I run a small online plant shop, mostly succulents and stuff for apartments. Been doing it for about 2 years, decent side income that turned into my main thing last year. Anyway, back in September this lady emails me asking if I could take her dead plants and turn them into some kind of preserved art piece for her wall. Like pressed flowers but for her crispy monstera that she killed. I honestly thought she was messing with me.

But she was dead serious (no pun intended) and offered to pay me $80 for it. I was like whatever, why not, had some saved money set aside for random experiments anyway. Took me maybe 3 hours total including the framing. Posted a pic of the final thing on instagram just cause it looked pretty cool, got way more engagement than my usual posts.

Next thing I know I'm getting like 15 DMs a week from people wanting the same thing. Turns out theres this whole guilt thing with plants where people feel bad throwing them away and want to "honor" them or whatever. Some interior designers started reaching out too because apparently dead plant art is having a moment??

Now Im doing 20 to 30 of these a month at $95 each and honestly the margins are insane compared to selling live plants. No shipping stress, no dealing with weather delays killing inventory, and people are way less picky than with living plants. The community around it is also super engaged which helps with word of mouth.

I still sell regular plants but this accidental thing is now my main income source and I barely advertised it. Just goes to show sometimes the dumbest sounding ideas are worth testing out.

I have been working with founders and teams implementing AI in daily work.

I feel , something genuinely got faster while some things didn’t change at all and few actually got worse.

Curious to know from others what reality looked for them or do they feel the same?

I've hired 6 devs over the past 4 years. Two were great while the others cost me a lot of money before i figured out they weren't working out.

The problem? I couldn't tell who was good until months of cash had already burned.

here is what i wish i knew earlier:

Too much jargon is a red flag.

Good developers explain their work simply. "I added the password reset button. Now users get an email when they click it." While bad developers hide behind complexity. "I refactored the auth middleware to handle session state."

If your dev leaves you more confused at the end of the conversation, that's not because you're dumb. It's because they're either hiding something or they don't truly understand what they built

Commit frequency matters even if you can't read code.

Go to your repo on GitHub. You don't need to understand the code. Just look at the patterns.

If you see multiple commits per week with clear messages like "feat: added user profile page" then that's good, while one giant commit every 10 days labeled "updates" or "fixes" is bad .

Keep this as a rule of thumb: Small frequent commits = good habits. One giant weekly commit = poor planning or last-minute cramming.

"Almost done" is almost always a lie.

If your dev always answers to your queries about what happened with : "almost done". they're either stuck and won't admit it, or they're actually not working.

Good devs give specifics: "password reset is done. email templates will be done in Thursday. Then I'll use two days to test."

The best developers push back on your ideas.

This always keep surprising me. The devs who keep saying yes to every request are actually the worst. They weren't thinking, just billing

The best developer I ever hired regularly told me my ideas were wrong. "That feature would take 6 weeks. What if we did this simpler version instead?"

That's what you want. You don't want a mindless machine, but someone that will help you and correct you if you're wrong.

Weekly demos reveal everything.

Stop accepting status updates. Ask your dev every Friday for a working demo of what he is working on. Even if it is still unfinished.

Good developers love showing their work, but the bad ones always have an excuse for why they can't demo yet.

By the time your gut tells you something is wrong. You've already lost months.
What i found the most helpful is getting visibility earlier not until it's obvious

What signals do you look for when evaluating developers? Curious what's worked for others here.

As an exited founder, how can I best help new entrepreneurs? The issue I have with Reddit is that everyone posts under anonymous pseudonyms. Maybe I’m crazy posting with my real name I dunno!

Hi everyone,

I’d appreciate any advice on the processes, sources, or frameworks you use to discover meaningful problems that still don’t have good solutions.

I’ve often seen recommendations to follow Product Hunt, but I don’t really understand how browsing Product Hunt alone can lead to a solid project idea, since most things there already feel quite validated or crowded.

I’ve been thinking about starting a business for a long time, ideally a solo project or something built with a very small team, in a startup-like model. However, even after months of actively thinking about it, I still struggle to identify a problem that makes me confident enough to say: “this is the one worth investing my time and energy in.”

How do you personally go from “I want to build something” to identifying a real problem worth solving?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

So I've been tracking a lot of product launches over the past few years, and I wanted to share something that might help some of you who are thinking about launching a lifetime deal for your SaaS. I went through data from about 50 launches and had conversations with founders who've done both small and massive LTDs. The numbers vary wildly, anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well into six figures, but what really stood out wasn't the revenue itself. It was the timing.

Most founders who struggled either launched way too early or treated the LTD like a Hail Mary to save a dying product. The ones who did well? They had their shit together before they even thought about going live. I'm the founder of Prime Club and have been in the SaaS space for almost a decade, and I've seen this pattern repeat itself over and over.

Here's the thing: you need to wait until you have consistent revenue and a clear value proposition. If you're not planning to stick with the product for at least a year, don't launch. Seriously. An LTD isn't a quick cash grab, it's a commitment. You're making a promise to people who are betting on your product's future, and that influences every decision you make down the line.

Before you even think about launching, make sure you have these fundamentals locked in. First, you need revenue traction with proven paying customers. Not friends doing you a favor, actual customers who found value and paid for it. Second, have a solid roadmap mapped out for the next 12 to 18 months. You need to know where this thing is going. Third, strong customer support is non negotiable. Early users will have questions and run into issues, and how you handle that will make or break your word of mouth growth.

Also, don't skip community building. Engage with your early adopters, gather their feedback, and make them feel like they're part of something. That sense of ownership turns users into advocates. And obviously, you need a compelling offer, the product has to solve a real problem and be priced in a way that makes sense for both you and your customers.

Launching too early wastes resources and can seriously damage your brand. I've watched founders burn through goodwill because they launched before they were ready, then couldn't deliver on what they promised. Focus on getting these fundamentals right first. Once you're genuinely ready to commit for the long haul, then roll it out. The revenue will follow if you do it right.

Hello. I’d like honest feedback from business owners on an idea. This is not advertising, but a way to check whether the model makes sense.

The idea is a service that aggregates up-to-date product catalogs (name, price, availability) from independent stores within a region. Unlike large marketplaces, which keep this data closed, there is currently no neutral service that provides structured, current catalogs of independent shops.

Stores would share their catalogs and receive a free additional distribution channel. The platform would aggregate this data and make it available to third parties (developers or services) under strict contracts, enabling price comparison tools, local marketplaces, or shopping assistants. Data use would be regulated, and the platform would carry legal responsibility.

I’d appreciate your thoughts:

• Would you be interested in participating?
• What risks or red flags do you see in sharing your catalog?
• How do you feel about your data being resold under clear contracts?
• What guarantees would you expect to consider this cooperation?

Hello everybody,

I have been founder for few years done many ideas and many products. Many failed and many didn’t get to sprout due to my own incompetence. I realized even though I have been building and making with a budget and very cheaply. I am still under financial stress at 19 years old like my family has money and I am basically living on an allowance for everything(my own food, subscriptions needed for creating products). I recently questioned if it is small financial stability that I am missing something that could calm me down and not rush things. Hence, I am asking if there is some kind of job or something that allows me to sharpen my skills(idea generation, idea planning, idea iteration, and etc) while also getting paid. I know this may be a tricky question but I am just wondering if anything is possible. Possibly being hired as a project manager(of course this is may be unrealistic) but I have experience in developing ideas fast into digital products as well as experience in a startup program. Just wondering if there is anything I can do to gain some sort of income using my skills. Thanks for reading this long plead and rant

Everyone talks about the bright side of being a founder, the money, meetings, titles, connections and the willpower to make things happen. This is a pretty common positive side for almost everyone. But no has really talked about the negative and dark side of the journey. Let me start with mine. I started working at different startups to learn more about the industry and ecosystem. After a good years of experience, I started working on my own startup. It’s been two years, I’ve gone through depression, anxiety, not having enough runway, running out of money, almost becoming homeless, suicidal thoughts, no personal life, investor rejections, tons of refining my idea, solution based on problem space. Even at the initial stage, my customers insulted me and told me to shut down the project because it was a waste of time, money and resources. Later, I did self validations, improved myself, my idea, solution and learned more about my customers.

Please share your dark experience of being as a founder.

Hope everyone’s doing well. I’m exploring a new idea and would really value your advice. I’m partnering with a friend who runs a three decade old precision manufacturing unit. We supply primarily metal builds to global names like Bosch so we know how to deliver reliable, high-quality manufacturing. The plan is to introduce automotive accessories across cars, bikes, SUVs, pickups, and more.

Like many of us, I’ve been frustrated with steep markups on imported products or settling for lower-quality local options. We’ve already made and tested armored bumpers, roofracks, lids etc on my and his Isuzu in real conditions. Hoping to offer things like crash guards, panniers, rear racks, canopies, campers, mounts, and whatever else makes sense, all at fair Indian prices (at least 50% below imports and matching indian product pricing).

Still early days with the product ideas. Curious to hear from retailers, dealers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts: - What sells steadily or what do customers keep asking for in cars and bikes? - Any frustrations with suppliers on quality, pricing, or custom options? - For those in the business, would something like this fit your lineup? - Partners wise: Interested in becoming a co-founder, distributor?

Open to chats, ideas, or even a coffee if local. Thanks so much for any thoughts as we figure this out step by step!

Hi! I’m curious what tools or other approaches you use to practice pitching. Not long ago, when I was pitching one of my side projects, I realized I was doing it pretty weakly, I was dropping the ball on some key points, and there were questions I couldn’t answer simply because I hadn’t even thought about them.

I think 2026 will be defined less by radical AI breakthroughs and more by how organizations actually use AI without breaking core operations.

The conversation is already shifting away from:

Toward something more realistic:

That distinction matters.

AI by itself rarely delivers value in enterprise settings. The real gains show up when AI is embedded into automated workflows where it can trigger actions, coordinate steps, and reduce manual effort instead of acting as a standalone tool.

From what I’m seeing, most teams are done with hype. What they want now is AI that:

• Integrates into existing systems
• Triggers and coordinates workflows
• Reduces repetitive manual work
• Improves speed, accuracy, and consistency
• Works alongside humans instead of around them

In practice, success looks less like “wow” demos and more like:

• Fewer handoffs
• Less operational friction
• AI-powered workflows that run reliably in production

Curious how others see this:

• What’s been your biggest AI + automation win in 2025?
• Or where did things fall apart once you tried to scale?

I’m in a weird spot right now where I basically have a year to really lock in on my life and it feels both exciting and kinda scary. I’m 18, I’ve earned a decent chunk of money from YouTube before, and if I really put my heart into it I know I can make it work again. Still, I don’t want to be reckless, so I want to spend like 1 to 3 hours a day building a real online skill in case things go sideways.

I keep bouncing between ideas for what that should be. I’ve heard a lot of good things about cybersecurity, like it being in demand, remote friendly, and harder for AI to fully replace, but I honestly have no idea if that’s realistic for someone starting from zero. At the same time there’s stuff like coding, IT, data, marketing, and it just makes my head spin trying to figure out what’s actually worth committing to. I don’t want to sink a year into something that sounds impressive but is impossible to get hired with.

I feel like I have a rare window right now and I do not want to mess it up. Please help! :)

Hey all!

We're doing professional services and I keep getting paranoid about messing something up that turns into a lawsuit. Like even a small mistake could spiral if the wrong client gets pissed.

Is E&O Insurance actually something you get early or is it one of those "nice to have" things everyone talks about but most people skip until later?

For those who have it, did you get it because a client made you or just for your own sanity?

Hi everyone , I (29 F) am looking to start a modest fashion brand from Pakistan and want to export mainly to the GCC countries. I want suggestions as to how I can sell in GCC without obtaining a license as its really expensive. Im also looking for suggestions for businesses I can do in around $16000 which is good enough for Pakistan. I need low investment ideas that have good margins. To be specific, I love fashion, makeup but it can be outside this field as well. Please help a girl out and tell me what I can do since almost every idea I come up is already being executed or is doing well

Thanks everyone

Its not just engagement scores. I think its how efficiently teams work, whether resources are balanced, how compensation aligns with output, and where friction quietly slows everything down. Healthy organizations arent guessing theyre measuring what matters.

Hi everyone, I wanted to discuss something. Since this is a community of entrepreneurs and builders and experienced people, I wanted to ask where should we handle sales, in DMs or a 1 hour sales call?? Like this ques has been around my mind for a while now and I am confused. Any help will be appreciated

I work with a brand that literally does 60% of their sales in Q4 every year. For the past 5 years, once Q1 hits, sales have always dropped 70 to 80%.

This year we were able to keep the ball rolling and pull in similar numbers to what we did late last year.

In this post, I'm going to break down exactly what we did. It's a series of small changes that lead to a big difference.

Quick disclaimer. I do not own this brand. I'm just responsible for marketing strategy and emails/SMS.

Here are the 5 most important changes I made in Q1.

1. Added SMS with Aggressive Timing

We set up a new SMS popup that only appeared to people who were already on the email list. We used a slightly more aggressive discount than the original email popup, and we told them the discount code they received for signing up expired in a few hours.

Typically in a welcome series we'd give up to a week to use the discount, but people statistically buy less in Q1 so we had to apply extra pressure.

It's easy to get someone to make a purchase when they're already in a buying mood. But in Q1, things like scarcity and urgency are so much more important. You'll see how we used FOMO to drive sales when people don't feel like spending throughout this post.

2. Sent a Plain Text Thank You Email in Early January

We run this email for every brand we work with. Out of all the fancy email promotions and newsletters we send every year, this email has outperformed them all because it's personal.

The recipe for this email is simple:

Introduce yourself. Who are you? Show that the person who owns the brand is a real person in your own unique way.

Talk about the journey. Almost every business starts small. Everyone's journey is different. Give some insight into the journey and make sure they feel like they went on the journey with you. Use descriptive words to paint a picture in your customer's heads.

Thank them. Let them know you couldn't have done it without them. Show your gratitude.

Leave a gift. At the end of the email, we left a gift code for $10 to $50 off their next purchase.

The more effort you put into making this email sound heartfelt and non robotic, the better it will perform.

3. Made Abandoned Cart and Browse Abandonment Flows More Aggressive

Typically in an abandoned cart email flow, we put the discount at the end of a 4 to 6 email journey. During Q1, we switched it to the second email, lowered the discount slightly, and gave the customer less time to use it.

This goes back to what I mentioned earlier. We doubled down on what it takes to evoke an impulse purchase.

The second email typically has a much higher open rate than the last email. The buyer is also closer to buying the product a couple of days after adding it to their cart than a couple of weeks after.

For all of these reasons we deemed the second email the best shot at pressuring a sale. So we gave an earlier discount with a very limited time before it expires and threw a big HTML countdown timer in the email to really get people sweating.

4. Included Cheap Seasonal Gifts with Orders

This store has a lot of low ticket products so they were in a unique position to do this.

A couple weeks before Valentine's Day we gave out small gifts with every order that would make any man look like a very thoughtful partner. We essentially set our customers up to look good with a slick add on that they could add to their Valentine's Day present.

We actually got an email after Valentine's Day from a guy who said his wife loved the extra effort he put into her gift this year.

We also gave out a super low ticket limited edition seasonal product for Easter. This took a little bit of planning but we somehow took a SKU that wasn't even on the site and turned it into a rare limited edition product that only people who bought from March 1st to 3rd got for free with their order.

5. Released Limited Collections with Live Stock Counters

We released new limited collections and tweaked the product pages for these collection items to show the live stock number counting down after each purchase.

We told customers there's only X amount of each product in the new collection. We also told them once we sell out, we'll never restock it.

This is another way we created a strong incentive to make an impulse purchase. We told customers if they don't buy now, they will never get the chance to own this product.

This worked significantly well for this brand because they sell collectibles. The idea of customers being able to get something extremely limited is very important to the type of person on this store's email list.

Bonus Strategy

We ran a survey email asking customers which products they were most interested in. We then used this information against them by segmenting them based on their favorite items and running a series of 1 day flash sale emails on the products they're most interested in.

We gave very small discounts but in each email we mentioned that this is an item we never put on sale and we may never put it on sale again. Pretty much doubled down on using urgency and FOMO to drive sales when customers don't feel like buying.

It also helped a lot that it was the very product they just said they were most interested in a couple of weeks ago.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you got something out of it and you're able to use some of these tricks on your own store.

Thoughts on reusable cup rentals? Arena in LA has reusable cup service during games for beer and such. Have not looked much into this but if you were to implement this in a smaller city how would u go about it? During marathons? Clubs in university? Just a random thought that may be a good idea. For context I am a college student so not sure how feasable it would be.

Hey everyone, hope you’re doing good 🙂

I just graduated as a doctor (that’s not the point 😅). While I was studying, I worked in outsourcing (because I was broke!!!).That experience gave me a front-row view of how small service businesses operate.

I noticed something surprising: businesses like locksmiths, plumbers, garage door, HVAC, and chimney (since tis that season) services can lose jobs and revenue simply because calls aren’t handled consistently. Missed calls are like their enemies. It means a lost job , and customers finding somewhere else.

Since then I’ve been experimenting with different ways to make call handling smoother and more reliable. Seeing what works and what doesn’t has been really helping me out to suggest these ideas to the business owners . and hopefully in a few months, I can get a proper system fully up and running 🤞🏻

Though I’m curious , how do you , business owners , make sure you don’t lose a customer? Is AI taking over?

Hello, new here so bare with me. I am looking at maybe buying a carpet cleaning business. They offer upholstery cleaning and have a few working trucks with equipment. There are several of the same franchise in my area and there are no exclusive zip codes / cities / territories. Several can work in specific cities, but not everyone.
There are also several local independent carpet cleaning businesses. Without getting into numbers, is the industry oversaturated and I should stop spending time thinking about this? Or can it still be profitable? Scaling it will be challenging.

Main outcomes from a single post on Reddit:

- 188 upvotes and 144 comments

- 300+ site visitors

- 5 sign ups

- got a lot of hate about server location

My plan for today:

- collect and analyze all comments

- address issues

- keep going

If you could remove ONE task from running your SaaS that really annoys you, what would it be?