I know, I know...you are being bombarded with relentless holiday specials from every company possible and now I'm doing it too...I made a special code for a customer that I am leaking to you all. Enter code 'SALLY' at checkout on www.rainorshinekids.com and receive 25% all WooBee products and 'b' blankets. Sweet deal.
OR
I am also running a web site special buy a WooBee blanket & get a WooBee bib for free ($20 value). That coupon code at checkout is 'BIB'.
Hope you are all healthy and happy. I am swamped and have to go, but I'll be back soon enough.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Business Growth is a Beautiful Thing
Rain or Shine Kids has noticed a wonderful sales growth this quarter despite these unfriendly economic times. It makes me wonder why now, in a recession, buyers are purchasing new lines again. Could it be that people are feeling that the worst is over? Maybe their companies have already made all the layoffs necessary to survive the recession so there is a stronger sense of security and spending is starting to resume? Could it be the switch in media focus to healthcare and off how bad the economy is that is lifting the dark spending anxiety cloud that has been looming over us?
I like to think that the reason Rain or Shine Kids is experiencing this growth is because buyers are finally understanding the value of our 5-in-1 protective blankets. That the marketing decisions I have made are actually showing there ROI (return on investment), and that more of our multi-function 'b' blankets are out in the world thanks to BabySteals.com - where we are now in their books as one of the fastest sell-outs (300 b blankets in 20 minutes!!). Actually, the 'b' blanket was so successful on BabySteals.com they are posting it again on Monday the 19th as their 'steal of the day' for $17.99!! Spread the word.
Rain or Shine Kids is also very excited that the high end Japanese department store Isetan has picked up our all weather WooBee product line. This is the perfect way to launch a high end product into the Japanese market. The launch is Nov 1st in one of their Tokyo stores and 3 blankets will be listed in Isetan's advertisement going out to 500,000 Japanese homes. I am looking forward to a long and successful partnership with this company via my distributor.
Hey - I just did a talk on the King 5 morning show about baby gear. You can check it out at http://www.king5.com/video/?z=y&nvid=406685. I will also be doing an interview on the Fox Q13 morning show live on Monday morning at 9:45. Should be interesting.
Hope everyone else out there is feeling the economic flow starting to move again.
I like to think that the reason Rain or Shine Kids is experiencing this growth is because buyers are finally understanding the value of our 5-in-1 protective blankets. That the marketing decisions I have made are actually showing there ROI (return on investment), and that more of our multi-function 'b' blankets are out in the world thanks to BabySteals.com - where we are now in their books as one of the fastest sell-outs (300 b blankets in 20 minutes!!). Actually, the 'b' blanket was so successful on BabySteals.com they are posting it again on Monday the 19th as their 'steal of the day' for $17.99!! Spread the word.
Rain or Shine Kids is also very excited that the high end Japanese department store Isetan has picked up our all weather WooBee product line. This is the perfect way to launch a high end product into the Japanese market. The launch is Nov 1st in one of their Tokyo stores and 3 blankets will be listed in Isetan's advertisement going out to 500,000 Japanese homes. I am looking forward to a long and successful partnership with this company via my distributor.
Hey - I just did a talk on the King 5 morning show about baby gear. You can check it out at http://www.king5.com/video/?z=y&nvid=406685. I will also be doing an interview on the Fox Q13 morning show live on Monday morning at 9:45. Should be interesting.
Hope everyone else out there is feeling the economic flow starting to move again.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Multi-function Confusion
It is actually amazing how much I have learned in the last 3.5 years of owning These Two Girls, LLC. and running our brand Rain or Shine Kids. When I have conversations with industry people, or even business folks not from the children's industry, I can hold my own now. I understand terminology and processes I had no idea about even 2 years ago. It is very rewarding.
One big thing I have learned about when dealing with large stores (REI, Target, Babies-R-Us, etc.) is that a multi-functional product has a much harder time being placed with these big boys than specific use products. Here is why. Buyers from big box stores have what they call an 'open to buy', i.e., their budget for buying product in their specific category. So a blanket/bedding buyer will only be looking at products that fit into blankets and bedding. Say a blanket product can also be used as a nursing cover, stroller accessory, etc. the buyer is more likely to skip that product and focus on something that fits nice and neatly within their category description. Should they decide to choose the product for the online store, it can be very difficult to have it placed in any other category than that which the buyer purchases for. So although a product might be a stroller blanket, if the blanket/bedding buyer purchased it, good luck getting it listed as a stroller accessory, or carrier accessory. It's crazy. Also, multi-functional products cause problems with big-box stores when they try to merchandise it. Does it belong with strollers, blankets, carriers, nursing covers? This alone can keep buyers from picking up the line.
So, although all the research says parents are searching for good quality multi-functional products for their babies, getting these products on the shelves is harder than you would think. I guess we need to stop thinking outside the box people. OR, you can design both multi-functional and specific...hmmmm.
One big thing I have learned about when dealing with large stores (REI, Target, Babies-R-Us, etc.) is that a multi-functional product has a much harder time being placed with these big boys than specific use products. Here is why. Buyers from big box stores have what they call an 'open to buy', i.e., their budget for buying product in their specific category. So a blanket/bedding buyer will only be looking at products that fit into blankets and bedding. Say a blanket product can also be used as a nursing cover, stroller accessory, etc. the buyer is more likely to skip that product and focus on something that fits nice and neatly within their category description. Should they decide to choose the product for the online store, it can be very difficult to have it placed in any other category than that which the buyer purchases for. So although a product might be a stroller blanket, if the blanket/bedding buyer purchased it, good luck getting it listed as a stroller accessory, or carrier accessory. It's crazy. Also, multi-functional products cause problems with big-box stores when they try to merchandise it. Does it belong with strollers, blankets, carriers, nursing covers? This alone can keep buyers from picking up the line.
So, although all the research says parents are searching for good quality multi-functional products for their babies, getting these products on the shelves is harder than you would think. I guess we need to stop thinking outside the box people. OR, you can design both multi-functional and specific...hmmmm.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ABC Show
I just bought my tickets to go to the ABC Kids show in Vegas in September. I have chosen not to get a booth this year, but it is important for me to see what's out there and new in the children's industry. I'll be shacking up with the friends for the 4 nights and am realy looking forward to being surrounded by industry people. Being the sole person running a company can be lonely. I have consultants I use for numerous tasks but it does not replace brainstorming and bouncing ideas off a team. My life has been so crazy with the girls home this summer that I am actually really looking forward to time away.
Doing a photoshoot on Friday! I am very excited to get some new pics. Look for a new all weather WooBee for winter.
Remember...the Rain or Shine Kids all weather WooBee summer sale is over Sept 1. Get over there and score a protective blanket at a great price!
Doing a photoshoot on Friday! I am very excited to get some new pics. Look for a new all weather WooBee for winter.
Remember...the Rain or Shine Kids all weather WooBee summer sale is over Sept 1. Get over there and score a protective blanket at a great price!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ah, interns
My life suddenly got better. I placed ads for interns on Huskyjobs.com and found my first intern, Fei. Although Fei is currently in China at a summer internship she has agreed to help me with some smaller projects until she returns to Seattle. I sent her 5-6 photo's that needed white backgrounds and she returned them the next day! It takes me forever to white out backgrounds! It makes me all tingly just thinking about it. The deal with bringing on interns is to have clear objectives for them and the experience needs to add some enrichment to their education...what can you do for them? I can offer interns clear project descriptions, with room to implement their own process to get the desired end result. I do not want to micro-manage someone. The opportunity here is that my interns will be able to list specific projects they were able to accomplish to move my business forward. It's all about how it translates to their resume folks. It has to be a win-win. In the process, you get (hopefully) good help and a fresh outlook. So frickin' awesome! Oh, and incidentally, I am still looking for one or two good peeps. If you know anyone that wants to gain experience in building a social media program or with PR give me a holler.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
So...tired...must...sleep
Very quickly because like i may have mentioned, I am very tired.
The cool new thing I am working on is hiring non-paid interns to do specific project work for me. It does take some time to organize what exactly you are looking for and pitting the add together, but I have already had two resumes turned in and i just posted on the UW college site. Consider the projects you may have that could give a college student some well needed real-life experience and post away on craig's list or at the local college.It could be the best thing to do for your business.
I'll let you know how it goes and when it goes.
The cool new thing I am working on is hiring non-paid interns to do specific project work for me. It does take some time to organize what exactly you are looking for and pitting the add together, but I have already had two resumes turned in and i just posted on the UW college site. Consider the projects you may have that could give a college student some well needed real-life experience and post away on craig's list or at the local college.It could be the best thing to do for your business.
I'll let you know how it goes and when it goes.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Growth & Trade Show Q&A
Hey. So I received an email from a fellow mom business owner who is just starting out and wanted to ask me some questions about my experience with trade shows and business growth. Again, these answers are based on my views. I know many other companies with different experiences. Here is the Q & A:
1. How long did it take for you to see sales really pick-up?
Rain or Shine Kids has been in business for 3 years (the first year we made our own product, which was a slow going process). The last year I seen an increase in sales in certain catagories. The economy has drastically affected my boutique sales, but large stores have filled the gap and lead to a more promising 2010. Keep in mind that increased sales means increased cost of doing business. You may have this monthly amount in your head that you need to bring in to allow you to quit your job but do keep in mind that there are many fees and manufacturing/marketing costs that go along with success and that monthly sales amount may have to be readjusted.
And, what, in your opinion, were the things that most positively affected your sales growth? Some of the things that affected my sales the most were also the things that raised my monthly cost of doing business. It was a big step for me to use a distribution center to mail all my products. It saves me an amazing amount of time and is necessary for my business now (you can also hire people to pack and ship your products, but I did not want to manage that department) but it is a new expense to occur. When I work with Big Box stores like Target.com (and I am working on a gift set for Costco.com) which dramatically increase sales opportunities, there is always a large set-up fee. Each store uses a company for to accommodate their system for shipping, invoicing and tracking inventory. Target.com uses EDI (and there are numerous companies that provide that service), Costco.com uses Commerce Hub, etc. Each of these companies charge around $1500 for a se up fee an then charge for each transaction. ALthough they are necessary for growth, it costs into that monthly sales figure. Also, Sales Reps (good ones) can dramatically affect sales, and as a mom who works they would be essential for your national growth.
2. I will be attending the Baby Show NYC in October. It's my first tradeshow ever, and I really want to make the most of it. I read a number of your entries on tradeshows, but I'm curious what you found to be the most helpful, and conversely, what you found to be the biggest waste of time? The less complicated the better for your booth. Try to keep it simple and easy for buyers to view your product. It is better to have 1 or 2 excellent quality posters than 3-4 okay ones. I would put your time into preparing professional looking marketing materials (your catalog handouts, posters, and a press kit for the press room - I woul prioritize your other marketing materials first though) and less time on the little details that a busy buyer would overlook. It is very easy to get lost in the little details. Also, consider having a candy dish or some source of sustanence for the buyers is a good thing.
3. I am clearly learning as I go along, but I'd like to bring effective materials to the tradeshow - do you have any suggestions on what I should prepare to bring with me? I covered most of this above. A clear way for the buyers to view your product is most helpful. Also, did you bring any inventory to sell at the shows or did you have anyone place orders with you right there at the tradeshow? I sold samples at the end of the show to people at wholesale. I did not bring along extra product and there were only a few sales. Most orders I get from tradeshow are placed at the shows. Rarely orders sent to me later, but that's my company. How did you handle that? Have order forms on hand with prices, etc. It is also good to offer a trade show specal...10% off or a lower fixed price per piece, something like that. The buyer will sit down with you to put the order together. It is good to have a few packages put together so they don't have to think to much (they are seeing a lot of people), a good, better, best choice where you have already combined the products for them in three different quantity levels and you can attach a discount to each of these levels increasing the discount in the larger "best" package..."best" pertains to the best deal they wll get on your products if they order this amount. Does that make sense? Decide how you are going to ship the product for buyers and place that on the order sheet, along with how they need to pay for the product...will you give them net 30 (30 days to pay the bill), take their credit card number at the show (many will have you call when ready to ship for the number), etc. Make sure you have a copy of the order to give the buyer or you can ask if the would like it emailed to them.
4. Finally, if there is one piece of advice you can share to boost my business, what would it be? I'm all ears!
The one piece of advice I would give is to find sale reps. Knowing your situation (mom & working) you need help spreading the word and a good sale rep group will do that for you. You will need to be organized to work with them...have marketing material they can use (using a sumo-postcard work well for a first catalog) and have a price sheet available.
1. How long did it take for you to see sales really pick-up?
Rain or Shine Kids has been in business for 3 years (the first year we made our own product, which was a slow going process). The last year I seen an increase in sales in certain catagories. The economy has drastically affected my boutique sales, but large stores have filled the gap and lead to a more promising 2010. Keep in mind that increased sales means increased cost of doing business. You may have this monthly amount in your head that you need to bring in to allow you to quit your job but do keep in mind that there are many fees and manufacturing/marketing costs that go along with success and that monthly sales amount may have to be readjusted.
And, what, in your opinion, were the things that most positively affected your sales growth? Some of the things that affected my sales the most were also the things that raised my monthly cost of doing business. It was a big step for me to use a distribution center to mail all my products. It saves me an amazing amount of time and is necessary for my business now (you can also hire people to pack and ship your products, but I did not want to manage that department) but it is a new expense to occur. When I work with Big Box stores like Target.com (and I am working on a gift set for Costco.com) which dramatically increase sales opportunities, there is always a large set-up fee. Each store uses a company for to accommodate their system for shipping, invoicing and tracking inventory. Target.com uses EDI (and there are numerous companies that provide that service), Costco.com uses Commerce Hub, etc. Each of these companies charge around $1500 for a se up fee an then charge for each transaction. ALthough they are necessary for growth, it costs into that monthly sales figure. Also, Sales Reps (good ones) can dramatically affect sales, and as a mom who works they would be essential for your national growth.
2. I will be attending the Baby Show NYC in October. It's my first tradeshow ever, and I really want to make the most of it. I read a number of your entries on tradeshows, but I'm curious what you found to be the most helpful, and conversely, what you found to be the biggest waste of time? The less complicated the better for your booth. Try to keep it simple and easy for buyers to view your product. It is better to have 1 or 2 excellent quality posters than 3-4 okay ones. I would put your time into preparing professional looking marketing materials (your catalog handouts, posters, and a press kit for the press room - I woul prioritize your other marketing materials first though) and less time on the little details that a busy buyer would overlook. It is very easy to get lost in the little details. Also, consider having a candy dish or some source of sustanence for the buyers is a good thing.
3. I am clearly learning as I go along, but I'd like to bring effective materials to the tradeshow - do you have any suggestions on what I should prepare to bring with me? I covered most of this above. A clear way for the buyers to view your product is most helpful. Also, did you bring any inventory to sell at the shows or did you have anyone place orders with you right there at the tradeshow? I sold samples at the end of the show to people at wholesale. I did not bring along extra product and there were only a few sales. Most orders I get from tradeshow are placed at the shows. Rarely orders sent to me later, but that's my company. How did you handle that? Have order forms on hand with prices, etc. It is also good to offer a trade show specal...10% off or a lower fixed price per piece, something like that. The buyer will sit down with you to put the order together. It is good to have a few packages put together so they don't have to think to much (they are seeing a lot of people), a good, better, best choice where you have already combined the products for them in three different quantity levels and you can attach a discount to each of these levels increasing the discount in the larger "best" package..."best" pertains to the best deal they wll get on your products if they order this amount. Does that make sense? Decide how you are going to ship the product for buyers and place that on the order sheet, along with how they need to pay for the product...will you give them net 30 (30 days to pay the bill), take their credit card number at the show (many will have you call when ready to ship for the number), etc. Make sure you have a copy of the order to give the buyer or you can ask if the would like it emailed to them.
4. Finally, if there is one piece of advice you can share to boost my business, what would it be? I'm all ears!
The one piece of advice I would give is to find sale reps. Knowing your situation (mom & working) you need help spreading the word and a good sale rep group will do that for you. You will need to be organized to work with them...have marketing material they can use (using a sumo-postcard work well for a first catalog) and have a price sheet available.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Whoa! Time Flies!
I can't believe it's been 7 months since I've blogged. Crap. I had wanted to write at least 4 times a week. Sometimes you just have to let a few things go for the greater good of your sanity...I mean business:)
BabyLegs, LLC. was acquired by a NYC company and I was laid off April 1st. Almost the entire Seattle office was dissolved except for the individuals that are needed to keep business moving forward. They have a good core group still hanging in there. I am very happy to have had all the experiences my job there has given me. I learned an amazing amount about the children's industry, manufacturing, how I want to run my business, and relationships in general. I made some very good friends and business connections, and again am so grateful to have had my position as BabyLegs Business Dev Manager for almost two years.
Here is what I did not really realize, working at BL while I was trying to grow my own business and take care of my girls was making my crazy. I was always concerned about doing good work for BL and putting my company on the back burner. I knew if I tried to hard to grow and succeeded there would not be enough hours in the day for me to do all the work. Even hiring contract workers takes time and effort to manage. I would not be able to handle that load, take care of myself, and be the mom I want to be.
Since I am able to focus on my own business I have lots of exciting things happening. I am working with Costco.com on a Rain or Shine Kids gift set...don't worry, all-weather WooBee blankets will not be offered. The set will be a 'B' blanket with a matching WooBee bib & burp. There are also some other large balls up in the air that could mean big things for RoSks, but I never get to excited until I see the money in my account.
I just signed a New Zealand distributor and Rain or Shine Kids will be represented at the huge CMB Expo in Shanghai at the end of this month. I am working with a great guy named Andrew French on expanding business in Asia. If you are interested in doing the same checkout Andy's site www.asiamtm.com. Let him know Heather sent you:) Look for a new all weather WooBee Asian influenced gift set for the holidays - it's launching in Shanghai.
Gotta get some sleep. I'm Tweeting now...kind of. @Rosks .
BabyLegs, LLC. was acquired by a NYC company and I was laid off April 1st. Almost the entire Seattle office was dissolved except for the individuals that are needed to keep business moving forward. They have a good core group still hanging in there. I am very happy to have had all the experiences my job there has given me. I learned an amazing amount about the children's industry, manufacturing, how I want to run my business, and relationships in general. I made some very good friends and business connections, and again am so grateful to have had my position as BabyLegs Business Dev Manager for almost two years.
Here is what I did not really realize, working at BL while I was trying to grow my own business and take care of my girls was making my crazy. I was always concerned about doing good work for BL and putting my company on the back burner. I knew if I tried to hard to grow and succeeded there would not be enough hours in the day for me to do all the work. Even hiring contract workers takes time and effort to manage. I would not be able to handle that load, take care of myself, and be the mom I want to be.
Since I am able to focus on my own business I have lots of exciting things happening. I am working with Costco.com on a Rain or Shine Kids gift set...don't worry, all-weather WooBee blankets will not be offered. The set will be a 'B' blanket with a matching WooBee bib & burp. There are also some other large balls up in the air that could mean big things for RoSks, but I never get to excited until I see the money in my account.
I just signed a New Zealand distributor and Rain or Shine Kids will be represented at the huge CMB Expo in Shanghai at the end of this month. I am working with a great guy named Andrew French on expanding business in Asia. If you are interested in doing the same checkout Andy's site www.asiamtm.com. Let him know Heather sent you:) Look for a new all weather WooBee Asian influenced gift set for the holidays - it's launching in Shanghai.
Gotta get some sleep. I'm Tweeting now...kind of. @Rosks .
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Inauguration Sale!!
I am in the mood to celebrate! Change is coming and I strongly believe that this country will feel a shift...it won't be overnight, but pay attention because it will happen.
What am I doing to celebrate? I am having a sale at www.rainorshinekids.com. WooBee blankets $55, bibs $14 & burps $10. I also have $20 samples of the new 'b' blanket available. People are really enjoying these newest additions to the Rain or Shine Kids product lines. The 'b' blankets are modern, useful & have a recession loving price. Check it out!
Don't forget to watch the inauguration...history in the making.
What am I doing to celebrate? I am having a sale at www.rainorshinekids.com. WooBee blankets $55, bibs $14 & burps $10. I also have $20 samples of the new 'b' blanket available. People are really enjoying these newest additions to the Rain or Shine Kids product lines. The 'b' blankets are modern, useful & have a recession loving price. Check it out!
Don't forget to watch the inauguration...history in the making.
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