When you're in need of directions, there's no better device
than a GPS.
But when it comes to mapping out winners and losers in the GPS
devices marketplace, we turn to the guidance of our
15,000-member ChangeWave research network. And what they've told
us is that Garmin (GRMN) – the top GPS manufacturer in the world
– has achieved near total domination of the U.S. marketplace.
During February we conducted two ChangeWave surveys on global
positioning systems – one on consumer GPS trends (n = 3,773) and
the other on corporate purchasing trends (n = 2,013). Here's
what we found:
Consumer GPS Trends
Our February 18-25 survey of consumers who own a GPS navigation
device, shows Garmin with a 56% market share – an increase of 4
percentage points since the previous survey in January 2008.
Garmin's percentage towers over its closest rival Magellan,
which captured only 12%.
Looking at the next 90 days, Garmin (54%; up 5-pts) remains
first on the map in terms of planned consumer purchases of GPS
navigation devices. TomTom is second with 8% (down 1-pt), and
Magellan has fallen to third place with just 4% (down 2-pts).
Corporate GPS Trends
In our February 11-15 corporate buying survey, Garmin is also
the dominant leader with a hefty 58% share of the corporate GPS
market. That's a full 11-pts higher than the previous corporate
buying survey in November 2007.
Magellan also gained some corporate ground since the previous
survey (12%; up 4-pts), even as TomTom's numbers have fallen to
9%, down 3-pts since November.
Going forward it's more of the same, as Garmin is dominating
planned corporate GPS purchases for the 2nd Quarter with a 56%
market share That's a huge 10-pt jump since November.
Magellan takes second with 10% (up 2-pts), while TomTom limps
in at 5% (down 7-pts).
Best Quarter in History? Now Wait a Minute.
Garmin's February 20th quarterly earnings call has confirmed
our ChangeWave survey findings, with the company stating flat
out that it was the "best quarter in our history."
Garmin reported earnings per share of $1.39, on sales of more
than $1.2 billion – a 99% increase from a year earlier, with
profits up an impressive 70%. Analysts had projected earnings of
just $1.12 per share. To top it off, the company stated that its
outlook for the rest of 2008 remained strong.
So with all that good news, you might wonder why Garmin's share
price took a big 20% hit in the weeks immediately following
their quarterly earnings announcement. Or why Garmin's stock
price is now down nearly 60% from its 52-week high.
According to Wall Street analysts, the combination of
significantly lower profit margins for Garmin (down more than
15%) and a retrenchment in U.S. consumer spending has undermined
Garmin's stock price. In addition, Garmin's average unit selling
price dropped precipitously last quarter, and their CFO recently
predicted it will drop another 20% in 2008.
Another factor is the continued slowdown in U.S. consumer
spending. Our February survey found an astonishing two-in-five
U.S. respondents (39%) saying they'll spend less over the next
90 days than they did a year ago – 5-pts worse than our January
2008 survey.
The decline in spending is occurring across all income levels.
But most ominously – not only for Garmin but for the entire GPS
devices industry – the survey showed consumer electronics
spending in the midst of a major slowdown.
To put this in perspective, it's the weakest outlook for
electronics spending ever recorded in a ChangeWave survey.
Given such a slowdown, it's understandable why Garmin and so
many other high flying electronics stocks have had an extremely
rough go of it lately. But despite shrinking profit margins and
an extremely tough consumer spending environment, our latest
ChangeWave surveys show Garmin is gobbling up share in the high
growth GPS market.
The verdict is out on whether Garmin can return to its
previously lofty heights – but it's a company investors should
be watching closely.
About The Author: The ChangeWave expert research network is
composed of 15,000 highly qualified professionals. Members are
surveyed weekly on a range of topics, and ChangeWave converts
the findings into proprietary reports. For more ChangeWave GPS
findings, go to http://www.changewave.com/gps
The Latest Retail Shopping News!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Laser Printers
As its name states, a laser printer is a type of printer
that uses laser-based technology to carry out basic printer
functions. Essentially, a laser printer uses an actual
laser beam to produce an image of a document on the
printer's photoreceptor or metal drum. The laser creates
an electrostatic charge on the drum, which helps attract
the toner to the image created by the laser. The toner in
turn, is then fused to the piece of paper using a heating
element, thus producing a copy of the original document or
image.
Although ink jet printers represent a more affordable
option to laser printers, the multiple benefits of a laser
printer make the investment worthwhile. Among the factors
that make a laser printer a better option for most
businesses and offices are the fact that a laser printer is
faster, more precise, and in the end more economical than
an ink jet printer.
A laser printer's use of laser technology to create images
and copies makes it a much faster printing option than an
ink jet printer. Since the laser is able to move much
faster than the ink jets in an ink jet printer, a laser
printer has the ability to make more copies faster.
In addition to its greater printing speed, the nature of
the laser's diameter is such that it allows for more
accurate and detailed drawing and copying of text and
images, all without having to sacrifice any additional ink.
Perhaps the most important factor that makes a laser
printer a better choice than an ink jet printer is the fact
that over time, they are actually more affordable than ink
jet printers are. Initially, a laser printer does
represent a greater investment than an ink jet printer
does. However over time, a laser printer will be cheaper
to maintain. Toner powder is more expensive than ink jet
ink, but it does last longer than the ink in an ink jet
printer, which has to be replaced more often. This factor
makes a laser printer a more sound investment for offices
and business that have a high rate of printing documents.
As with most technology, laser printers were initially an
expensive piece of technology for businesses and offices.
Laser printers are in fact only slightly more expensive
than ink jet printers are. Most would agree that an
affordable laser jet printer represents a much more viable
option for a business than a high-end, expensive ink jet
printer.
About the Author:
If you would like to learn more about the different makes
and models of laser printers available online then visit
the website :
http://www.abt-fax-multifunction-desktop-machines.co.uk
for a detail list of laser printers.
that uses laser-based technology to carry out basic printer
functions. Essentially, a laser printer uses an actual
laser beam to produce an image of a document on the
printer's photoreceptor or metal drum. The laser creates
an electrostatic charge on the drum, which helps attract
the toner to the image created by the laser. The toner in
turn, is then fused to the piece of paper using a heating
element, thus producing a copy of the original document or
image.
Although ink jet printers represent a more affordable
option to laser printers, the multiple benefits of a laser
printer make the investment worthwhile. Among the factors
that make a laser printer a better option for most
businesses and offices are the fact that a laser printer is
faster, more precise, and in the end more economical than
an ink jet printer.
A laser printer's use of laser technology to create images
and copies makes it a much faster printing option than an
ink jet printer. Since the laser is able to move much
faster than the ink jets in an ink jet printer, a laser
printer has the ability to make more copies faster.
In addition to its greater printing speed, the nature of
the laser's diameter is such that it allows for more
accurate and detailed drawing and copying of text and
images, all without having to sacrifice any additional ink.
Perhaps the most important factor that makes a laser
printer a better choice than an ink jet printer is the fact
that over time, they are actually more affordable than ink
jet printers are. Initially, a laser printer does
represent a greater investment than an ink jet printer
does. However over time, a laser printer will be cheaper
to maintain. Toner powder is more expensive than ink jet
ink, but it does last longer than the ink in an ink jet
printer, which has to be replaced more often. This factor
makes a laser printer a more sound investment for offices
and business that have a high rate of printing documents.
As with most technology, laser printers were initially an
expensive piece of technology for businesses and offices.
Laser printers are in fact only slightly more expensive
than ink jet printers are. Most would agree that an
affordable laser jet printer represents a much more viable
option for a business than a high-end, expensive ink jet
printer.
About the Author:
If you would like to learn more about the different makes
and models of laser printers available online then visit
the website :
http://www.abt-
for a detail list of laser printers.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Inkjet Printer Buying Guide
An inkjet printer is very useful when only few numbers of pages
are required to be printed and also when colour printouts are
needed. They produce clear and neat colour printouts, with even
the budget models giving a very good quality. The cost of it
depends on the size of the printer and also on the size of the
printouts required. So the fist thing to find out is the size of
papers that is to be printed.
The resolution that is to be provided is a very important
aspect. This determines the printout resolution and quality.
Even if the resolution of the image in the PC is more, it will
print only to the maximum resolution capacity, so the resolution
plays a very important role. This is calculated in dpi, that is,
dots per inch. The standard range is 600x600 dpi for a basic
model and can go up to 4800x1200 dpi.
Speed is the next factor to be considered. It is to be noted
that speed is inversely proportional to the resolution, that is,
greater the resolution of printing, the slower the speed. Mostly
the manufacturers exaggerate about the speeding capacities of
their printers. The numbers that they put is usually for low
resolution prints. The best way to find out is to carry a disc
with different types of text and getting a sample print done.
The next thing to consider is the paper size. This definitely
depends on the need. Mostly the models come with an A4 size
paper printing. Also A2 sizes are also available for that large
paper printing. Most of the inkjet printers come with a paper
tray that can accommodate up to 100 papers at a time. Also other
larger capacity paper handlers are also available, if the need
is high.
Sometimes, printing of photos is required in certain
conditions. Inkjet printers are capable of printing photos as
well. In fact, there are specialized inkjet printers called
photo printers that can print hi-quality photos with a myriad of
colours! There are also options of taking photo print outs
straight from the digital cameras, without feeding into the PCs,
with the help of PictBridge technology. Editing is done in the
LCD of the digital camera itself and it is sent to the printer
to be printed.
Connectivity is usually done to the PCs with the help of USB
ports. The PC should also be compatible to use the model, that
is, the basic necessities in the operating systems should be
required in the PC for connecting it.
An inkjet printer requires ink cartridges to print. It is
important to check the type of ink cartridge being used, as it
should be inexpensive and readily available, to serve the
purpose efficiently. Different types of cartridges are available
in the market. They must be checked properly before buying, else
a discount got while buying them might prove expensive when
purchasing the consumables for the same!
In short, the decision taken to buy an inkjet printer must be
done sensibly, thinking about the pros and cons of each feature
mentioned above. In fact, before buying any product, it is
better to do a complete research in order to own the best and
the long lasting.
About The Author: To read Canon, HP and Epson Inkjet Printer
Reviews visit http://inkjetprinters.org.uk where you can compare
prices and find best buys available in UK Market.
are required to be printed and also when colour printouts are
needed. They produce clear and neat colour printouts, with even
the budget models giving a very good quality. The cost of it
depends on the size of the printer and also on the size of the
printouts required. So the fist thing to find out is the size of
papers that is to be printed.
The resolution that is to be provided is a very important
aspect. This determines the printout resolution and quality.
Even if the resolution of the image in the PC is more, it will
print only to the maximum resolution capacity, so the resolution
plays a very important role. This is calculated in dpi, that is,
dots per inch. The standard range is 600x600 dpi for a basic
model and can go up to 4800x1200 dpi.
Speed is the next factor to be considered. It is to be noted
that speed is inversely proportional to the resolution, that is,
greater the resolution of printing, the slower the speed. Mostly
the manufacturers exaggerate about the speeding capacities of
their printers. The numbers that they put is usually for low
resolution prints. The best way to find out is to carry a disc
with different types of text and getting a sample print done.
The next thing to consider is the paper size. This definitely
depends on the need. Mostly the models come with an A4 size
paper printing. Also A2 sizes are also available for that large
paper printing. Most of the inkjet printers come with a paper
tray that can accommodate up to 100 papers at a time. Also other
larger capacity paper handlers are also available, if the need
is high.
Sometimes, printing of photos is required in certain
conditions. Inkjet printers are capable of printing photos as
well. In fact, there are specialized inkjet printers called
photo printers that can print hi-quality photos with a myriad of
colours! There are also options of taking photo print outs
straight from the digital cameras, without feeding into the PCs,
with the help of PictBridge technology. Editing is done in the
LCD of the digital camera itself and it is sent to the printer
to be printed.
Connectivity is usually done to the PCs with the help of USB
ports. The PC should also be compatible to use the model, that
is, the basic necessities in the operating systems should be
required in the PC for connecting it.
An inkjet printer requires ink cartridges to print. It is
important to check the type of ink cartridge being used, as it
should be inexpensive and readily available, to serve the
purpose efficiently. Different types of cartridges are available
in the market. They must be checked properly before buying, else
a discount got while buying them might prove expensive when
purchasing the consumables for the same!
In short, the decision taken to buy an inkjet printer must be
done sensibly, thinking about the pros and cons of each feature
mentioned above. In fact, before buying any product, it is
better to do a complete research in order to own the best and
the long lasting.
About The Author: To read Canon, HP and Epson Inkjet Printer
Reviews visit http://inkjetprinte
prices and find best buys available in UK Market.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Never Pay Full Price!
The internet brings the world right into our homes. This allows savvy shoppers to find the best price from different vendors selling the same product. Typically this entails checking different vendor sites for the product of interest. But there are specific websites that provide price comparison service and result aggregation. These sites such as pricegrabber.com, query multiple vendors simultaneously for their prices, allowing the shopper to choose the lowest price available.
However, the true bargain hunter knows there are even better bargains to be found than the results returned by these comparison sites. These comparison sites do not show products that are on sale or that can be purchased at lower costs using coupons. This is where niche sites like slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com, dealogram.com etc., come in. These sites are meant for the bargain shoppers looking for the best deals on specific products. These specialized sites gather information regarding the best deals offered by different vendors and post them daily. In addition, most of these sites allow discussion forums where other shoppers can post information about sales that might not have been well advertised by a specific vendor. Quite often, you will find that other shoppers will post coupon codes in these discussion forums that can be used by others. The discussion forums at these sites is also a great place for gathering information on upcoming sales at different stores.
Of course, the only drawback of these sites is that shoppers may not find the product that they are looking for on sale immediately. But, if you are persistent, you will find a deal on one of these sites that will save you substantial amount of money.
So be a savvy shopper, visit these sites regularly to stay up to date on sales and never pay full price for a product again!
Rahul Ramachandran designs and builds specialized websites such as http://www.dealogram.com/ He is a gadget geek and avid online shopper always looking for the best deal!
However, the true bargain hunter knows there are even better bargains to be found than the results returned by these comparison sites. These comparison sites do not show products that are on sale or that can be purchased at lower costs using coupons. This is where niche sites like slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com, dealogram.com etc., come in. These sites are meant for the bargain shoppers looking for the best deals on specific products. These specialized sites gather information regarding the best deals offered by different vendors and post them daily. In addition, most of these sites allow discussion forums where other shoppers can post information about sales that might not have been well advertised by a specific vendor. Quite often, you will find that other shoppers will post coupon codes in these discussion forums that can be used by others. The discussion forums at these sites is also a great place for gathering information on upcoming sales at different stores.
Of course, the only drawback of these sites is that shoppers may not find the product that they are looking for on sale immediately. But, if you are persistent, you will find a deal on one of these sites that will save you substantial amount of money.
So be a savvy shopper, visit these sites regularly to stay up to date on sales and never pay full price for a product again!
Rahul Ramachandran designs and builds specialized websites such as http://www.dealogram.com/ He is a gadget geek and avid online shopper always looking for the best deal!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Why You Should Consider A JVC Mini Digital Camera
So you and the family are on the dream vacation. The day is
becoming a bit of a marathon with so much to see and do and so
much to record with your video camera. You are starting to run
out of tapes with only one left and much more of the day ahead
of you. Even worse, the battery light is starting to beep
on-screen. The hot humid weather is also doing its part to screw
with your attitude. You are tired, sweaty and more than a little
sick and tired of carrying this video camera. You think to
yourself, "Why can't they make them smaller?".
All these wishes that you have can be granted with the JVC Mini
Digital Camera. To start with the camera doesn't use tapes so it
is much smaller and lighter than most digital camcorders.
Without the tapes and with a rather smallish 1.8 inch LCD/TFT
color monitor, the JVC Mini Digital Camera is one of the
lightest, smallest camcorders you can buy. Sleek looking with
its aluminum finish with the black plastic body molding, the JVC
Mini Digital Camera has a rather unique feature because all the
controls are placed at the back of the camera. Combine the
compactness with the video light, flash and 10X zoom with 40X
digital zoom and no detail will be missed.
The camera uses Li-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, pound
for pound offer the best energy of any consumer electronics
battery. It has no memory effect and has a slower rate of power
loss when not in use. Light, powerful and durable, it is the
most popular battery models available for portable electronics.
Although the JVC Mini Digital Camera doesn't supply MicroDrive
or SD cards, it would be a good idea to get some for the camera.
That way you can utilize the JPG still images. The camera is a
"point and shoot" mini digital video camera suitable for first
time users or casual hobbyists.
All of the functions of the JVC Mini Digital Camera are located
at a menu button at the back of the camera. The digital zoom at
40X is powerful enough however you can get more with 200X
rations. Without a tape system the camera isn't married to just
one format. Opposed to tape formats, there are many more digital
features. The still images range from Fine to Standard. With the
standard setting the camera offers JPEG resolutions of SXGA
(1280x960), XGA (1024 x 768) or VGA (640x480). Of course the
resulting photos can be stored on many different mediums. The
voice recording feature records using 256 kbps right up to 1536
kbps. Some models have webcam capabilities while a night feature
called Night Alive is available for shooting in extreme low
light.
Positive reviews pour in from users that extol the ease and
likeability of the product. This camera is all a "point and
shoot" camera should be. For these reasons, I believe you should
check out the JVC Mini Digital Camera when you go shopping for a
video camera.
About The Author: http://www.digitalcamcorderfacts.com
becoming a bit of a marathon with so much to see and do and so
much to record with your video camera. You are starting to run
out of tapes with only one left and much more of the day ahead
of you. Even worse, the battery light is starting to beep
on-screen. The hot humid weather is also doing its part to screw
with your attitude. You are tired, sweaty and more than a little
sick and tired of carrying this video camera. You think to
yourself, "Why can't they make them smaller?".
All these wishes that you have can be granted with the JVC Mini
Digital Camera. To start with the camera doesn't use tapes so it
is much smaller and lighter than most digital camcorders.
Without the tapes and with a rather smallish 1.8 inch LCD/TFT
color monitor, the JVC Mini Digital Camera is one of the
lightest, smallest camcorders you can buy. Sleek looking with
its aluminum finish with the black plastic body molding, the JVC
Mini Digital Camera has a rather unique feature because all the
controls are placed at the back of the camera. Combine the
compactness with the video light, flash and 10X zoom with 40X
digital zoom and no detail will be missed.
The camera uses Li-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, pound
for pound offer the best energy of any consumer electronics
battery. It has no memory effect and has a slower rate of power
loss when not in use. Light, powerful and durable, it is the
most popular battery models available for portable electronics.
Although the JVC Mini Digital Camera doesn't supply MicroDrive
or SD cards, it would be a good idea to get some for the camera.
That way you can utilize the JPG still images. The camera is a
"point and shoot" mini digital video camera suitable for first
time users or casual hobbyists.
All of the functions of the JVC Mini Digital Camera are located
at a menu button at the back of the camera. The digital zoom at
40X is powerful enough however you can get more with 200X
rations. Without a tape system the camera isn't married to just
one format. Opposed to tape formats, there are many more digital
features. The still images range from Fine to Standard. With the
standard setting the camera offers JPEG resolutions of SXGA
(1280x960), XGA (1024 x 768) or VGA (640x480). Of course the
resulting photos can be stored on many different mediums. The
voice recording feature records using 256 kbps right up to 1536
kbps. Some models have webcam capabilities while a night feature
called Night Alive is available for shooting in extreme low
light.
Positive reviews pour in from users that extol the ease and
likeability of the product. This camera is all a "point and
shoot" camera should be. For these reasons, I believe you should
check out the JVC Mini Digital Camera when you go shopping for a
video camera.
About The Author: http://www.digitalcamcorderfacts.com
Sunday, December 16, 2007
How You Can Choose Safe Toys This Holiday Season?
As you search for the perfect toy to give to the little ones in your life this holiday season, you may be confused and even scared about some of the recent media attention on toy recalls and overseas manufacturing of toys, in general.
Some parents have even decided to look for other gift alternatives instead of buying toys. But is this really wise? Toys are intended not only to be a form of entertainment for children, but also a beneficial and vital part of their development. They provide a wonderful source of learning and entertainment for kids of all ages. Playing with creative toys enhances motor skills and provides a constructive way to release energy. By selecting quality toys from a company that researches their manufacturers thoroughly and regularly, you are giving a child an amazing way to foster creativity and stimulate intellectual development.
With this extreme attention on toy safety and product recalls in recent months, particularly on toys imported from China, it is crucial that consumers be informed and not misled. While it is true that over 80 percent of the toys sold in this country are imported from Chinese manufacturing plants, countries don't make toys -- companies do. It's important to not view all toy companies as a singular entity.
It is a fact that big name toy companies like Mattel have had some products recalled due to safety issues, but it is imperative to set the record straight. Most toy recalls are due to design issues - such as small parts that come off and present a choking hazard and not for the use of unsafe materials. These design-types of recall issues have nothing to do with Chinese manufacturers and are, in fact, not a manufacturing issue at all.
Small toy companies are concerned about recall fears being attributed to all companies, instead of the specific companies affected. There are thousands of toy companies in the U.S., yet the weight of attention to recalls among the large toy companies such as Mattel and Hasbro bears heavy on small toy companies. A small toy company in Madison, WI had this to say on their blog regarding the Mattel toy recall:
"The Mattel recall is bad for the entire toy industry... Mattel's failure to effectively oversee their suppliers darkens the public perception of all Chinese manufacturers. It's unfortunate this negative perception extends to companies that actually enforce rigorous quality standards, factories whose products consistently pass safety and lead tests..."
American consumers should be aware that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) is also working very hard to ensure the safety of toys and other products imported from China. An International Consumer Product Safety Program known as the 2007 China Program Plan has been implemented. Responding to the problem of product recalls from China, the CPSC states, in part:
The Commission is exploring a variety of means to reduce the number of consumer products imported to the U.S. that pose a substantial product hazard, that violate mandatory product safety standards or that otherwise pose an unreasonable risk to American consumers. These efforts have included the creation of a new Office of International Programs; the development of the China Program; participating in product safety seminars; direct notification to manufacturers and to General Administration for Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) when a Chinese manufactured consumer product recall occurs; and stepped-up port and market surveillance to help keep defective or violative products out of the hands of consumers.
It is important to understand the impact of applicable U.S. standards, including ASTM-F963, which "relates to possible hazards that may not be recognized readily by the public and that may be encountered in the normal use for which a toy is intended or after reasonably foreseeable abuse. The standard covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age." These standards are put in place as a voluntary way for the toy industry to police itself and protect the public.
A second way that the CPSC works with toy companies to provide safety information to consumers is with package labeling. Parents and others can help safeguard the children they are buying toys for by reading the labels and following the recommendations and warnings. Many issues in toy safety are directly related to consumer choices to purchase toys not intended for a particular age group. Most toys are given an age rating and a warning if there are specific reasons, such as small parts, if there are inappropriate for young children.
Recall information that is presented to the media and the public fails to properly identify problems related to age-appropriate products for children. There is a combined responsibility of toy companies, manufacturers, government, and parents/consumers to screen age appropriate toys based upon the development of a child. While it is easy to choose a learning game or an intellectually stimulating toy for a particularly mature child, it is important to remember that the behaviors and instincts of small children that can lead to some safety issues with some toys and that the guidelines are put in place with that consideration in mind.
There is a deep concern for children and safety issues in the toy industry, and it is a very real issue that is addressed by most toy companies. The standards that are set by the toy industry have not changed despite the recent media uproar. These standards are high and, when adhered to, are more than sufficient to keep toys safe.
At my toy company, History in Action Toys, I have taken great care in the design of our action figures to ensure that our toys are safe for the children who play with and love them. It is important to me that they provide a real opportunity for social interaction and educational benefits, but safety is my number one priority when designing and producing our toys. We currently market three action figure toys that each depict a leader from American history. We have had our toys independently tested by a third party to determine if they meet the safety standards set forth in CSMC's ASTM F963.
THIS toy company does not ignore safety issues. I care deeply about children and would never have gone into this business or developed toys for them if this were not true. I worked hard to select a top-notch manufacturer in China, based upon their history, the clients they work with and their capabilities to produce a safe, quality product. I personally visited the manufacturing plant in China that I chose to produce my products, both to ensure quality control and to get to know the people I am working with. I consider this both a responsibility and a privilege and I have spent a great deal of time and money to guarantee that our products are and continue to be safe. Even though the manufacturer I chose was not the least expensive proposal that I received, when it came down to a choice between knowing I was producing a safe, quality toy and saving some money, safety and quality won hands down.
I have employed Bureau Veritas, an independent agency that works with companies worldwide to provide independent testing, inspection, auditing and certification to help ensure they meet and exceed all standards of safety. This independent testing agency determined that my toys met the ASTM-F963 standard. I am pleased with the positive results I have obtained regarding the safety of the toys I produce.
Don't paint all toy companies with the same brush. While some companies have been hit hard with recalls, many more companies are in the same category as mine, having never had an unsafe toy on the market.
You can buy toys for your children this Christmas, made in the U.S. or in China with confidence and safety. Research the companies you are buying from to determine their safety history and their reputation for addressing and eliminating problems and concerns. It is important to remember that most manufacturers, in the U.S. and in China, produce safe, quality toys that meet or exceed safety standards and that the number of recalled products is an extremely small percentage of the total amount of toys on the market today.
Check recall lists such as the one that is provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx). You can sign up for e-mail notification of all product recalls. You can also find great information about toy safety at the Toy Industry Association's Web site, www.toyinfo.org. It provides recall lists, facts on toys, buying tips and more. It also addresses the issue of buying toys manufactured in China in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of their website with the following response:
Q: Should I avoid any toys made in China? Won't that be safer for me? A: All toys sold in America regardless of where they are made must conform to tough U.S. safety standards - standards that have served as models for other industries and countries around the world.
Since it is companies, not countries, that make toys, it is companies that are responsible for adhering to rigorous safety standards and conducting inspections throughout the process. Random on-site and off-site testing occurs in all manufacturing plants, in China and elsewhere. Toys are also randomly inspected before export to the US.
In light of the recent recalls, there has been additional testing and vigilance by toy manufacturers, retailers and importers."
I encourage consumers to review and follow helpful toy shopping tips listed below:
· Carefully read the label and choose toys that bear the ASTM F963 label (Products with this label have gone through a full array of tests and design specifications to reduce or eliminate potential harm caused by the toys' makeup or use.)
· Look for recommendations of appropriate age ranges and warnings of small parts or other hazards
o Consider whether there are younger children in the home and whether they can be harmed with the toy
o Consider whether the recipient is likely to use the toy in a manner other than the toy's intended use
· Diligently research any concerns with a particular toy company
o Check the recall lists at the CPSC's Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx
Buying a toy doesn't have to be a frightening venture. You can buy toys for your children this holiday season and be confident of their safety and quality. Remember, the safety of our children is a joint venture between toy companies and consumers. We can all do our part to ensure children can reap all the benefits quality toys have to offer without being in harm's way.
As I am a strong believer in my toy company, I am more than happy to speak to consumers and media to help address and alleviate concerns regarding the safety and quality of History In Action Toys.
A former attorney at one of Washington D.C.'s premier law firms, Sterling T. Ashby earned his J.D. at Columbia University School of Law in New York City.
In 2004, Ashby left the corporate world and founded History in Action Toys (HIA Toys) to pursue his dream of offering toys that inspired creative play and learning in children. HIA Toys strives to fill a void in the marketplace by creating limited-edition, collector-quality action figures that awaken children's imaginations while they learn about lesser-known American heroes.
For more information on HIA Toys, visit the website at http://www.hiatoys.com or contact via e-mail at info@hiatoys.com.
Some parents have even decided to look for other gift alternatives instead of buying toys. But is this really wise? Toys are intended not only to be a form of entertainment for children, but also a beneficial and vital part of their development. They provide a wonderful source of learning and entertainment for kids of all ages. Playing with creative toys enhances motor skills and provides a constructive way to release energy. By selecting quality toys from a company that researches their manufacturers thoroughly and regularly, you are giving a child an amazing way to foster creativity and stimulate intellectual development.
With this extreme attention on toy safety and product recalls in recent months, particularly on toys imported from China, it is crucial that consumers be informed and not misled. While it is true that over 80 percent of the toys sold in this country are imported from Chinese manufacturing plants, countries don't make toys -- companies do. It's important to not view all toy companies as a singular entity.
It is a fact that big name toy companies like Mattel have had some products recalled due to safety issues, but it is imperative to set the record straight. Most toy recalls are due to design issues - such as small parts that come off and present a choking hazard and not for the use of unsafe materials. These design-types of recall issues have nothing to do with Chinese manufacturers and are, in fact, not a manufacturing issue at all.
Small toy companies are concerned about recall fears being attributed to all companies, instead of the specific companies affected. There are thousands of toy companies in the U.S., yet the weight of attention to recalls among the large toy companies such as Mattel and Hasbro bears heavy on small toy companies. A small toy company in Madison, WI had this to say on their blog regarding the Mattel toy recall:
"The Mattel recall is bad for the entire toy industry... Mattel's failure to effectively oversee their suppliers darkens the public perception of all Chinese manufacturers. It's unfortunate this negative perception extends to companies that actually enforce rigorous quality standards, factories whose products consistently pass safety and lead tests..."
American consumers should be aware that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) is also working very hard to ensure the safety of toys and other products imported from China. An International Consumer Product Safety Program known as the 2007 China Program Plan has been implemented. Responding to the problem of product recalls from China, the CPSC states, in part:
The Commission is exploring a variety of means to reduce the number of consumer products imported to the U.S. that pose a substantial product hazard, that violate mandatory product safety standards or that otherwise pose an unreasonable risk to American consumers. These efforts have included the creation of a new Office of International Programs; the development of the China Program; participating in product safety seminars; direct notification to manufacturers and to General Administration for Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) when a Chinese manufactured consumer product recall occurs; and stepped-up port and market surveillance to help keep defective or violative products out of the hands of consumers.
It is important to understand the impact of applicable U.S. standards, including ASTM-F963, which "relates to possible hazards that may not be recognized readily by the public and that may be encountered in the normal use for which a toy is intended or after reasonably foreseeable abuse. The standard covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age." These standards are put in place as a voluntary way for the toy industry to police itself and protect the public.
A second way that the CPSC works with toy companies to provide safety information to consumers is with package labeling. Parents and others can help safeguard the children they are buying toys for by reading the labels and following the recommendations and warnings. Many issues in toy safety are directly related to consumer choices to purchase toys not intended for a particular age group. Most toys are given an age rating and a warning if there are specific reasons, such as small parts, if there are inappropriate for young children.
Recall information that is presented to the media and the public fails to properly identify problems related to age-appropriate products for children. There is a combined responsibility of toy companies, manufacturers, government, and parents/consumers to screen age appropriate toys based upon the development of a child. While it is easy to choose a learning game or an intellectually stimulating toy for a particularly mature child, it is important to remember that the behaviors and instincts of small children that can lead to some safety issues with some toys and that the guidelines are put in place with that consideration in mind.
There is a deep concern for children and safety issues in the toy industry, and it is a very real issue that is addressed by most toy companies. The standards that are set by the toy industry have not changed despite the recent media uproar. These standards are high and, when adhered to, are more than sufficient to keep toys safe.
At my toy company, History in Action Toys, I have taken great care in the design of our action figures to ensure that our toys are safe for the children who play with and love them. It is important to me that they provide a real opportunity for social interaction and educational benefits, but safety is my number one priority when designing and producing our toys. We currently market three action figure toys that each depict a leader from American history. We have had our toys independently tested by a third party to determine if they meet the safety standards set forth in CSMC's ASTM F963.
THIS toy company does not ignore safety issues. I care deeply about children and would never have gone into this business or developed toys for them if this were not true. I worked hard to select a top-notch manufacturer in China, based upon their history, the clients they work with and their capabilities to produce a safe, quality product. I personally visited the manufacturing plant in China that I chose to produce my products, both to ensure quality control and to get to know the people I am working with. I consider this both a responsibility and a privilege and I have spent a great deal of time and money to guarantee that our products are and continue to be safe. Even though the manufacturer I chose was not the least expensive proposal that I received, when it came down to a choice between knowing I was producing a safe, quality toy and saving some money, safety and quality won hands down.
I have employed Bureau Veritas, an independent agency that works with companies worldwide to provide independent testing, inspection, auditing and certification to help ensure they meet and exceed all standards of safety. This independent testing agency determined that my toys met the ASTM-F963 standard. I am pleased with the positive results I have obtained regarding the safety of the toys I produce.
Don't paint all toy companies with the same brush. While some companies have been hit hard with recalls, many more companies are in the same category as mine, having never had an unsafe toy on the market.
You can buy toys for your children this Christmas, made in the U.S. or in China with confidence and safety. Research the companies you are buying from to determine their safety history and their reputation for addressing and eliminating problems and concerns. It is important to remember that most manufacturers, in the U.S. and in China, produce safe, quality toys that meet or exceed safety standards and that the number of recalled products is an extremely small percentage of the total amount of toys on the market today.
Check recall lists such as the one that is provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx). You can sign up for e-mail notification of all product recalls. You can also find great information about toy safety at the Toy Industry Association's Web site, www.toyinfo.org. It provides recall lists, facts on toys, buying tips and more. It also addresses the issue of buying toys manufactured in China in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of their website with the following response:
Q: Should I avoid any toys made in China? Won't that be safer for me? A: All toys sold in America regardless of where they are made must conform to tough U.S. safety standards - standards that have served as models for other industries and countries around the world.
Since it is companies, not countries, that make toys, it is companies that are responsible for adhering to rigorous safety standards and conducting inspections throughout the process. Random on-site and off-site testing occurs in all manufacturing plants, in China and elsewhere. Toys are also randomly inspected before export to the US.
In light of the recent recalls, there has been additional testing and vigilance by toy manufacturers, retailers and importers."
I encourage consumers to review and follow helpful toy shopping tips listed below:
· Carefully read the label and choose toys that bear the ASTM F963 label (Products with this label have gone through a full array of tests and design specifications to reduce or eliminate potential harm caused by the toys' makeup or use.)
· Look for recommendations of appropriate age ranges and warnings of small parts or other hazards
o Consider whether there are younger children in the home and whether they can be harmed with the toy
o Consider whether the recipient is likely to use the toy in a manner other than the toy's intended use
· Diligently research any concerns with a particular toy company
o Check the recall lists at the CPSC's Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx
Buying a toy doesn't have to be a frightening venture. You can buy toys for your children this holiday season and be confident of their safety and quality. Remember, the safety of our children is a joint venture between toy companies and consumers. We can all do our part to ensure children can reap all the benefits quality toys have to offer without being in harm's way.
As I am a strong believer in my toy company, I am more than happy to speak to consumers and media to help address and alleviate concerns regarding the safety and quality of History In Action Toys.
A former attorney at one of Washington D.C.'s premier law firms, Sterling T. Ashby earned his J.D. at Columbia University School of Law in New York City.
In 2004, Ashby left the corporate world and founded History in Action Toys (HIA Toys) to pursue his dream of offering toys that inspired creative play and learning in children. HIA Toys strives to fill a void in the marketplace by creating limited-edition, collector-quality action figures that awaken children's imaginations while they learn about lesser-known American heroes.
For more information on HIA Toys, visit the website at http://www.hiatoys.com or contact via e-mail at info@hiatoys.com.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Retail Shopping Basket Provides Advertising Opportunity
Hey Guys! Here is an interesting article I discovered...
Independent retailers are always looking for innovative ways to expand their revenue. At the end of the day, the bottom line is all they have to indicate if they were successful or not. The latest solution is less about the products for sale, and more about the tool customers use to carry products while they’re still in the store.
Retail shopping baskets provide a variety of advertising options that will allow retailers to get some extra mileage out of money they’ve already spent. Most plastic retail shopping baskets have a blank section of solid plastic on each side. Store owners could put that real estate to use, advertising specials in their own store or advertising someone else’s business.
While many stores have begun putting ads in shopping carts, the retail shopping baskets are still an untapped opportunity. Here are a few suggestions for getting the most out of your plastic shopping baskets:
Talk to the neighbors: Try to approach neighboring retailers who are non-competitors and see if they would be interested in advertising on the retail shopping baskets. Promote the program as an effective means for attracting customers who are already in the area. It could be just the opportunity they’ve been looking for to promote their business.
Point-of-Sale Ads: Use the ad space to promote your own products, and special sales. As customers are browsing your store, they will see these messages on their own plastic shopping basket, as well as on the baskets of other shoppers. This will ensure multiple exposures to the message and will help the ad get through to customers, improve the likelihood of success with the product or sale that is being advertised.
Mix it Up: One particular problem with advertising is that people get desensitized to it over time. So it is important to change up the message and appearance of the ad now and then. Recruit multiple advertisers and put them in rotation on the retail shopping baskets. This will keep the messages fresh, and will give the ads a stronger impact.
Part of being successful in retail is being innovative and trying something new. This could be the opportunity to step outside the box and hit a home run. Plastic shopping basket ads are really just the tip of the iceberg. So look around. See opportunities to excel, and go for it.
Christopher Weis is the marketing director for Nu-Era. Nu-Era and http://www.nu-era.com are services of The Nu-Era Group, LLC -the industry leader in store fixtures, supplies, and fulfillment. Nu-Era has been providing its customers with competitively priced quality products with customer-oriented service since 1949.
Independent retailers are always looking for innovative ways to expand their revenue. At the end of the day, the bottom line is all they have to indicate if they were successful or not. The latest solution is less about the products for sale, and more about the tool customers use to carry products while they’re still in the store.
Retail shopping baskets provide a variety of advertising options that will allow retailers to get some extra mileage out of money they’ve already spent. Most plastic retail shopping baskets have a blank section of solid plastic on each side. Store owners could put that real estate to use, advertising specials in their own store or advertising someone else’s business.
While many stores have begun putting ads in shopping carts, the retail shopping baskets are still an untapped opportunity. Here are a few suggestions for getting the most out of your plastic shopping baskets:
Talk to the neighbors: Try to approach neighboring retailers who are non-competitors and see if they would be interested in advertising on the retail shopping baskets. Promote the program as an effective means for attracting customers who are already in the area. It could be just the opportunity they’ve been looking for to promote their business.
Point-of-Sale Ads: Use the ad space to promote your own products, and special sales. As customers are browsing your store, they will see these messages on their own plastic shopping basket, as well as on the baskets of other shoppers. This will ensure multiple exposures to the message and will help the ad get through to customers, improve the likelihood of success with the product or sale that is being advertised.
Mix it Up: One particular problem with advertising is that people get desensitized to it over time. So it is important to change up the message and appearance of the ad now and then. Recruit multiple advertisers and put them in rotation on the retail shopping baskets. This will keep the messages fresh, and will give the ads a stronger impact.
Part of being successful in retail is being innovative and trying something new. This could be the opportunity to step outside the box and hit a home run. Plastic shopping basket ads are really just the tip of the iceberg. So look around. See opportunities to excel, and go for it.
Christopher Weis is the marketing director for Nu-Era. Nu-Era and http://www.nu-era.com are services of The Nu-Era Group, LLC -the industry leader in store fixtures, supplies, and fulfillment. Nu-Era has been providing its customers with competitively priced quality products with customer-oriented service since 1949.
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