Summary
Thank you Indie Trendsetters, travelers, people-on-the-go, & foodies for checking out my new product and for being the fearless "early adopters" that love trying new innovations!!
I'm often on the go which means, like most of you I eat and drink in my car. However balancing food or hot coffee on my lap or console is not only risky but dangerous.
The Wheel Tray was born out of my desire to solve a problem and avoiding the hazards of eating in the car.
Features
- Easy-to-use ( sets it up in less than 5 seconds)
- Light weight ( carry it with you for travel or using in a coffee shop)
- Folds and stores easily ( tucks between your seat and center console)
- Has optional white board for quick notes and numbers
- Makes eating on the go a pleasant experience (no messes)
Hi I'm Mark Machuszek - an inventor, foodie, car enthusiast and traveler. I have been in the innovation, environmental and tech space for 20-plus years creating a number of products and solutions for automotive, education, restaurant and media industries.
Yes, Yes, Yes, The Wheel Tray!! How do I know you will love it?
Well, one afternoon I went to a drive thru, got my food, parked the car and was ready to eat, only to discover that I left The Wheel Tray back at the "studio" aka my garage! Omg I just realized how important and convenient it is!
No more messes, spills or ketchup dripping down the side of the center console while trying to eat those French fries you aren't supposed to have anyway!
Wheel Tray Benefits
- Cool, convenient, fun-to-use and even a conversation starter.
- Take the "mess" out of your car meals
- Eat in your car without spilling drinks
- Have a place to put your food, keys, book or mobile device
- No more stained clothes, carpets or upholstery
- Cleans easily with antibacterial wipes
- Prevents items from falling between the seat and console
WHAT STARTED THIS JOURNEY
I was in my 1970 VW bus making a colossal mess trying to eat while balancing my "to-go meal "precariously on my lap.
As I was contorting myself around the steering wheel, I said "this is ridiculous, there has to be a solution for this!"
So, I went to work, and after numerous prototypes - much more difficult than I imagined - The Wheel Tray was born.
Soon, others were asking "do you have one for my car"?
Now creating a universal fitting Wheel Tray that works on the majority of cars in the world that have different sized steering wheels, mounted at different angles, was a complex challenge.
So, what I'm offering on Indie is the solution to that problem. It is the result of many months of work, over a year of development and patent. I think you'll you love it like we do!
This (below) is the original VW bus prototype that started this product line!!
We need your support!!
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Help us make this happen ! We are currently hand-making, a limited number of Wheel Trays but we have to manufacture these at scale because it's impossible to do them all by hand.
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The number of pre-orders we receive will determine our production goals and pricing.
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We also want to hire more people including single parents, veterans, seniors, homeless and a few special needs individuals like my family business did years before. My family was awarded Small Company of the Year 7-times by Dunn & Bradstreet.
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Contributors will get a new Made in the USA product that will grow jobs, help the environment including increasing the market for recycled materials.
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I would love to see Indie peeps blow the roof off this so we can make a difference.
What we need & what you get...
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Your Excitement & Support is #1!! Help us spread the word!
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All Pre-Order clients will get a discount off the list price of any Wheel Tray plus future updates about new products/accessories.
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Available now is our hand-made, limited edition Wheel Tray! These are first-run exclusives, made in our Redondo Beach, California studio - aka our "garage" and they will be signed by the person that made 'em!
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Our 5k goal will help us increase inhouse production and help us partner with manufacturer.
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Funds raised over 10k expands our Innovation Lab allowing us to release a number of new products both related and unrelated to The Wheel Tray.
Sneak peak of a new innovation coming soon (below)! Any guesses?
Full funding allows us to start our unique hiring plan for making our sustainably produced, custom Wheel Tray .
These will be signed by the person who made them, so you know your purchase made a difference in someone's life. That signature might be from a vet, a single mom/dad, a special needs person or it might be from me!
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If you know a company that would like to partner, brand, private label or advertise, let us know.
Below, is one of the early cloth/foam backed prototypes but we changed materials because it was harder to clean in the age of Corona virus. Note the number of fasteners needed to hold the industrial grade elastic backing in place.
The Impact
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Wheel Tray has a World-Wide market potential and you could be part of it!
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Wheel Tray adds a little more fun, enjoyment and convenience in your life, while making your car more useful.
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The Wheel Tray creates new jobs and new markets while helping people.
Risks & Challenges
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There are a number of risk factors including market, economic, political, production and competitive risk, as well as known/unknown events like Covid-19, thus nothing can be guaranteed.
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My past business experience will help lessen those risks especially with a few key people, selected partnering, the right manufacturers and getting some of your suggestions/ideas.
Call to Action!!
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Take the wheel tray with you wherever you go, travelling or grabbing a bite.
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Never worry about ruining your clothes or your day.
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Makes a great gift for anyone who has a vehicle!!
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Buy it for your sales team .
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Every busy mom will love the convenience!
Join us
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We want movers & shakers to help us via your social networks, talk us up to your friends and families.
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Use the Indiegogo share tools.
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Contact me if you have new ideas for improving the product or promoting it.
- If you see imitation products or cheap knock-offs, let us know (we have quality control and a patent) and you might get a bonus for helping us too.
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Always support the innovators, not the imitators!
Lets see what we can do together!
This entire project is dedicated to my dad, aka "Jammin' Joe," who saw my early prototypes, loved the idea and wanted me to launch it. l love you dad - 1/1/2020
Thank you so much everyone,
Mark Machuszek, inventor of The Wheel Tray