy Next-Generation Port Infrastructure
"How to Scale a Startup" event on 23rd June will allow startups to explore key business areas they'll need to consider and get right if they're to move to scaleup status.
London-based financial literacy startup Strive is on a mission to teach kids about the future of money - from cryptocurrencies to saving
.jpeg)
Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust are seeking 18-30-year-olds with ambitious business ideas that could turn into important innovations
Fancy designing your own home? Opoplan, an innovative Irish proptech startup, turns your design brief into a Custom House Plan uniquely suited to you
Karen Dunne-Squire, founder of Elation Experts, shares insights and tips that will help you develop a dynamic approach to business growth
Thinking about starting a business degree? Good prep is key - these tips will help you start off on the right foot...
RElab 2021 opens for applications from tech startups and scaleups with innovative solutions on the core themes of sustainability and construction technology
Published on: 16th July 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- ECOncrete Wins EU H2020 Funding 16th Jun 2021 ECOncrete Wins EU H2020 Funding to Lead the “LIVING PORTS” Project to Deploy Next-Generation Port Infrastructure
- Calling on all 18-30 year-olds in the UK with innovative business ideas 14th Jun 2021 Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust are seeking 18-30-year-olds with ambitious business ideas that could turn into important innovations
- 1 in 3 small businesses losing customers to maintain COVID-secure workplaces 10th Jun 2021 Latest research from iwoca reveals that COVID restrictions continue to have a huge impact on SMEs in the UK
- Lightyear, Europe’s first completely commission-free investment app set to launch 3rd Jun 2021 New fintech startup Lightyear secures major pre-seed funding and launches waiting list for its innovative investment platform
