20 + years in Baby Goods Industry - AMA

[mypoosmellsofroses]

Have worked for a lot of companies, car seats, pushchairs, accessories etc.

Do you think that any "gadgets" are worth buying?

Do/did you push more expensive products over safety etc? I'm thinking car seats in particular

Gadgets generally not worth it - can't think of any that really solve a problem and are worth the money! More and more tech products coming into the market now but that's partly down to the next generation of new parents being far more used to using tech across their everyday life.

Always safety over price - car seats are a great example, there is still so much more that could be done to provide better information, fitting and checking. The best car seat is the one that works best for the child/car combination, regardless of cost/awards won etc.
Whilst I have done (and still) sell to bigger retailers, I have a special place in my heart for independent retailers when it comes to car seats as they have the knowledge and the expertise to really advise properly!
The vicious circle is that research shows that buying decisions are largely design led, so all the marketing tends to focus on looks and style.

I'm very particular about my car seats. I always get a bit down hearted when I see quite small babies in Batman/Minnie mouse/paw patrol seats...

I bought our carseat at Securatot. Sadly they are not trading anymore.

I'm a new online retailer but brick and mortar stores are getting the hammer. How can I negotiate with wholesalers and distributors to open an account? I was rejected by one wholesaler as I don't have a BM.

How can I recycle our old car seats? I hate the thought of it going to landfill.

Thanks

Online only can be an issue - for me it's a judgement call, if someone is being sensible about pricing and sticking to rules around selling on EBay/Amazon/Facebook etc then it's OK but a lot don't,which then understandably pisses off other stockists, who may have a lot of extra overheads.
If you want to message me re wholesalers etc happy to help :)
As for recycling car seats, it's a pain but there isn't anything as yet, best thing to do is break it down as much as possible, so metal bits removed, fabrics removed and recycled etc, then the plastic shell I'm afraid is still destined for landfill :(

Bit of an update re car seats - a move in the right direction at least! www.nursery-today.co.uk/news/latest_news/take_the_initiative.aspx?dm_i=IB1,5R9KC,PGMXRR,MFX31,1

anotherday I always get a bit down hearted when I see quite small babies in Batman/Minnie mouse/paw patrol seats..."

But all car seats would meet safety standard, how does the material covering it make any difference?

What is the most "useless" thing you have had to sell/push

001 many of those type of seats are only manufactures to meet the bare minimum standards, 30mph for a forward facing crash and 18mph for a rear crash. So they are pretty low speeds. Many of them are a generic seat which is then rebranded, often to "own brand" labels.

tbf, all car seats are tested to the bare minimum as that's what the current legislation is - you can test in different situations but there's no recognised standard for it so you would still only be able to use the current standard marks.

Most useless thing would be really outing but it was a gadget that I thought wtf when I saw it and am still amazed that people part with money for it :) Selling to businesses makes that easier you can be upfront and say "I can't believe people buy this but they do" Doesn't work so well as a consumer facing message