Off-the-wall question (informal market research for new novelty, yet functional, item)
(Edit to add...duh...that this involves another DUer, someone I referred here months ago. 
I'll refrain from sharing the name in case no one likes his idea...lol)
I've been a social entrepreneur since before Bill Drayton coined the term. Even though I am struggling tremendously at present, I still fervently believe we can do well while doing good. In fact, the more I struggle, the more obsessed I become with that worldview. I'm determined to show my daughter that all these things I've been advocating and doing and working toward for decades has value and can succeed.
One of my passions is to promote other social enterprises and ideas, especially any product or service that benefits others along the way.
A Wishadoo! Community member who, like so many of us, has had a brutally difficult time trying to find work when over 50, is spreading his entrepreneurial wings with my encouragement (so I feel a bit responsible...lol). Several years ago he created something that is perfect to approach with this social entrepreneurial model. His family and friends have them and use them, and several of his neighbors bought them for family members, so we both feel the idea has merit.
When I suggested working with an organization like Community Workforce Solutions to assemble the hats, he was very receptive to the idea. He then suggested having proceeds from each sale benefit Wishadoo! and selling it via Wishadoo!'s marketplace. (BTW, please read this DU post about the marketplace -- and DU''s Marketplace! -- and how we can use both to raise money for DUers who need our help.)
What I'd REALLY appreciate your help with right now is feedback about the product itself, specifically whether or not you can see yourself buying one or if you know people who may have an interest. Neither of us has any money for consumer research, so this is my informal attempt, trying to gauge any level of interest.
Here is the product: the No-Gnat Hat
It may seem simple, but it is a design arrived at after much trial and error over the years. We have developed a simple, pendulum-like adapter to attach to our hats. It required a precise design for proper movement and perfect reaction to head movements from our pendulums, along with the correct number of pendulums per hat. We have tested various materials, different weights, various lengths, and various placements to accomplish the insect-repelling effect, without obstructing vision.
Whether it is working in the garden, mowing the lawn, fishing, or simply reading a book on your deck, the NO-GNAT HAT™ will shield your face from the sun and help keep those pesky insects away from your face.
We're currently exploring how the NO-GNAT HAT™ can create job opportunities for different groups within the special-needs community, including those who have disabilities, those who are homeless, and residents of women's shelters.
http://www.nognathat.com/ (Check out the Dual-Use Solar Unit there, too; scroll down to see more about hat)
Knowing the business model and how the hats are being crafted, and that it's a very grassroots effort, can you see yourself buying a hat -- for yourself or as a gift (Mother's Day?) -- for $25 to $30?
= new reply since forum marked as read
The beads hang don't hang in front of the eyes, but I know what you mean. That kind of thing drives me crazy; this doesn't though. (Another friend sent a link to a similar product for horses! A very slight movement keeps the bugs away.)
Thanks for the reply, SmileyRose!
but that's a hoot. Love those Aussies. Thanks for that bit of info.
Thanks again.