🚀 Why We Pivoted Minor Chores from a Marketplace to a CRM Platform
When we first launched the Minor Chores app, our vision was straightforward: to modernize neighborhood entrepreneurship by providing parents with a fast and easy way to help their kids start a profitable neighborhood business—and to help neighbors find local help efficiently, while kids keep 100% of their earnings.
We built a marketplace-style platform, where Chore-preneurs (our term for entrepreneurial kids) could offer services, and customers could post chores. But after launch, feedback started rolling in—and it was clear we needed to rethink how the app worked.
Here’s how customer insights led us to pivot to Minor Chores 2.0, a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) SaaS (software as a service) platform that will transform how families, kids, and communities collaborate.
🎯 What We Learned From Our Users
1. Parents Wanted to Be Involved
We ran a small marketing survey—$15 well spent—that brought in 44 parent responses. An incredible 99% said they would help their kids start a neighborhood business.
But in our original app, parents weren’t given access to the tools kids were using. They were included in communications but couldn’t see or interact with their child’s website, marketing materials, educational resources, or invoicing tool. That disconnect left them willing but powerless, which caused churn.
2. App Download Barriers Were Killing Growth
Another huge friction point? Customers had to download the app just to hire a kid.
Imagine you’re a busy neighbor who just wants help with yard work or dog walking. Being told you need to install an app, create an account, and post a job just to hire a kid next door? That’s a nonstarter.
3. People Wanted a Frictionless Experience
Through real-world testing, we discovered what customers really wanted: a simple, intuitive way to connect with and hire local kids—no job board, no marketplace, no downloads. Just a direct line to service and support.
💡 The Pivot: Introducing Minor Chores 2.0
We took all that feedback and rebuilt Minor Chores from the ground up—not as a marketplace, but as a CRM platform that’s web-first, family-friendly, and frictionless.
Here’s what’s new:
✅ Shared Dashboard for Parents and Kids
Given that our ideal customer profile is a parent who is willing and able to help their child succeed, both the parent and child are now provided with the same features. No hidden tools. No complicated back-and-forth. Parents can easily support their child’s business operations, complete family challenges together, update their website’s pricing, and assist with responding to customers.
✅ Built-In CRM to Help Kids Acquire Customers
We added features that let kids create their own business website—complete with:
Over 30 business ideas to choose from
A shareable weblink and auto-generated Scan-to-Schedule flyers with QR codes to acquire customers
A simple way for customers to opt into SMS updates
No app download required for customers. Just scan, click, and connect.
✅ Broadcast Messaging with SMS
Using secure third-party SMS tools, kids (or parents on their behalf) can now send broadcast texts like:
“I’m available to wash trash cans Friday afternoon for $10. Click the link below to book now!”
“I’m doing lawn care for summer travelers next week! Click the link below to book now!”
This turns a single kid into a scalable local brand, with tools that rival what adult pros use—only easier and safer.
✅ Safe, Simple, and Web-Based for Customers
With just a few clicks, customers can:
Hire a Chore-preneur
Get updates
Communicate through parent-managed channels
And even create a web account (if they want)
It’s seamless, fast, and tailored to how people actually behave online.
🙌 The Result? A Win-Win-Win
Parents can now play an active role in their child’s business journey
Kids get real tools to scale their hustle
Customers get an app-free, stress-free experience
Minor Chores 2.0 isn’t just an update—it’s a reimagining of how families and communities can work together to raise confident, capable young entrepreneurs.
🔧 What’s Next?
With the new 2.0 version going live later this month, we will be testing with 20-30 families as we tackle bugs and continue to refine the experience, rolling out new features, including customer reviews, advanced scheduling, and additional tools to support kids as they grow their neighborhood businesses.
If you’re a parent, kid, or local customer looking to get involved, visit us at www.minorchores.com
Let’s build something awesome—one chore at a time. 💪