Business idea · Subscription
Chess Pen Pals
Chess Pen Pals is a service that connects chess enthusiasts through letter correspondence, allowing them to play chess games over time by sending moves through the mail. It was pitched on Koerner Office, hosted by Chris Koerner, in the episode "You Don’t Need an Online Business to Get Rich ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #197" (aired July 18, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | Koerner Office |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Chris Koerner |
| Episode | You Don’t Need an Online Business to Get Rich ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #197 |
| Aired | July 18, 2025 |
| Category | Subscription |
| Real companies on the episode | The Flower Letters |
The problem it solves
This idea addresses the need for social interaction and engagement among chess players, especially those who may not have access to local clubs or prefer a slower-paced game.
How it makes money
Subscription fee for pairing with pen pals and managing game logistics, plus potential upsells for premium features like special game boards or themed stationery.
Skills you need
Community management, chess knowledge, customer service, and marketing.
The market, and why this works now
The rise of online chess platforms has fostered a renewed interest in traditional chess formats, making Chess Pen Pals timely. Establishing a presence on Reddit's chess community can generate initial revenue by offering subscription plans to connect players. A potential risk is the need for consistent engagement; managing pen pal pairings and logistics may require significant time and resources, particularly during initial user acquisition phases.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- The Flower Letters
A subscription service that sends subscribers two letters per month, styled as love letters from World War II, for a fee of $10 per month.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: Koerner Office, hosted by Chris Koerner
Episode: You Don’t Need an Online Business to Get Rich ⏐Holdco Bros. Ep. #197
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.