Sharing my personal story and asking for your help.
I’m going to admit, this is difficult to write.
(There’s a giveaway below, so stick with me, OK?)
On March 16th, I was interviewed for a news piece for ABC World News with Diane Sawyer about Middle Class families having financial struggles. You can read about it more on my personal blog, A Whole Lot of Nothing.
Way back in 2006, my husband and I decided it would be best for our family for me to stay home with our two young girls, 2 and 6 months old at the time. My teacher’s salary, even with the extra pay for having earned a Master’s Degree, was barely more than daycare costs for our two young girls. We still needed a few extra dollars a month to make ends meet, so I began selling maternity & baby clothes on eBay. I got the bug for selling after I started making extra cash on my own. I felt proud of the little accomplishments in sales I was making.
After having completed a few sales on eBay, I found I needed some Nuby replacement spouts for my girls’ sippy cups, and like anything else, I figured I could buy them on eBay. A few sellers had some spouts listed on eBay, and seeing as I was an up-and-coming entrepreneur, I found out where I, too, could buy and resell the spouts.
Really, it was a massive success. I found my online-selling niche in little silicone parts for sippy cups.
The next step was to start my own web store. I would be selling all of the Nuby spouts that the US distributor was selling out of their office, but didn’t have available online, nor were they advertising the availability of the spouts to consumers.
Total SCORE for me. Next up? World domination.
I started finding other products that were either hard-to-find or created by mom-owned small businesses. The business was growing every month, and I was spending more and more time doing something I could be proud of.
It was not unusual for the store to have 20+ orders a day. Less than 20 orders a day, and I was worried. Every month was better than the last.
My business was successful.
Until the Fall of 2008.
I was naïve to think I was immune because I was doing so well the 2 years previous. I was naïve to think that I could pay off the debt I had created that I was steadily paying down in my success.
I had been supporting small businesses, I was helping parents purchase products they needed at an affordable price, and I had a growing return-customer base.
But the damage had been done. Consumer confidence immediately dropped as news reports increased about cutting back on personal spending. I didn’t even need to watch the news reports and see the statistics to know that people were holding on to their money much more closely than they had just the month before.
Yes, people were losing their jobs at an astonishing rate.
Yes, people were becoming more conscious of how they spent their money.
And yes, consumers stopped buying “extras” for themselves and their kids.
This happened seemingly overnight.
I can see the drop-off in my own business’ financial statements.
Where I once had the confidence to be a successful and responsible small business owner, that confidence was now replaced with mounting debt, skyrocketing interest rates, and the inability to help support my family.
Near failure.
I have had to drastically change how I market my business by basically slashing my prices, offering deep discounts, and depend on word-of-mouth marketing.
To be honest and fair, I’ve not treated my customers with the attention they deserve. It now takes me longer to ship orders out, I have shut off my business phone (partly because the hours of operation were not respected and I was receiving calls at 1am), and I am not as quick to answer customer emails.
I wish I could do better for my customers, but because the web store is not bringing in the money that it used to, I have had to take on other writing jobs to make extra money. That additional work has taken away from my store’s time, and it has left me playing catch-up with my customers and their needs. For that, I am deeply apologetic.
My sincere hope is that my customers (and potential customers) will see this article and understand that supporting small businesses, even in the smallest capacity, helps our economy. I, too, have not been doing my full part in supporting fellow small businesses, but when I can, I will.
I am making a concentrated effort to focus more on my customers.
I am selling off most of my inventory to focus on a smaller product line.
I am telling the world about my struggles.
I am hoping for a miracle.
My family and I are struggling.
We need help.
We don’t need handouts.
We need the powers of the internet to guide us and help us with my mom-owned, woman-owned, small internet-based retail business.
If you have a blog or a website, I would love to have my store’s badge up on your site (it’s over <—- there all coded and ready).
If you Twitter, please tell your followers about my store.
If you email (and I know you do), please subscribe to my newsletter (below).
If you feel you can, please tell your blog readers, friends, and family about my store.
The support I’ve received from my friends online so far has been overwhelming. People are calling me “brave” and “courageous” for coming out of the shadows of debt and sharing our story.
I’m not doing this for the attention.
I’m doing this because I am no different than so many of you.
My 3-second piece on the national news has given me an opening to be able to share our struggles and to ask for help.
Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support that has been extended already, and thank you to those of you considering extending a few minutes of your time, and possibly a few dollars, to help me and my business.
You are truly appreciated.
Thank you,
Angie
_______________________________________________________________
Giveaway (because you stuck through all of that)
Leave a simple comment letting me know the name of your favorite item in the store.
I’ll pick a random winner from the comments left between now and Wednesday, March 24th, at 8:59pm EST to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Good for the Kids.
If you Twitter about the contest, leave a link to the tweet in the comments for an additional entry.
Two total comments allowed per person, per day.
(One out of the two comments must be a tweet.)
_______
Updated: Jill is our winner and has been contacted!
Tags: debt, economy, financial, interent, retail, small business, women-owned
March 18th, 2010 at 10:49 am
[...] go read. I need you. Every one of YOU. share cause you love [...]
March 18th, 2010 at 11:03 am
awesome giveaway!! i cant pick my fav nuby product tho.. i love nuby in general!! both my little ones have used the sippy cups with and without the handels… i love nuby LOL!! as soon as baby J needs some u’ll be where im comin!!!
March 18th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Oh, Angie, I’m sorry that it’s been so hard. I’m not exactly your target audience, obviously, but I’ll help out if I can.
March 18th, 2010 at 11:05 am
I like the Melissa and Doug lacing shoe. We have been really trying to learn to tie shoes around here with no luck. Something like this might help.
March 18th, 2010 at 11:20 am
My favorite part of the store is its owner. I love her so much I put a ring on her!
Salena Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Ahhhh, way too sweet! What an awesome and supporting husband!
AmazingGreis Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
LMAO!! He put a ring on it!!!
March 18th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I kinda like the owner too, she’s really cute.
I am loving my Personalized Stamp. It makes me feel all professional and stuff.
You have a spot in my heart and on my homepage.
March 18th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Hey mama. I dont want the gift cert but i luff you and wanted to let you know im going to add the button to my page when i get home. xoxo
March 18th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Sorry to hear that. Hope things turn around soon! My 2 year old son would love the Melissa and Doug Cupcake decorate and play set. He’s always pretending old broken toys are food he makes for me.
March 18th, 2010 at 11:45 am
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/dezroute/status/10676760018
Good luck!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I will be back later to enter the giveaway, but I wanted to tell you that your badge is up on my site. *HUG*
March 18th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Oh Ang.. I love ya and your store.. I don’t want the gift certificate, but only to tell you that I only buy from you when I need those awesome toys you sell.. The products you sell are top notch and I love, love, love the personal attention given to my orders.. xoxoxoxooxoxxooxoxooxoxoxoxo
March 18th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Love the Nuby handle cup replacement spouts!
Hope everything works out for you!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your situation but completely relate b/c of my families own experience with owning small businesses. I do think it is great that you are sharing this story as so many people think it is taboo to talk about financial situations….maybe by opening up it will help that stigma die down and encourage people to talk about the good and bad. Often times I believe people hide the bad situation and that encourages it to spiral all the more quickly.
BTW – fav products are the nuby replacement parts! That is how I found your site. But love all the Melissa & Doug products as well!!
Best of luck!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
You are a remarkable person for sharing your story. I understand your struggles b/c we are a one income family b/c my husband has been laid off for over a year and I have two small babies at home (3 years and 4 months). I love your website and I will be posting your badge on my Facebook page. I love Melissa and Doug and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nuby Sippys. My daughter is a big fan. Your the only place I can find my replacement nipples and I thank you!!! Stay strong and Positive and remember that I will always be a forever loyal customer!!! Thank you!!!!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. So many of us are going through similar situations. I found your site when I wanted to purchase the safe sippy cups over a year ago. You had the best prices. I also am so thankful for the variety of replacement nipples that you have. I will send the word out about your store. We love your store!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I am a fellow online mom and love your store. I found you when I was befuddled as to why I couldn’t find Nuby replacements. Those are my favorite items in your store. Strength and I will spread the word!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
My favorite is the Melissa & Doug Make Your Own Princess Puppets. Having two little granddaughters who are all about princess stuff, they would love these!
They both have birthdays coming up, so you can be sure that I will be ordering some gifts for them from you. They love Melissa and Doug toys, and you have a great selection.
I know what you’re going through. I was a SAHM with 2 kids in the ’70s…one income from dh, who at times would work l main job and 3 part-time ones so that I could be home with the kids. We shopped thrift stores, shopped only sales for food (using coupons,) and my daughter, to this day tells me that I should write a book on saving money and living on the cheap. Believe me, it will get easier. I do look back on those days (of waiting in line on alternate days for gas, never being able to treat my kids to a snack or a little toy when we are out, etc.) and know that I am stronger for it. Remember…it is true…God never gives us more than we can handle!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Do you want your kids’ store badge up on tha bewb site? (I’m putting it up on the semi-respectable blogs too)
March 18th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I hope things start to look up for you!
I think the Sophie Giraffe Teether looks amazing!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I put the badge up cuz I do love your site. And I try to buy when I can because I feel it’s important to support small businesses, especially ones run by women and mothers. And I’ve been hooked on the stuff you sell ever since I found out from Nuby that you were pretty much the ONLY person selling the replacement spouts. Now that we have another one on the way, I will make the extra effort to stop by for special stuff just for him from your store. Thanks for your honesty and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers for a nice turnaround for you and the store. Big hugs!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I love the nuby replacement parts…I tell anyone who uses nuby cups about your site. I also have bought Mellisa and Doug stuff (love their music sets) from your site.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
So many people are struggling and consequently it is difficult to find the help you need sometimes. Your products are great, we love the Melissa & Doug Nesting Blocks, they provide lots of entertainment for our 17 month old. Best of luck!
March 18th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Angie-
I don’t need the gift certificate, but I appreciate your struggle and the enterprising offer. I do support small businesses, especially with kids’ items, as I like unique, battery-free toys and items most of the time. I love your soothie animals and all the Melissa & Doug craft items (triangular crayons, origami paper, etc.) Good Luck, and I’ll post on my Facebook page for sure.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
You are still the only place I can find the spare parts I need. I will plug your store to my online mom’s group.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I love Sophie the giraffe, and basically all wooden toys. I also just want to say how much I apprieciate the fact that you ship to Canada at real cost. So many online stores charge a crazy base price to ship here and you don’t. I actually called you to make sure the shipping quote was right the first time because it was soooooo much lower then I expected to pay. I love your store and wish you and your family the best of luck, I’ll add you to my blog as soon as I get a chance.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I love your store. I’m in Canada, and everytime I’ve ordered you’ve always been timely in getting my purchase to me, and the shipping costs are wonderful. And the whole reason I found your store was the Nuby replacement straws, so it was interesting to read that those are what started it all for you too!
Hang in there, I’m smelling a turn around for you. 
March 18th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
I love your site, I was finally able to find the sippy cup replacement spouts for my twin boys. I looked every where for them and search the internet. Many website say they have them but when looking thru there pages i did not find what i was looking for. Finding things on your site is great and so are your prices. I have told other people about your site and will conutine to pass it on. I support you for giving it your all. Thanks again for being honest with you customers.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Put up a badge of my blog. http://www.classychaos.com WOOT!
March 18th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Tough to choose a fave but right now I would love to get my twins the M&D Lace up Shoe! On a more personal note, I will definitely post your site in both my mom’s groups. We too are struggling and with twins it is sometimes even harder! No hand me downs, always two of most things. It is so scary thinking you may not be able to provide for your family. Good luck and I will spread the word!!
March 18th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I’m so sorry for what you are going through. My family and I can relate. I work out of the home and my husband owns his own company (frames houses) and we all know what has happened to the housing market. Going from 2 incomes to 1 has really put a pinch on spending. It is so sad to see so many small businesses struggling to keep running, too many are shutting down. I think this country would be in a much better situation if we went back to supporting small businesses and helping our neighbors instead of the big companies. I love your site, especially fond of the Melissa and Doug items. Hang in there and best of luck.
March 18th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I love the nuby replacement spouts! I feel like I go through 1 a week.
March 18th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I can’t narrow down I thing I like. I have a 14 month-old nephew that I take care of. I have ordered everything from Nuby stuff to Melissa and Doug. I hope you are able to work that out and keep the line. Those toys are his mama’s favorite because they are good quality and inspire the imagination.
Good luck and God bless! I was a struggling single mom about 15 years ago when my kids were 2 & 3. I opened a kids resale shop so my kids would not have to be in daycare. While my lack of business skills led to my store not doing so well, I am thankful for the time I had it, the relationships I made and the time with my kids.
I am now remarried and financially things were much better. Then last October my husband was one of the 4,000 people laid off from Verizon. 5 months later and still unemployed.
Things will pick up; for you, for us and for many many others in similar or worse situations.
Wishing you the best!
Salena Stokley
March 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I sorry to hear your struggle. I think almost every family at this point of time is facing the similar thing.
Thank you so much for having this store because the nuby spouts do help me save alot. I like your Melissa & Doug toys as well. However, the shipping cost to Canada is way too much for me to get it from your store…
But know what, hang on and I believe the economy is getting better. Keep up the good work.
March 18th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
This was the only place that I could find Nuby replacements at a reasonable price!!! Thank you!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Thanks for sharing. I’m a loyal customer when I need any Melissa & Doug items — love them all!!!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hell yes I will put a badge on my blog that way all 2 of my readers can see it. I love you and your stuff.
March 18th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
My nuby spouts are wearing out so I will be placing an order soon! Like you finances are not the greatest so I was happy to be able to save some money by odering replacement spouts from you instead of having to buy the whole sippy. Thank you. And you should set up a Facebook page. I will gladly beccome a fan!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Thank you for sharing your story, there are way too many out there that are the same these days. Your store is great and one of the only places I can find half of this stuff. I have passed on your stores name many times and will continue to do so. How do I pick a favorite item…you carry all the best! I would have to say, since my daughter loves drawing & painting, probably the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Full-Size Floor-Standing Wooden Easel & art supplies…but I also love all the Nuby products & with a new little one on the way, i’ll be ordering more of those as well! Keep up the great work, their are more than a few of us out here who will continue to support such a great store!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I found your site looking for the nuby replacements which I could not find anywhere else. We loved them and have since purchased some great M & D products from you.
March 18th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Hang in there Angie, I hope the economy picks up to help you and all of those other small business owners out there.
March 18th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Much love to you, girl. XOXO
March 18th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I love the Nuby replacement straws. I remember when my daughter wore the straw out and the cup was leaking everywhere. I looked for replacements at stores, on the Nuby website and was very disappointed I couldn’t find a supplier in Canada. So I was very excited when I found your website. I also love the personalized inch bug Name band. My daughter’s name is not very common and it’s so nice to have something with her name on it. I’ve had lots of comments and compliments on them. I’ve even had several mom’s ask where I’ve gotten the name bands from. I give out your website to all my ‘Mom’ friends. I’m going to promote you even more, I know what it’s like to go through financial struggles, it’s scary but it will get better, I promise!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
i shared your story with those on facebook. i always appreciated the time and effort you spent helping me find the exact product i needed. thank you so much for what you do and i hope business picks up!!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Would love to put a badge on my blog… not sure it would help though cos I live in SA, but I’d be willing to
Let me know
March 18th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I have loved your site for a long time,I think I dicovered you when I was looking for the nuby cups. Unfortunately have been unable to buy anything for a while due to financial struggles as well, but I get emails often about your products and enjoy reading them. I do have a stash left over from Christmas for my son that I was saving and I would much rather spend it at your store than anywhere else. I applaud you for telling your story and I will be praying for you and your family. I don’t have a website or anything like that, but I am a fan on facebook and have posted your info on my facebook, I hope that might be helpful.
March 18th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
as soon as I have a blog. your badge will be there
March 18th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
hiya hon, great post. I’m glad you shared this. Your button is already up on my blog (right hand sidebar). You know I’m happy to promote you in any way I can. *hugs*
Oh, and I don’t need to enter- let someone who doesn’t already know how awesome you are win
March 18th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I love all the Melissa and Doug products! We already own LOTS of them, but I just ordered the Flip to Win Car License Plate game for us to use when we move and go on vacation this summer. Good luck and I hope your business starts to pick up!
March 18th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Posted to my Facebook – lots of Moms on there! Wishing you all the best. xoxox
March 18th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
The Nuby replacement spout sare the reason I came to your site to begin with. Thank you for offering what I really couldn’t find accessible in too many other places. I hope everything works out for you in the future. One day at a time!
March 18th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I recently purchased the Melissa and Dough License plate travel game and we LOVED having it on our recent road trip (I don’t see that it is still in the store though..bummer!) Anyway…the item in your store at the moment that I like the most is the Melissa and Doug Decorate Your Own Wooden Princess Mirror. It looks like so much fun, and a great birthday gift!
Thank you for sharing your story. My fingers are crossed that things start getting better for you.
March 18th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Favorite item would have to be All the replacement spouts/straws you carry. It is so hard to find them anywhere.
March 18th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
So sorry to hear you are struggling! I will post your webiste and sale on my mom’s group! I have been wanting a Chan Pie Gnon for my new LO but also love anything M&D. Hope this gets you lots of orders!
March 18th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I found your store back when I was desperately seeking replacement parts for my twins Nuby straw cups. At 4 years old, they no longer use those cups, but I’ll be forever grateful that you were selling them when we needed them.
March 18th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I love the oversized stamps, actually, my 2-yr-old loves them. Thank you so much for selling the Nuby replacement spouts, it saved us a lot of money and I’ve been your repeat customer b/c my daughter loves to chew holes in them
I hope your biz turns around and sounds like you’re making steps in the right direction to serve your customers well.
March 18th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
What don’t I love on your site??? i think my favorite has to be the Ice Cream scoops from M&D! Or maybe it’s all the replacement parts for Nuby and without you’d my kids would have made a huge mess of my house!
I linked to your site on Facebook. I added your button on my blog and I’m going to write a blog post after my kids are in bed.
I wish I had the guts to start my own business but since I don’t I’ll support you get your back to where it was and more!!!
March 18th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
we already own this but i still love it. Sophie the Giraffe people always want to play with her.
March 18th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
i too am a small business owner, just starting…i feel your pain and would like to know that you are supported and that without you i never would have been able to find nuby silicone spouts for my daughter’s sippy cups…your perseverence is noted and appreciated and i am passing along your site to my friends so that they know where to find good quality toys that seem to never-endingly on sale…thanks!
March 18th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
We homeschool our 3 children and the Melissa and Doug items that we have purchased through you have been really great. Thank you!
March 18th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I added your button to my blog! I hope it will help out in some way. You’re not alone Momma!!!
March 18th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I love your store, have shoppped with you for a long time, and I hope things get better for you because, I, for one, would hate to lose you! I originally found you while looking for Nuby replacement parts, and have come back many times to buy replacement spouts for the sports sippers. I have also purchased Melissa and Doug toys, and love everything! I will definately add you to my Facebook page (if I can figure out how!)
March 18th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I don’t want to enter the contest. Just want you to know that the badge is up on my blog, and my heart goes out to you. I know just where you are.
March 18th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I love the chan pie gnoh teethers. I will have a new granbaby in October and they would be perfect. I am one of your Twitter friends (@mamatink) and I think you are hysterical! I would love to have your ingenuity and be able to start a online biz myself! Good luck and good work!
March 18th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
I also tweeted about you @mamatink123!
March 18th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Hi! I wanted to say that I fell in love with your store when I was looking for, and bought, the nuby replacements for my daughter and a friend of mine’s. As a small business owner myself, I have been through so many of the ups and downs of having a business and can relate to your trials (I had a negative income in 2008 and did not make much in 2009). We were not able to afford buying much from your store, although I wish I could’ve. Not because of your prices, but because we try to buy only essentials that we need in this time of need.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. We wish you luck, and we hope to purchase some toys for our little one soon!
I have recommended your store to many friends and hope that in that way I can help you. My daughter is 3 now and is past the Nuby stage, but I hope that you’ll be around when we have a second baby.
March 18th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
I love all the Melissa and Doug toys, I love your website and support you. I will tell all my friends about you, I wish you luck in these tough times!
March 19th, 2010 at 12:27 am
My autistic son would only drink from nuby cups and you were the only one who came up when I googled. And you were so friendly to me every time I ordered. I felt like I had made a friend:) Good luck
March 19th, 2010 at 12:59 am
I will be sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! My brother had a small Veterinary practice and it took awhile to get going and then he stayed
very busy until he passed away. My favorite item in your shop is the
“Melissa and Doug Funny Frog Game!” I like how it gets children moving.
Many thanks and best wishes…..Cindi
March 19th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Miss Angie, I wish you and your family the very very best. I added your button to my blog, and I tell people about your store all the time. In fact, as a customer, I haven’t had complaints. My very first order with you, there was a mix-up and you handled it so graciously. I was impressed enough to immediately begin recommending GFTK as THE place for Melissa & Doug bargains. Good Luck and God Bless.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
What brought me to your site was the replacement spouts for the nuby soft-spout sippy cups. It was the only place could find them and I was so happy to not have to buy any more of the cups, just the spouts. So much better for our earth!!
Now I love the Melissa and Doug toys that you provide. They are great prices and sooooo educational and fun for my girls!!
March 19th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
I adore the Melissa and Doug grasping Giraffe. The sold out one. Yeah, I’m great at finding the sold out items. Is a great skill of mine. ha.
March 19th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I think you could pick up that comment and use it as a blog post. What you wrote is great advice any way that you look at it.
March 19th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I love all the Doug and Melissa toys – especially the clock puzzle, my kids current favorite.
March 19th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
I love the nuby replacement parts. I have purchased some with
every order just incase! I also enjoy the Melissa & Doug items. Everything
I have ever purchased from you has been great. I have and will continue to
recommend you to anyone I know for fantastc kids products. Keep up the
great work!
March 19th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Thanks for letting us know so we can better support you. I love the Nuby replacement straws. My triplets like to walk around with their sippy hanging from there mouths so they can be hands-free to play but it tears the straw so I have to replace them regularly. I hate buying a whole new cup b/c I feel like it is a waste of resources and bad for the environment. So, thank you!
March 19th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Wow! I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I’ve enojoyed your products and website for nearly 2 years and will pass on the info to my mommy friends.
March 20th, 2010 at 2:27 am
Your Nuby replacements is what brought me here to order multiple times, myself! I wish that they hadn’t redesigned the soft straws, it’s what has kept me from reordering…unless someone can help me figure out what I’m doing wrong, because it’s always possible this is a major user error.
You have always filled a valuable niche, and I hope things pick up for you!
March 20th, 2010 at 6:28 am
I love all the Melissa & Doug products. Thanks for making your business & life personal to us as customers. We all need each other in one way or another. God bless you & your business.
March 20th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Melissa and Doug items are my most favorite, I have purchased lots of items for my grandboys, they love the play food.
I found you because we neededd to buy replacedment stays for the Nuby cups and have been so happy with everthing we have purchased. Keep up the good work!
March 20th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I have been purchasing from your site since my kids were born 3 years ago. thank you for carrying the nuby products. That is why I started using this site. Now, I mainly purchase Melissa and Doug products. My kids LOVE them! My kids love the Melissa and Doug play food and I think they would love the apple pie set. I pray that you can recover from this!
March 20th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
was so happy to be able to find nuby replacement spouts here!
March 21st, 2010 at 11:24 am
Thanks for everything that you do.
March 21st, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for your hard work. I like the Melissa and Doug Large Paint Brush Set.
March 21st, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I enjoy the Nuby Replacement kits that you offer (straws), as I have twin boys and need a TON of these. I hate to have to throw out the entire cup and buy a new one. I would much rather just buy the replacement straws. It saves money and is much more eco-friendly! Thanks!
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:59 am
You have a great shop. I love the Melissa and Doug Vintage ABC Blocks in a Tray.
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:19 am
In 2008 my husband and I got back together after a year of separation. We decided that we needed to work on our relationship under the same roof instead of under 2 and nurture our son’s childhood more than ever. Not a few weeks after that decision, my husband lost his job. Two months later, after we had gotten an apartment on solely my income, I was laid off. During those months, I lost my job, my apartment, my car had been repoed and my husband eventually got fed up with it all, took our son and left to his mothers. It was the most horrible time of my life. Losing an income, as well as two, can disrupt and kill your life. In terms of your life, your desperation, I give you a major kudos in my boat considering you decided to stay home with your children. If I had the chance to do this, I would take it also. Your shop is wonderful. I personally love Melissa & Doug and what they represent for children toys. I’ll post your store on my Facebook, placing it on my blog would be hopeless since no one looks at it but I’ll place it on there too. Good luck with everything you need to do. Remember, you are a strong willed woman who can accomplish everything.
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:21 am
Look at what you did for us, for my family.
You are amazing and you have one of the biggest hearts of anyone that I know.
It will come back to you in spades and I will do everything that I can to ensure that.
xo
March 22nd, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I still love the Nuby replacement straws! I actually only found your site because I contacted Nuby and asked them how to get replacements for the silicone straws and they passed me along to you.
I have posted your link on my facebook page, but unfortunately, I don’t tweet, so I couldn’t help you out there…
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:54 am
I completely understand your pain. My husband and I have a home based business (to be home with our kids) and have also experienced a drastic decrease in sales as well. So much so that it has become increasingly hard to make ends meet. Harder still because our girls are almost 2 and 5 and with their activities and preschool experiences that we do not want them to miss out on because they are so important to their social and emotional growth, it makes things that much harder since everything costs money. It’s hard to try to figure out how to make it all work out.
I will place your link on my facebook page (not into twitter, sorry). Hope things look up for you soon. Fingers crossed for fast improvement for you and all those affected by this economy.
My girls love your nuby sippy cups and straw cups…and I love them too since they don’t leak!
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:55 am
Can’t remember if I already put one on here, but I absolutely all the Mellisa and Doug stuff, My son is special needs and his therapists do a lot with Velcro books and toys, so now I have a bunch of my own so I can use them while he’s not in therapy
thank you
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 am
I have bought the nuby replacements from you and a BIG thank you for that! I searched everywhere when my son was young and came across your website and BOUGHT!
I too am a stay at home/self employed mom and completely understand what you are going through! Stay strong and with things changing, you’ll be back on top of things before you know it!
I would be more than happy to put a link on my website for you!
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Well, Angie, I’m sorry that America’s past overspending has affected your business so deeply. My husband’s business has also dropped off about 40 percent since last year, and has not picked up. I admire your honesty, and also your courage to own a small businees in the first place. Of course, we first became your customers because of the replacement parts for our sippy cups. Oh, how they get chewed/lost/eaten by the kids and dishwasher. But now that our girls are 1.5 and 3.5 years old, we really are enjoying your Melissa and Doug toys. Specifically the M&D safety scissors. I know that I can turn my back for a few seconds while they are using them (we all have to go potty, right?), and not return to two girls without hair. Thanks for your upbeat website with the things we like to have! Angela
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Good Luck with everything! I found your website when I was searching for the replacement spouts for nubby. This is the only place that I’ve found them.
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I buy all my replacement Nubby spouts here! Nuby refered me to you ages ago, recommending I order from you and I have even since!
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Great store to have for items no one else has for sale
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Nuby replacement spouts and straws are my favs! Your store was the only place where I could find these items a couple of years ago! I was so grateful, especially since my son would ONLY drink from these. Thanks!
March 23rd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
my favorite is the nuby spout replacements as i have 2 toddlers and they love to chew through them so i love that i can come here and get them
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I like the Ty Blues Clues Magenta Periwinkle Beanie Babies
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
My faves are the Nuby replacement spouts and straws. I was so excited to find a way to get these and not have to buy new cups!!!
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Your website was a godsend for me! My favorite product is the Nuby replacement spouts for the sports sipper cup. My son was diagnosed with autism 2 years ago. His suppy cup is his comfort item and he will not drink out of anything else. Every time he would bite holes in the spouts, I would buy new cups at $7.00 a pair just to use the spouts. The stores did not sell the replacement spouts. I did a Google search for them after spending more money than I wish to admit buying cup after cup. I found your website and have since reordered the replacement spouts 3 times. Thank you for the service you offer. In my hectic and stressful world with my son, this was one thing I didn’t have to worry about anymore when a spout became damaged or unusable.
March 24th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I love the site, but I have only bought replacement Nuby spouts here so far. I have had a tough time finding them at all, and found your site through EBay. Like Lisa, I had been buying new cups because I couldn’t find the spouts anywhere in a brick and mortar store. Sorry to hear you are having a tough time, but I didn’t think the orders I received took an outrageous amount of time to arrive, so I think you are still doing a pretty good job of keeping customers happy! I am about to place another order right now