For some time now I have struggled potty training my three year old son. He is quite the stubborn one so it's important to make the process fun. Unfortunately, potty training is a messy process, so I'm constantly finding myself cleaning floors, toilets and tons of clothes.
I can't tell you how thrilled I was to have Jody Brimhall and her Potty Spray Guard become a part of the Womentorz Community. I felt like the potty training gods were shining down on me! I ordered her product immediately and couldn't wait to give it a try. You see, my son is a little too big for the portable potty and its built in spray guard, but the mini toilet seats don't have any protection. There would pee everywhere!
My intention was to use thePotty Spray Guard on this inner seat, but wasn't sure it would work since it was built for the main toilet seat. Little did I know, Jody had designed it so well it fits on virtually any size of toilet seat AND it can even be used on the back of the toilet seat for bigger boys who pee standing up to protect the back of your toilet. Genius!!!
I am proud to say that the Potty Guard works perfectly. My son may not be potty trained yet, but now that I have this essential tool we're well on our way to a diaper free world. Thank you Jody!
Colleen and I were so excited to be part of bringing Green Halloween to the Downtown Edmonds Halloween Festivities. This was a joint effort between Womentorz.com, MyEdmondsNews.com, Sustainable Edmonds and the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce with Coldwell Banker Bain hosting the Costume Swap on October 9th, which was a huge hit. We really appreciated the support during the entire process of introducing Green Halloween to Edmonds. Our booth was so overwhelmingly popular that we could barely keep up and went through thousands of products that were handed out to literally tens of thousands of families. We've never seen anything like it!!! It looked like Woodstock!
The most popular event at the booth was the Recycle Toss. The kids LOVED it as much as if they were at a carnival. We also had a candy buy back program with a chance to win a $60 gift card to Toys R Us. There was something for everyone!
All of the business involved in sponsoring the booth received huge exposure and peace of mind that they were providing a healthy alternative to the massive candy normally passed out during Halloween. It was quite the experience and very fulfilling. We hope to get more businesses involved now that we know how popular the booth was. It's nonstop activity and excitement!!!
Here are some photos from the event. I apologize for the quality. I forgot my camera through all of the craziness and could only use my camera phone.
Here's the announcement for the panel discussion on October 26th through Ladies Who Launch about various resources available to people wanting to get their inventions developed and to market. Womentorz will be one of the guest panelists. We hope to see you there!
Having two boys; one completely potty trained, but doesn't have the best aim, and the other just starting the potty training process; I know how valuable and genius The Potty Spray Guard is. Jody Brimhall has encompassed what being a true inventor is all about. She has a product that simply solves a messy problem. Here is some insight into her creation and product development:
Q. How and why did you come up with the idea of your product?
When my first son was little, and getting more independent on the potty, I came up with the idea for the Potty Spray Guard. I couldn’t figure out how the edge or back of his pants were getting wet. And sometimes the floor was wet with urine. Then I realized, a little squirt was spraying out the front of the toilet between the seat and bowl. He was too big for a kid’s seat, but couldn’t quite manage his aim, so…with his pants pulled down to his knees, he would leave messes, and get embarrassed. I would usually hold a piece of toilet paper to the front of the toilet. And I wondered why there wasn’t a product to block the opening in the front of the seat. After many years, I came up with this simple solution.
Q. How is your invention different than other products on the market?
The only other solution is a full plastic potty seat with a potty shield, or a plastic shield that clips on the toilet. The Potty Spray Guard is easily strapped on with Velcro and elastic. It is thin and flexible, and won’t scratch the boy’s little legs when they sit. And when the toilet lid is lifted up, it just folds out of the way. It is very easy to put on and take off. Then to clean, just wash with soap and water.
Q. What was the process like getting your invention ready for market?
Getting it to market is yet to be seen. I have just released it, and I’m in the beginning stages of getting it out there. First stop “Monentorz”.
Q. Who would be the ideal consumer of your invention?
Any parent, caregiver, and preschool with young boys who are using or trying to use the potty, would enjoy the Potty Spray Guard.
Q. What advice would you give women who have a great idea but don’t know where to start?
Start by first looking on line to see if it already exists, then do as much research as you can.
Don’t get scammed by any company who says they will help get your product to market or get it licensed. If they ask for money upfront, you will never see it again, and they won’t do much for you. Q. How do you juggle running your own business with daily life obligations?
I have had my own art business for the last 20 years, (Jodyhewittgallery.com) and have always found time for both family and work. I have 3 kids, now 20, 17 and 14 years old. I’ve been fortunate to work at home while supporting my family. I got help when I needed it, and things were chaotic at times, but what I always seemed to get things done. Deadlines were met, carpools were done. Everyone has their own style. So do what works for your lifestyle and your family.
Q. What’s an interesting fact about you that readers wouldn’t know by just meeting you?
Hmm, an interesting fact? Probably that I’m a professional artist, and have made a living doing it. It’s a tough business at times with lots of ups and downs. But I have found a way to provide for my family by painting, and I think that surprises people sometimes.
Womentorz is so proud to be hosting a local Costume Swap at Coldwell Banker Bain in Downtown Edmonds, Washington on 5th Ave. this Saturday, October 9th from 11:00 to 2:00. We are asking families to drop off their costumes at any time prior to the event and obtain a ticket with the number of costumes you can come back and swap for. This is a great way from families to save money while helping not fill landfills with old costumes. For the Edmonds Costume Swap all leftover costumes will be donated to the local YWCA, so even if you don't find a costume you will be giving to a wonderful cause.
This is a national event with over 50 Costume Swaps scheduled across the nation. You may see it on Good Morning America this morning. Please visit www.greenhalloween.org/CostumeSwap/index.html to find a Costume Swap in your area. If there isn't one maybe you would like to host one yourself. It's very easy! Happy Swapping!
We have been getting so many great inventors and inventions joining the Womentorz community. The WrapADoodle is one of those inventions that I am so proud to have part of our network. Victoria O'Neill bring so much talent and creativity to the mix. The WrapADoodle makes the perfect baby gift!!! Let's get to know Victoria:
Q. How and why did you come up with the idea of your product?
I was in a baby store and just wondering why we're still using a rectangle baby blanket when it's clearly not the best shape for wrapping a baby in.
Q. How is your invention different than other products on the market?
The WrapADoodle Swaddle Blanket is the cutest, the easiest to use and the best kind of swaddle - holding the baby at the torso and leaving the hips and legs free to move for proper growth and development. The tapered ties on the WrapADoodle Swaddle Blanket naturally adjust to the baby inside for a secure and snug fit.
Q. What was the process like getting your invention ready for market?
It's been a learn as you go, step by step process. I'm naturally curious and a hands on learner. I take it as it comes and keep chugging forward. I have been chronicling the process via the WrapADoodle blog. Fortunately I do have sales, marketing and graphic art and design skills. Words and pictures are my forte, but anything that has to do with numbers crosses my eyes, so I am getting ready to take on a business manager. I'm currently in negotiation with a production manager to take that off my daily hands as well. Q. Who is the ideal consumer of your invention?
The WrapADoodle Swaddle Blanket is the best baby gift ever, so anyone who knows someone who just had a baby or is going to have a baby is a potential customer. Most customers are people who are going to a baby shower.
Q. What advice would you give women who have a great idea but don’t know where to start?
Go to the library and read everything you can get your hands on. I am now a walking encyclopedia on a few new subjects, such as intellectual property law and production sewing. The way I've been working is to do it my own way, and time will ultimately tell whether or not that was a good approach. Haha! So far so good.
Q. How do you juggle running your own business with daily life obligations?
I've stopped trying to juggle. Somehow it all just flows together. In addition to launching the WrapADoodle Swaddle Blanket I am a full time artist ArtyPantz and blog about living the creative life at my ArtyPantz blog. Creativity flows through me like a hose on full blast, spraying in different directions, all at once. That is just the way it is!
Click here to visit Victoria's storefront and add a comment on her discussion board.
I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a guest blogger on the Womentorz blog. I was on Facebook one day and saw an interesting site geared toward women inventors. Being an inventor myself I was curious about this new community. I connected with Melinda and here I am.
I don't claim to be an expert but I have made my share of mistakes and ran down some rabbit holes in my pursuit of creating value with my ideas. I am always happy to share my experiences in the hope that others can learn.
"An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made, in a narrow field."-Niels Bohr Physicist
Three key things every inventor needs to know
Get help
Helping people is what a a mentors do. Help is exactly what new and even experienced inventors need. It's not always easy to ask. When you think about getting help there are often even more questions. Who should I ask, what should I ask, what if I look dumb, and on and on. Fear can grip you and prevent you from taking the steps you so desperately need.
It's important to find a safe place to get the help you need. There are numerous scams out there with people just waiting to take your money. I met a man who was scammed out of $20,000 by a company promising to promote his invention and get it licenced by a big company. His story inspired me to start the InventionAddict blog and consulting business Inspiration2Innovation LLC.
Strength in numbers
I love the way Womentorz allows women to band together. By getting a group of inventors together it gives the site critical mass to attract a broader audience. Sure you can go it alone as an independent inventor and set up an on-line store for one product but you are narrowing you potential market. By offering a broad array of products you can get cross-over sales. Someone shopping for a gift may see a cute baby item they didn't know they needed.
Marketing matters
This is the area where I see the greatest need. A lot of people are good with the product but when it come to selling it they either have no idea where to start or they start and get in so deep on the wrong path they get discouraged and give up.
When pitching your invention think in terms of the benefit to the user, not the features of the product. Distill the benefit of your product into a single sentence. You have one sentence to get the attention of your prospective customer and if you don't hook them, they will move on.
The reason why I think Womentorz is such a great site it because it's on target with each of three of the key areas I've outlined.
Remember these things:
Get help--you're in a good place for that!
Keep in mind that one size does not fit all. Licensing is another way to get your product to market.
Get started today, do something. Start small but start. Keep moving forward!
A little about me:
After working for almost 20 year as a mechanical design engineer and manager, I've made my first million. The trouble is that most of it is spent, in a 401(k), tied up in my home's equity. I'm now in pursuit of my second million. My goal is to work my out of my day job and work for myself.
My blog, InventionAddict.com, is centered on four things key things I am passionate about: reading, writing, learning, and teaching. By reading all sorts and sources of information and writing about on the blog, I continue to learn and it gives me the opportunity to teach people one-on-one via e-mail and webinars. I also just published my first inventing ebook, it's FREE!
Please visit the blog, my Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter. Feel free to send me an e-mail but don't disclose your invention until we get a NDA. I can help with CAD design, prototypes, tooling and a lot more.
OK, I hope you’re all ready to see what you’ve won!!!! I have either your blogger username or your email attached to identify who you are. Please e-mail me at mknight@womentorz.com with your mailing address and shoe size if applicable and we will get your prizes out to you ASAP. I will keep track of who sends me their mailing information. Congratulations!!! You were all winners!
LisaLisa - $100 Macy’s Gift Certificate
Ros Guerrero – Grill Charms
Michelle Mallory – O’Couture Ballet Flats
Cathy Herard – Parking Pal
Angela Akinniyi – Pouch Pals Sandwich Size
YouthfulTips - $100 Gift Certificate to Macy’s
Elena Perez – Pouch Pals Snack Size
Natalie - aleq13@gmail.com – Parking Pal
Julie Davis - Ficklets Eyeglass Charms
BabyPlusMe - Papillon Baby Bath Ring
My So Called Homeschool Life – Lizzie Lou Shoes (Children’s Size)
Holly - The Work at Home Woman - $100 Gift Certificate to Macy’s
Do you struggle to get your child to wear their eyeglasses? Kids think eyeglasses are geeky. Ficklets makes them Hip & Cool. Introducing Ficklets, the first interchangeable eyewear charm hugger, designed to adorn eyeglasses with a fun, fresh twist to help kids feel comfortable in their glasses and make the whole experience more enjoyable.
Turn your bathtub into a water wonderland! The Papillon soft bath ring is exactly what your baby needs to play securely in the water while you wash him safely. The Papillion‘s revolutionary butterfly shape prevents baby from tipping over in the tub. It lets baby “float” around the bathtub and reach for bath toys freely! Simply tie the Papillon around baby’s waist and let the fun begin!
We LOVE Pouch Pals! How could you not love these reusable sandwich and snack pouches? They save you from using hundreds of disposable plastic baggies in your kids' daily lunches over the course of the school year. Pouch Pals are fun, safe and easy to clean. Go to www.pouchpals.net to learn more and see how you can save money, save the environment and teach your children to do right by mother earth.
Grill CharmsTM offer an entirely new concept in outdoor entertaining. They are dime-sized solid stainless steel charms that are placed in your food BEFORE grilling. The serrated stems hold them in securely while flipping, moving and grilling food like you normally do. Grill CharmTM food prior to cooking to distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures, or to avoid health or allergy issues.
Esse Reusable Bags - CarryAll Tote
All Esse Reusable Bags are washable, made from high quality materials and are built to last! Our line includes a super strong flat bottom grocery bag that folds down to an 8" square, lightweight mesh produce bags that allow you to shop, wash and store your items all in one bag, and the Everyday Bag~ a large capacity shopper that rolls and folds into a 2" x 5" size making it the perfect bag to have with you at all times to eliminate hundreds of sneaky little plastic bags from your life.
• Extra soft EVA cushioned insole
• Beautiful embroidered white fabric
• Embellished with genuine crystals
• Hand-made and embroidered in India
Pictured style isn't necessarily the winning prize. Style will be based on supply.
Romance your feet with our charming Newport Ballet Flat, with all the comfort and style you’d expect from a shoe that’s designed especially for today’s modern woman. Chic, eco-friendly flats feature soft Italian leather uppers, linings and soles with elastic back.
Each pair of flats comes with the magnetic interchangeable ornament shown in the photo, with square bead center and a triplet of oval beads on layers of elegant grosgrain ribbon. Simply interchange the magnetic ornaments (other styles available separately) to alter your look anytime you please, and keep your carbon footprint to a minimum without compromising style.
The Parking Pal is an inexpensive, fun product to keep kids safe around vehicles. With drivers of SUV's having an increasingly difficult time seeing young children around their vehicle, and children rarely paying attention to their surroundings, there is a real potential for injury to children in parking lots. The Parking Pal is magnetic and is placed on the side of your vehicle. It was designed with bright colors, playful illustrations and a small hand print that children love to place their hand on. A child will quickly learn that this is their safe spot when stepping out of the vehicle or upon returning to the vehicle. It also helps teach children responsibility in parking lots and around moving vehicles.
I am so proud to have Sebnem Eler Acar, the inventor of the O'Couture Ballet Flats with Interchangeable Ornaments, as part of the Womentorz community! Sebnem has been involved with Womentorz socially for some time and I had just been waiting until she was ready to launch her storefront. Her amazing shoes and wonderful personality make a wonderful addition. Here is my interview with Sebnem:
Q. What made you decide to design your own line of shoes?
The idea for O’Couture came about from a personal need combined with a passion. As a shoe lover, I have always had a closet packed with pairs and pairs of shoes. Not only was I spending a fortune on shoes, but I was also feeling bad about all the resources that I single handedly seemed to be consuming all in the name of looking good. Basically, all I ever needed was “versatile” stylish shoes. That need and a passion for entrepreneurship fueled the desire to create O’Couture ballet flats with interchangeable ornaments. In the fall of 2009, I combined forces with Zehra Balkan Buyukuncu, my fellow fashionista with an MBA, and we traveled to Europe to handle the production arrangements.
Q. Besides being an obviously beautiful shoe, what other unique characteristics does your line of shoes possess?
O’Couture’s signature line features fine leather flats with exclusive, limited-production handcrafted ornaments that customers can easily interchange from one occasion to the next. Customers simply select a shoe style and color, and then choose from several different ornament styles that attach easily to the shoes with sturdy magnetic clasps. In fact, our video below tells the story of O’Couture so well:
Not only are they great for women on a budget, but they’re also easy on the environment, because women can do much more with less — reducing their carbon footprint, as it were (pun intended), without compromising style. With one pair of shoes and a boxful of ornaments, women can express their own unique style every time they step out the door, and that’s just the way we like it. Hence our motto: one pair, endless style.
Also, since we are as a company who takes environmental protection seriously, all the shoes are manufactured in a manufacturing facility that followed Europe’s strict fair employment and environmental protection standards.
We pride ourselves in being a company by women for women. We take women entrepreneurship so seriously that we provide opportunities for women: Our ornaments are handcrafted by women who work from the comfort of their homes so they can earn an income while still caring for their families.
Q. Can readers primarily find your shoes online?
Currently, the ballet flats and the interchangeable ornaments are available online at www.ocouture.us
We are actively looking for retail partners who are willing to carry our product. At the moment, we are looking into engaging with independent local boutiques and small to medium size fashion retailer chains.
Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product?
We are a company founded by two women who did not let the fact that they were industry outsiders and had no prior footwear industry experience to stop them from following their dream. We were passionate and ambitious enough to undertake this enormous entrepreneurial journey.
It was important for us to stick to our company’s core social responsibly values as I mentioned above. Recently, Turkey has become a major manufacturer of consumer products with its state of the art facilities that comply with European regulations for fair employment and environmental protection. Being from Turkey, Zehra and I leveraged our network back in Turkey.
As soon as we matured the concept and prepared our business plan, we travelled to Turkey in December 2009. We had to spend 4 months in Turkey managing and learning design and shoe manufacturing processes. During that period, speaking the local language was a huge plus. We also found out that we needed to keep a close eye on the manufacturing process since, even if we spoke the language, what you tell the manufacturer is not always what they understand. Also, it is paramount to have an inspection procedure in place at the manufacturing location before the goods are shipped to you. We are lucky to be working with an honest manufacturer who stood by their production guarantee promise. Therefore, our yield was really high.
We also spent a huge amount of time understanding US laws and regulations regarding footwear manufacturing and importing procedures. What we found out was that as long as you do your research and learn all the aspects of the business that you are getting into, there hardly are any surprises.
We have successfully imported out first batch of shoes and ornaments in late June 2010 and have launched the line in July 2010.
Q. How do you balance running a business and starting a new family?
Yes, I am expecting my first child with my husband Cenk. Having started my own company and having the opportunity to work from my home office has been a true blessing. I have been able to define my schedule and working hours around the unpredictable pregnancy symptoms and I have been thankful for that. Sure, there are cons to managing your own business. However, I strongly believe that the benefits outweigh the cons.
On the other hand Zehra also thinks that having a flexible schedule really helps her family life. She travels to find better quality materials whenever it fits her schedule. Her home office is great for her since she can work in a quiet environment while she is close to her husband and her dog whom she adores. Many people may find it hard to work in their homes, it is not the case for Zehra. She used to be a professional athlete and the advantage of this background is having great discipline and hard working mindset.
Q. What fact would readers find interesting about you?
Zehra and I have no prior footwear industry experience. I am an Electronics Engineer with a Master of Science degree and worked in technology for 10 years until September of 2009, when I decided to start my own company. My business partner Zehra holds an MBA degree and she used to be an Olympic Swimmer for the Turkish National team.
Zehra and I are both avid cyclists. We matured the product concept and the business during our long cycling trips on the Pacific Coast Highway along the beautiful Pacific Coast.
Zehra and I were both born and raised in Turkey. We met here in the US and upon realizing we both share a passion for entrepreneurship and shoes, we decided to start our own company.
Pouch Pals makes a wonderful addition to the Womentorz community and is your essential green product for the school year. Here is a wonderful interview with the creator, Allison Cohen, who is an inspiration in being green:
Q. How and why did you come up with the idea of Pouch Pals?
I had been using disposable plastic bags to pack snacks and lunches for my kids, but I hated using those and wasting them. I didn’t think it was safe to reuse them.
And, I was really only thinking of my family's next green step when I came up with Pouch Pals. I had no idea I'd be starting a green business at that point.
I'm a transactional lawyer by trade but this is a great creative outlet that makes me feel like I'm doing some good for the world.
I wanted to create something that would work — a nondisposable bag or pouch, something I could use for a long time.
I tried making my own bags out of different materials until I found the combination that worked and that I felt was food safe for short-term food storage.
Q. How is Pouch Pals green and what differentiates other reusable products?
Pouch Pals are green because use of them essentially eliminates the use of disposable plastic sandwich and snack baggies that fill our land fills and pollute our oceans.
Pouch Pals are made of high quality 100 percent cotton material exterior and lined with a water-resistant nylon material that’s free of PVC, BPA and phthalate. A Velcro closure keeps the enclosed food secure.
Pouch Pals are different from other reusable products in that they are very easy to clean and dry quickly, which answers an important question that everyone asks off the bat. Pouch Pals can be turned inside out, then washed by hand or tossed into the washer and dryer.
In addition, they take up very little space unlike tupperware or other containers that are reusable. I’ve used them with all sorts of sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, cheese, etc.
You can even get small ice packs and slide it inside and then, add yogurt and string cheese which will stay cold until lunch.
Q. Beyond being green for the wallet, on average how much green would a family save per year by using your product?
A family of four can prevent 3,120 sandwich bags from entering landfills in one year by replacing them with Pouch Pals. There’s a cost savings as well: In two years, a family can spend $300 for plastic snack and sandwich bags, but a $100 investment in Pouch Pals will cover the family for at least that long. In 5 years a family of 4 has prevent almost 16,000 bags from entering landfills and saved approximately $600.00.
Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product?
It was extraordinarily educational. Trial and error, home runs and set backs. I've learned so much and look forward to continuing to learn as Pouch Pals continues to grow.
Q. How do you balance running a business, working part time and the daily responsibilities of having a family?
Frankly, I don't sleep as much as I should. I think Pouch Pals is a worthwhile endeavor, worthy enough to take up my evening hours after the kids are in bed. This is my small contribution to mother earth and hopefully, others will follow suit by buying Pouch Pals in an effort to reduce the impact of disposed of plastic on our planet. I also feel like this effort, in the long run, will teach my kids to "go for it" when they truly believe in something.
The Auction of Washington Wines holds a dear place in my heart. For nearly a decade I have been providing design services to this amazing organization that does so much for the Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. If you're in the Seattle area, or would like to support an organization where your donation is guaranteed to go to a worthy cause then please read the information below.
The 23nd annual Auction of Washington Wines,
Thursday, August 19 through Saturday, August 21, 2010.
The must attend Washington wine weekend of the summer will be filled with award-winning wines, gourmet food, entertainment and incredible auction lots - all to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and the
Barrel Auction & Picnic with the Winemakers,
Thursday, August 19 - 4:00 p.m. until dusk
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
Enjoy Washington wines and meet the winemakers! Feast on the perfect summer picnic fare prepared by the talented chefs from Tulalip Resort Casino. Bid on limited release wines from top Washington wineries on the Barrel Auction.Win fabulous wines and more on the silent auction.
Tickets are $150 per person.
˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜ Winemaker Dinners, Friday, August 20
6:30 p.m. - Various locations
TICKETS ARE GOING FAST – RESERVE TODAY!
Winemaker dinners take place on Friday, August 20. Patrons are invited into some of Seattle’s finest estates and wineries to dine with Washington winemakers and experience a gourmet meal prepared by a notable guest chef.
Tickets are $250 per person. For a full list of dinners, click here.
˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜ "Covey Run" 10K and 5K Run/Walk and KIDS DASH, Saturday, August 21 - 8:00 a.m. Start and Finish at Red Hook Brewery,
Woodinville, WA
The popular Covey Run 10K race and 5K Run/Walk winds through the streets of Woodinville wine country. All races are open to all ages. Participants are encouraged to form teams now to raise pledge money for Seattle Children's Hospital. Register online at http:www.runforchildrens.org
˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜
2010 - A Wine Odyssey - Gala Auction,
Saturday, August 21 - 4:30 p.m.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
The Black-tie Gala Auction will be held on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Dynamic auctioneer, David Reynolds, will host the bidding on a great line-up of live auction lots. The menu will be prepared by world-renowned chefs and accompanied by an impressive selection of Washington wines. Brian Nova Orchestra will entertain from center stage and provide the perfect accompaniment for post auction dancing in the festive tent.
For full event information go to: http://www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org/ To find out how to become a sponsor, or make a donation for
this year’s events, please visit our Opportunities Page!
I received a very informative email from Linda Lewis with The Breast Chek Kit to share with all of the Womentorz members. It looks like online retailers are going to have an even tougher time making a profit.
On July 1, a bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives that would impose complex sales tax collecting requirements on internet retailers and entrepreneurs, including our eBay sellers. If passed, HR 5660, the so-called, "Main Street Fairness Act," would require small online retailers to comply with varying and regularly changing sales tax rules and rates for thousands of tax jurisdictions, and to collect and remit sales taxes from each customer. This new sales tax scheme would be extremely burdensome and costly to small online retailers like you who have set up shop on the internet. A similar bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate as well. eBay is working very hard to stop this bill from becoming law, but we need your help.
Please join our effort to stop the passage of this anti-small business bill. In three minutes or less, you can sign this petition urging your lawmakers to protect small, online retailers by opposing new tax burdens. Click here to sign the petition.
My intention was to use the Potty Spray Guard on this inner seat, but wasn't sure it would work since it was built for the main toilet seat. Little did I know, Jody had designed it so well it fits on virtually any size of toilet seat AND it can even be used on the back of the toilet seat for bigger boys who pee standing up to protect the back of your toilet. Genius!!!
