Manufacturing

I am having a tough time convincing our sewing contractors to make our eco dog toys. See, the sewers want to sew. The toys have no sewing involved. There is fabric and cutting and tying. That is it. So I am trying to convince them in this slow market it is a great project! "Ha", they tell me. Too fine of detailed cutting so they can't use there bulk cutting tools. Have to do each one individually. Which of course for me means more expensive labor costs. So do I go out and search again for another contractor?

It is SOOOO difficult to find quality companies. The 2 contractors I use have great quality work. But they sew, not tie. "Sigh". I am giving each contractor some samples to make and I will find out if they want to pursue it or not. Gee, I hope so.

Business is booming. Really?

So this week seems to be my observation week of the economy. I was in my neighborhood pet boutique this morning where I buy Kozmo's food and they carry my product. I asked how business was in general. He said that this year is flat. Not up, not down. He felt that was good. I also spoke with another boutique owner not too far from him and she is struggling. So how is it that NPR had a story saying the pet industry is booming?

Well I took a closer look at these 2 store's situations. One is in a new development surrounded by condos and a fancy grocery store and hotel. But it is not an area that locals would come and walk around. It is a destination spot for groceries. If you are a hotel customer you will walk around and shop but that is it. The other store is also in a new neighborhood development. Has lots of great little shops around and new apartments. Both are considered in chic urban neighborhoods. Well where all of the customers? The boutiques are as they should be. High end, adorable products to spoil your pet any way you want. But maybe that is the problem right now? The market is different. People are still spoiling their pets but maybe not with items quite so expensive. So who is selling well?

I think the boutiques that are small chains with a broader range of product lines are doing well. I also feel you may need to cater to the "other pets"; birds, small animals, etc. Or perhaps you need to be in a higher income neighborhood? A touristy neighborhood? Someone is spending the money to get the statistics to where they are.

Well, I just bought my $65 bag of dog food this morning. Of course, Kozmo only gets the best. Perhaps those like me are keeping this thing alive!

NPR says Pet Industry is Booming!

Well, just after my tirade about the future of our economy, I heard a report on NPR how the pet industry is withstanding the recession. In fact sales have increased for the industry. I will say again that I felt lucky our sales have been strong this summer. I believe we still need to work hard for our customers. Now is the time we need to advertise, bring out new products and take care of our customers. We are working on all of these!

Future Economy Outlook

We hear tidbits in the media about the economy starting to turn around. Is it really? When we needed to hear that the most, was last year, but instead the media and candidates went on and on about the doom ahead. The public and world panicked. Rightly so. But I think we are still in deep trouble. Employment is still at an all-time low. The media is not being honest. I guess were they ever? Sorry for my pessimism, I don't have much faith in our media. Very ones sided and unforgiving to those who are not on the same slant.

ALthough the pet indsustry has avoided the economic downturn quite well, there is still this holiday retail season to come. The overall forecast is not good. The "stimulus" money still has not been handed out to create the so called shovel-ready jobs. So are people going to shop for Christmas? Last year was pretty bad. The retail shops that are still in business are going to need this year to keep them around. This may determine a lot.

So many friends and aquaintences have businesses that are really struggling or out of business. It may not sound like it but I am keeping my chin up! Hoping for the best. Everytime I need to reorder supplies for my products or hire the labor to make my products I feel good. Every bit counts. I really hope this year surprises us all and we see an increase in sales. The whole world needs a little boost in moral. Fingers are crossed and/or prayers are being said.

"Green" Dog toys

I am a tennis player and belong to a local tennis club. All of the used tennis balls usually are put in to a bin that gives the kids balls to practice with. But when those are too old, what happens to them? Our club pro gives them to anyone needing them. A big request comes from hospitals and nursing homes. They cut them and put them on feet of walkers! Well, I also know how much my dog loves tennis balls. There are many toys out there made with them but they are made with new ones.

I thought it would be fun to make toys with these used balls. I found a US company that makes felt from recycled plastic bottles. Great colors! So, our new adventure is a "green" dog toy. This is called "Ruff Candy". Our graphic designer made an adorable hang tag. The felt is wrapped around the balls and tied at ends with cut frays of fabric. They look a piece of wrapped candy! So cute. Should have first stock available in a couple of weeks. Need to take photos for brochure and of course we need to test with the public to see if they like them. They are considered a plushy toy so durability is not guaranteed. My dog loves to shred them. It's that ball he wants! FOr him, these toys are a "treat".

Check back to our website soon to see the bright Ruff Candy!