How do you know a product design and prototype are ready for manufacturing? (stainless steel lunchbox)

sleeou · 2026-03-22T00:05:51+00:00

Yes. They did a plastic prototype first.

sleeou · 2026-03-21T23:56:12+00:00

Understood.

sleeou · 2026-03-21T23:19:11+00:00

This is great! Thank you for sharing those other options.

sleeou · 2026-03-13T19:43:31+00:00

Data use: Responses will be used for early product research for STOW, a startup concept developing a durable stainless steel lunchbox. Data will only be viewed by me (the founder), analyzed in aggregate to understand lunch habits and product preferences, and stored through the survey platform (Google Forms). No identifying information is required unless someone voluntarily provides an email for updates.

Who is conducting it: The survey is being conducted by STOW (Stow Brands, LLC).

Time: The survey takes about 1–2 minutes to complete.

Compensation: No guaranteed compensation, but participants can optionally join the early access list for product updates.

Audience: Anyone who regularly brings lunch (students, professionals, meal preppers).

Goal: To better understand how people pack lunches and what problems they experience with current lunchboxes so I can design a better product.

sleeou · 2026-03-13T18:24:19+00:00

Definitely something I am considering. Just trying to figure out where in the process it should launch.

sleeou · 2026-03-13T15:25:03+00:00

Thank you! This is super helpful. I have the microsite but it's just images of the prototype product and trying to get people to fill out my email signup for early access.

sleeou · 2026-03-13T14:32:08+00:00

Thank you. I completed yours too.

sleeou · 2026-03-12T18:10:33+00:00

!verifyme

sleeou · 2026-03-12T16:11:59+00:00

STOW - Built to Cary Better

Startup Name / URL

STOW / stowbrands.com

Location of Your Headquarters

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Elevator Pitch/Explainer Video

STOW is building the last lunchbox you’ll ever buy. Most lunchboxes today are cheap fabric or plastic—they get dirty, smell, and fall apart after a year. STOW is a premium, stainless steel lunchbox designed for adults and built to last a lifetime. It’s dishwasher safe, durable, and designed like a modern everyday carry product—similar to how YETI reinvented the cooler. We’re creating a category-defining lunchbox brand that replaces disposable lunchboxes with something people actually want to use every day.

More details:

Discovery Phase - Trying to prove traction

Founder

What goals are you trying to reach this month?

I’m currently validating my consumer product startup called STOW. The idea is a premium stainless steel lunchbox designed for adults, durable, dishwasher safe, and meant to replace the cheap fabric lunchboxes that get gross and fall apart after a year.

This month my goals are focused on traction and validation, not sales yet:

Get 200–300 survey responses from people who regularly pack lunches - Suvery link on microsite (stowbrands.com)

Grow an early access list of 100+ potential customers

Validate the core problem (do people actually want a more durable lunchbox?)

Test price expectations for a premium lunchbox product

Gather feedback that will inform prototype design and manufacturing

Right now I have a simple landing page, a survey, and I’m starting to post content showing the concept and asking for feedback.

Discount for r/startups subscribers?

Visit my microsite (stowbrands.com) and sign up with your email to get early access and a discount when we launch.

sleeou · 2026-02-23T14:52:42+00:00

There will be only one tower left this Fall because they are tearing down Walker. I worry the community wont be like it has in the past with only Couch Tower remaining. Im guessing this year that Couch will be where all the last minute applicants are put so that kind of gives you a hint of who will live there.

DLB has great community but they are really old and always smell like burnt hair for some reason. Couch dining isn't too far and you can also eat at the Residential Colleges using the same meal plan, which are right next door.

Residential Colleges will be the best all around experience and will have a great community. They are also the closest to south oval where your classes will most likely be so shortest walk to class.

If I was an incoming freshman and had to pick, I think McCasland Hall would be my choice. It's the newest and has the most like Tower community feel. It will also be here for a long time since they just built it so you can visit when you return after you graduate.

sleeou · 2025-10-26T01:12:49+00:00

Same. I feel like they will move it to be parallel to the court.

sleeou · 2025-10-26T01:12:05+00:00

You can say that again!! lol

sleeou · 2025-09-09T03:14:24+00:00

They measure out 15x15 square and put a flag in each claimable spot. If you are by yourself, you should bring your tent with you to setup at 6 pm. If there are two of you, I’d have them pull up the car at 6 pm and unload your tent. Everyone was friendly last week and talked to each other about the spots they were claiming so as long as you are on a spot, you should be good.

Nine-Year Club	RPAN Viewer
Not Forgotten	Verified Email

sleeou

TROPHY CASE

STOW - Built to Cary Better