About Buddy

Overview

The Buddy Bug system was designed as a way to grasp, engage and develop a child’s imagination.  This system ties together a story book, a physical creature, technology and a child’s imagination.  The story book introduces a character “buddy bug” to the reader.   This bug is introduced as being a new member of the family.  The bug, a plush stuffed toy  has the magical ability to travel to and find parents or loved ones while they are away on a vacation or just at the office.  The story comes to life through today’s cameras, camera phones and web-based email. While the child receives a buddy bug with the buddy bug system, a second, secretly hidden identical bug is given to the parent to take with them when they leave the home.  In the eyes of the child, their buddy bug has the magical ability to fly at the speed of light to find their parent or loved one and report on their behavior, a successful story, or if something is bothering them.   The parent can snap a picture with their identical bug and email or send a picture through their phone to the child at home.  The buddy bug provides a connection between children and their parents even when they are great distances apart.   Children can also take their bug with them on trips out of the house and upload them to the buddy bug website to win contests.

 
Marketing Section

This program is meant to target children between the ages of 2-12.  Buddy bugs are designed to be gender neutral so they will be appealing to both boys and girls.  The simple story can be translated into many cultures and languages but the test and prime focus will be in the US.  However, with the engagement of our buddy bugs web site, this system can be used to educate children about various cultures, and places around the world.  The ease of use and level of interaction will vary between the age groups, but the underlying message will remain constant.  Children will have a unique way to communicate and share with their parents or loved ones no matter where they are.

Competition      

There are two current systems that resemble this concept, “The elf on the shelf” and “Flat Stanley”.    While there is an element of each of these creative concepts, the buddy bug is completely unique in its ability to be used by any religion, culture, anytime of the year and the ability to bring a family closer.  Cellufun and Ty are also seeing the ability to bring plush toys and new technology together. “According to the agreement, Ty will provide Cellufun its top branded Beanie Baby icons, known and collected by millions worldwide, for development into virtual pets further blurring the lines between the real and virtual!”

http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20100310006126/en/beanie-baby/cellufun/ty-inc.

Promotion Section

Our marketing efforts will be mainly focused on large chain retail book sellers and online channels.  Since one of the main focuses will be introducing technology as a means of communication, we will have a strong online presence.  Banner ads, facebook, online contests, coupons, group purchasing, (groupon etc…)