I was reminded today just how powerful the “word of mom” can be.  This can be great for your business if the word of mom is favorable but boy oh boy can it be your worst nightmare if you have wronged a mom.

A friend of mine was a huge advocate of a particular brand of wallets and bags.  So much so that she raved about them to all of her friends and had influenced at least 8 other people in buying those wallets/bags.  That amazes me that one person can convince 8 other people to buy something but it is true that we listen to other moms for recommendations and are much more inclined to buy something if we know someone else that has done so and liked what they bought.

She recently contacted company X and was less than pleased with their reply.  As such even though she still likes the product, the manner in which she was treated turned her off so much she will absolutely not be recommending them to her friends any more and even worse for company X, she is telling people about how poorly they handled her inquiry which gives company X an instantly bad reputation.  Bad reputations do not usually translate into sales

I too recently had an issue with the e-newsletter provider that we use at Raspberry Kids. I upgraded my account to the next level of number of subscribers about a week ago and just 2 days later, this company announced a promotion for 15% off if you upgraded your account.  I emailed them and was told that it was not possible for the customer service rep to extend the discount to me but if I wanted to lock in to an annual account and prepay 12 months of service she would give me a 15% discount.

I said “Pardon?!”

Let’s see, I am not satisfied by your answer so what makes you think I will sign up for a year of your service.  Up until this incident, I was promoting this service because to date there had not been any issues.  Not only will I no longer do this, I am now on the search for a new e-newsletter provider and guess what, I found one that will give me a free 60 day trial so switching would not be too difficult.  So not only will they possibly lose me as a customer, I will certainly not recommend them and now I am blogging to tell people about my negative experience.

Doesn’t everyone know the cost to retain a customer is much less than the cost to acquire a new one?  That is basic business 101 so why do companies so often neglect their existing customers and why on earth would you alienate your raving fans?  With the speed and power of information sharing via the likes of Twitter, Facebook, blogs etc., if you upset just one person, if they decide to share this with their network, you could have your companies reputation ruined for hundreds if not thousands of people in their list of friends/followers within seconds.

Not surprisingly, neither of these companies are on Twitter, otherwise we could have DM’d them with our concerns in the hopes they may work with us to reinstore our faith in their brands.  In the meantime, they will continue to feel the wrath of mom.

We would love to hear your stories on your word (or wrath) of mom!

Sue
Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
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Raspberry Kids is pleased to be the exclusive Canadian retailer of the amazing new Smiling Planet plates.

Earth conscious but with a design focus, Smiling Planet plates are Made in the USA, are 8 inches in diameter with a 1 inch lip, are BPA, Phthalate, PVC and Lead free and on top of all that, they are gorgeous!

Everyone can use a little piece (and peace) at mealtimes.

Check them out for yourself …

Pink Peace, $16.99

White Peace, $16.99

Make your world Wonder Full, $16.99

I don’t know about you but I’m smiling just writing this post.
Sue

–
Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

Now available, amazing Australian designed boys & girls summer hats. Search Kooringal on our website to see all the styles.

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Read our Blog:  http://blog.raspberrykids.com
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Congratulations to all of our winners & thanks to everyone for playing our online treasure hunt!

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Melanie, from Vancouver won our grand prize of a Hape Toys My Royal Adventure Castle.  I had the pleasure of dropping off Melanie’s prize to her tonight!

The winners of the other prizes were:  Michelle, James, Olivia & Shoni!

Thanks to everyone for their great feedback and participation.  We hope you had as much fun playing as we did coming up with the concept and clues.  Special thanks to Yoyomama for their collaboration and promotion of this contest!

Sue

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Join our Raspberry Kids online treasure hunt and you could win the grand prize:

My Royal Adventure Castle, retail value $139.95

Educo’s My Royal Castle from Hape Toys is an imaginative 26-piece wood castle set that includes 3 knights, a horse, catapult, rope ladders, working draw bridge and even a king and queen! Precision-machined for a smooth, quality finish, this magnificent wood castle will provide endless hours of imaginative play for a boy, girl or both! All pictured accessories are included. Building pieces slide together making assembly very easy.

We are so pleased to sell many of Hape Toys excellent brands including anamalz, Educo, Bamboo Collection Creative, beleduc & Quadrilla.

There will also be 5 runner up prizes including bamboo collection creative mini puzzles, boon & espe products.

Bamboo Collection Creative mini puzzle, also free with any E-Racer purchase (while supplies last)

Boon saucer, Available in pink or orange $8.49

Fetch short wallet in Aqua, $22.99

Put on your crowns and jump into your virtual chariots, we are about to take you on a Royal Raspberry Adventure through the pages of our fresh, healthy & fun website.

You will navigate our site in search of 5 clues/questions.  Once you find the first clue, it will direct you to your next clue … “Hape” searching!

When you reach the final one, you will then email the required information to info@raspberrykids.com and if your submission is correct, you will be entered to win the Grand Prize and the runner up prizes.  Contest closes at midnight on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at midnight PST.

Ready to get started?  Here is your first clue …

Clue #1:

Feeling hungry?  Why not give peace (and peas) a chance at mealtimes.

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com

Other ways to interact with Raspberry Kids:

Tweet with us

Join our Facebook Group

Become a fan!

Raspberry Kids is so pleased to work with one of our customers, Denise Barton who is the author of C is for Cancer and Kai’s mom.

We are so excited to sell her book on our website about her family’s experience with childhood cancer.  Kai has leukemia and the book is a story written from his perspective and talks about what other families can expect when faced with this or a similar situation.

All proceeds of our sales go back to Denise’s foundation for cancer related causes.

Recently, Denise ordered some Plan Toys that were for Kai’s school called Jamie’s preschool which is for immune compromised children.

Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying the toys!  So nice to see smiles on the faces of these brave little troopers.

Kai at Jamie's Preschool with his new toys!

Denise has been such a huge supporter of Raspberry Kids and I am so glad fate brought us together.  She is a beautiful person with an amazing spirit and we are actually hoping to meet in person this summer when she and her husband come to Vancouver.

If you want more information, we have shared a recent press release about Denise’s book:

Contact Info:
Denise Barton
94 Royal Ridge Manor NW
Calgary, AB
T3G 0A2

(403) 208 9800

denisebarton@telus.net

‘C is for Cancer’ Children’s book donated to children’s hospitals across Canada including:

B.C. Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC

Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary AB

Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, AB

Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon SK

Pasqua Hospital, Regina, SK

Allan Blair Caner Clinic, Regina, SK

The Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MN

Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, Quebec

IWK Health Centre, Halifax NS

Janeway Children’s Hospital, St John’s NL

My name is Denise Barton and I have recently self-published a book entitled ‘C is for Cancer’ after my three year-old son Kai was diagnosed with Leukemia in December of 2007. I believe it to be a helpful tool in explaining the cancer and its treatment to children and parents alike.

I have had great success with the private sale of the book starting with family and friends and have been able to distribute over 400 books to children’s oncology units across the country with the help of generous donations from people all over the country. In addition, over two thousand dollars has been raised for various children’s cancer-related charities including Make-a-Wish Canada, Jamie’s Preschool, Kids Cancer Care Foundation, and Leukemia/Lymphoma Society of Canada.

‘C is for Cancer’ is already being utilized in the initial package given to families at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario plans to distribute the book to every newly-diagnosed cancer patient under the age of 7. It’s also been added to the public library systems in both Calgary and Edmonton. Countless schools now also have the book in their libraries.

My ultimate goal is to get these books to the people who need them the most, the families just starting their journeys with childhood cancer, which is why we have donated the books to the various hospitals mentioned above. I think it would also be a valuable resource for teachers. All too often it is the teachers that have to explain the absence of a child to his/her classmates, and I feel that Kai’s book would make this task much easier.

My initial private book sale of 1500 books has ended and the book is now available online at www.raspberrykids.com (a Vancouver-based children’s lifestyle store) or contact Denise at denisebarton@telus.net.

Previous Media Links:

Global National Story:
http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/national/features/everyday_hero/features.html

Calgary Herald Story:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/columnists/tackles+word+with+kids+book/1319514/story.html

Mountain View Gazette Story:
http://www.mountainviewgazette.ca/news2.html

Praise for “C is for Cancer”

“This little gem of a book is a great read for all families who are beginning the

experience of having a child with cancer. It is an effective tool for those families

to share with friends and relatives - especially those with young children. And

the simplicity of the book makes it an easy read for any classroom setting.

There is much fear and mystery surrounding the great unknown about childhood

cancer, and Denise Barton throws the door wide open on topics and questions

that would enter anyone’s mind. She has done a superb job of bringing us into

little Kai’s world - and she has done so with bravery, tact and humor.

This book is a must-read for anyone whose life was been touched with childhood

cancer, and for the community at large to get an insider’s education.”

Liz Mackie ECE, BA History and Literature,

Recipient of the Alberta Child Care Professional Award of Excellence 2006

Teacher, Jamie’s Preschool (a program for young children with cancer)

For an evaluation copy of the book or to talk with me directly please use the contact info above.

Love and Gratitude,
Denise Barton

Signing off on a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon,
Sue

–
Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

Until May 31st, “wee” need your help!

Please vote for Raspberry Kids http://www.weewelcome.ca/en/node/34279

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
Join our Facebook Group:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=25861583447

We just got a shipment of some of the coolest summer hats for kids aged 3 months to 10 years!

We first came across Kooringal hats when we were in Australia and we were lucky enough to tour their warehouse in Burleigh.  Our kids wore Kooringal hats all last summer and we brought home a few samples and gave them out to friends and we got rave reviews and great feedback so this summer, we decided to add them to our line up.

These products are designed in Australian and Aussies know a few things about how to look stylish but still protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

Here are a few of our fave designs:

Kooringal Dozer Pointbreak Hat in Putty $20.99

Kooringal Heidiho Ponytail Hat $21.99

Kooringal Dozer Baby Bucket Hat $19.49

Kooringal Heidiho Baby Legionnaire $19.49

So if you want to stay cool this summer, pick up a stylish Kooringal Hat from Raspberry Kids for your little beach bum!

Now all we need is some sunshine!
Sue

Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
Join our Facebook Group:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=25861583447

Raspberry Kids is so pleased to be carrying this amazing Fair Trade product line and we are even more excited to be giving away a set of Doggy Bowling Buddies!

There are several different ways to enter our giveaway and earn a ballot for each of the following:

1.  Comment on this post and tell us what your favorite Playful World product is

2.  Follow us on Twitter and comment on our blog that you follow @raspberrykids on Twitter

3.  Tweet about this giveaway and reference @raspberrykids

4.  Sign up for our once a month Raspberry Patch newsletter (all existing subscribers are automatically entered)

5.  Join our Raspberry Kids Facebook Group (all current members are automatically entered)

6.  Become a fan of Raspberry Kids on Facebook (all existing fans are automatically entered)

Hurray though because the giveaway is on between now and World Fair Trade day which is on Saturday, May 9th, 2009.

More details on the prize …

Playful World Bowling Buddies $65.99

The Playful World Bowling Buddies

• hand felted, dyed and sewn by women artisans in Kyrgyzstan
• 100% wool felt outer shell, synthetic fill
• a set includes 3 pins and 1 ball
• pins are 8 inches tall
• ball is 3 inches in diameter
• meets or exceeds ASTM safety regulations
• suitable for ages 18 months and up

Kyrgyzstan is an economically depressed country in Central Asia. The workshop that produces our toys is dedicated to preserving the traditional craft of felt making with origins from early nomadic tribes. Since 1992 the workshop has provided vocational training to unemployed women and has worked to raise awareness and find markets for hand-felted crafts. The workshop is trying to improve the economic livelihood of women in their community by creating fair and sustainable employment opportunities. The women use locally sourced 100% natural mountain sheep wool to hand felt and hand sew our toys to our design specifications.

Other Playful World Toys available at Raspberry Kids include:

Playful World Soft Blocks, Set of 6 $33.99

Playful World Large Soft Block $16.99

Soft Blocks

• made from organic wool
• hand felted, dyed and sewn by artisans in Mongolia
• 100% wool outer shell, synthetic foam fill
• small blocks = 2.5 inches a side
• large blocks = 5 inches a side
• bell inside each block
• suitable for ages 6 months & up
• meets or exceeds ASTM safety regulations

Our soft wool felt blocks are hand made by an artisan workshop based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The workshop’s mission is to reunite homeless families by providing vocational skills training and income opportunities that help parents earn needed income in order to care for their children.

About the Playful World:
Toys from the Playful World are sourced with fair trade practices.

• Artisans receive fair prices for their work
• Work conditions are safe and supportive
• Relationships are based on open dialogue and respect for cultural traditions
• The Playful World is committed to long-term relationships with their artisan groups
• Fair Trade directly supports a better life for small-scale producers and artisans.  A purchase of a Playful World product from Raspberry Kids creates opportunity for families in need.

Thank you for reading and learning more about these fabulous products.  Now go on, get Playful in your World.

Have a fresh, healthy and fun day,
Sue
–
Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
Join our Facebook Group:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=25861583447

It is so difficult to believe that it was over 4 years ago since my father passed away.  I have heard that time often heals and lessens the sadness or pain of loss but in my case, this is simply not true.  In some respects I miss my father more.  I miss him more because everytime the kids say or do something funny, reach a milestone, try a new food, play a new game, I desperately want to share these moments with my dad.

There are countless times that I have wanted to run something by him with regard to Raspberry Kids because he was very astute in business matters.  It makes me laugh when I think about what impact he would have had on my business and I know he would have been very actively promoting his fellow seniors to become customers.  Why not, they could buy toys, books, gifts from their snowbird home away from home in Florida, Arizona or Mexico and have them shipped to the grandkids in Canada or wherever they might be.

My dad loved to learn, was an avid reader and was a bit of a Macgyver-ish type of trouble shooter, Mr. Fix it.  Throught the course of my life, he fixed countless pieces of jewelry, transister radios, ghetto blasters (yes, I realize I am dating myself!), he would put another hole in my belt so we could keep using it versus buying a new one.  He had all of the tools you could imagine to fix pretty much anything and the challenge was all he needed.  Keeping up with computers and the internet were also something he loved.

He was always asking my husband Jeff computer questions and during every trip to Winnipeg, they would disappear into the basement so Jeff could help fix my dad’s latest computer related issues.  One year for Christmas we gave him a new monitor which he was tickled with.  Just before he passed away, we were talking about upgrading his old beast of a PC to something newer and faster.

I miss receiving emails from my dad and having the ability to email him.  I miss the phone calls, I miss the family trips.  I miss having him greet me at the airport and drive me to the airport no matter what ungodly hour I was flying out.  I miss shucking oysters together, watching Jets games with popcorn and milk shakes, I miss his wisdom.  I miss his omelettes and having a freshly sectioned grapefruit waiting for me on the breakfast table.   I miss blueberry picking at Betula, hearing the volvo come up the driveway when Daddy was coming home for lunch, I miss his hugs, I miss his wit and humor.  Since the tears are flowing, I want to change the direction of this post into a happy one and will share with you some of the Howie-isms that we included on the program that was handed out at his funeral.

“It didn’t look that good on the rack” (He would use this line when he was modelling a Christmas or birthday gift such as a new golf shirt).

“I am an expert on trees - there’s one, and there’s one … ”

“What time does the 4:00 bus leave? ”

“I have no pain dear mother now, tis in the window. ”

“My short game is great.  I am short off the tee, short on my approach, short on my putts. ”

and one of his all time faves …

“Just for that, you can give me a kiss.” (Whenever my sister or I did something he was proud of, we got to give HIM a kiss)

My father was a very wise man and he would always say “Life is for the living” and while I miss him as much today as when he passed away four years ago, I do my best to heed his advice.  I am most grateful to have a loving and supportive husband, two incredible kids and a very full life.

Cherish your relationships with your parents and the time you have together.  Tell them you love them.  Do this today.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me Grandpa Howie.

Your daughter,
Susan

XOXOXO

So our visa bill came the other day and my jaw hit the floor when I saw the balance!  I could not figure out how it could be that big … there must be a mistake!

After close scrutiny, of course there was no mistake and as usual, the majority of our expenses had gone on our credit card so we could get the points which resulted in another high balance.

I was positive there were many items on there that we could “cut out” so we sat down and went through the list together.  We discussed the “do we need it” versus “do we want it” for some of the items and thankfully we saw eye to eye on where we could make some changes.

Curious, I did a quick Twitter poll to find out if others thought a hair cut and a bit of product was a “need” or a “want” and the results were overwhelming.  It is a “need”.  Yay, every single respondent (they were all women but one) said it was a need and they had some excellent reasons too including:

“Totally a need. Looking good = feeling good = happier, more successful mom and professional. Reminds me I need a haircut! :)”

“Um, haircut’s a need, at least for me right now. Lotsa roots & way more gray hair than I realized I had…”

“I think is a need. We need to feel good to avoid the craziness to get to us! At least we are pretty hahaha”

The one conclusion we did make is that we could spend less money on eating out as well as coffees (although some of my Twitter friends felt that mochas were definitely a need at times too).  We are going to cash in some of our points and get ourselves a coffee maker.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

Yummy mocha, I could use one RIGHT NOW but must excerise control.

What are some of your needs and wants?  We would love to hear from you!

Sue
–
Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids
Visit us on the web at Raspberry Kids
Tweet with us on Twitter
Join us on Facebook

Considering the status of good old mother earth, one could argue she needs and deserves more than 24 hours to be celebrated!

We have compiled a fabulous green, eco-friendly, sustainable and generally really great quality products that even the mother of all mothers, mother earth would be excited about!

The ultimate Green Machine, carved out of a bamboo read $19.99

Our bamboo collection e-racers are a great green option and a sure hit with little boys or girls that love cars!  While supplies last, you will receive a bamboo mini puzzle with every e-racer order!

Hape Bamboo mini puzzle FREE with any e-racer order, while supplies last!

Organic clothing is a must have for newborns.  Organic cotton is pesticide, herbicide, insecticide and chemical fertilizer free and organic cotton uses agricultural practices that are designed to help sustain the land it grows on.  We have some adorable organic cotton onesies including Oopsy Doodle Designs which come in 6 styles and in eco-friendly packaging making the gift ready!  Colette Kids organic onesies featuring Wilbur, Charlotte and Rufus are too cute to pass up!

Oopsy Doodle Designs Choo Choo Organic Onesie, on sale now for $18.39

Oopy Doodle Designs Lady Bug Organic Onesie, on sale now for $18.39

Colette Kids Charlotte Organic Onesie, a Raspberry Kids exclusive $23.99

Looking for a quick read for your budding environmentalist?  From the Urban Babies series, try Eco-Babies wear Green.

Eco Babies Wear Green, $9.99

We love, love, love MiYim organic plush and they have recently come out with new designs and a new product called My Naturals which is coming soon.

Make it Valentine's Day year round with this MiYim organic stuffie bear $28.99

My Naturals rag doll, new and coming soon from the makers of MiYim $29.99

For more great organic options from Raspberry Kids, please visit the organic section on our website.  Mother Earth will thank you and so will we as we truly value and appreciate your business.

Have a fresh, healthy and fun day,
Sue
–
Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids
On the web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids

"C" is for Cancer, by Denise Barton $9.99 ALL proceeds Childrens' Cancer-related causes.

Raspberry Kids is very pleased to be selling Denise Barton’s book entitled “C” is for Cancer.

“C” is for Cancer is written from the perspective of Denise’s son, Kai who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on December 25th, 2007.

Kai is currently undergoing a maintenance phase of treatment and will continue this through 2011.

We were so grateful to have met Denise through her husband Sean who is a Raspberry Kids customer.  Sean had ordered one of our Quadrilla Twist and Rail sets and sent us an email to inquire when it might arrive because he had a 4 year old who was waiting at the door for it to be delivered.  How cute is that?  After responding to Sean, a dialogue ensued and we exchanged stories about how Cancer had personally touched each of our lives.  I cannot speak for Denise, Sean or Kai but I felt an instant connection with them.

Perhaps it was because my husband’s brother died of Leukemia when he was 20 and I regret that I never got a chance to meet Michael.  Maybe it is because their beautiful blue eyed, blond little boy who has the most incredible smile reminded me of our two year old son who is also blond, blue eyed and has what my mom used to call “a winning smile”.

Since RaspberryKids launched in November, one of the pieces I felt was lacking was a way to give back.  I knew I wanted to do something but nothing quite felt right, that is not until fate brought our families together.

I have made no promises to Denise that I can sell millions of her books (although that would be awesome!), rather I have committed to try to sell the books and ALL proceeds will go back to Denise, Sean and Kai to allocate as they see fit.  Denise and I have discussed some options such as having the money go toward buying toys for a special facility that allows immune compromised kids to play without fear or risk of catching colds or germs from toys that have been used by other kids.  Another idea was to use the money to help print and distribute more books, specifically into Children’s hospitals across Canada where other kids and families are asking the same questions as Kai such as “Why me?” and to help them cope with their situation with a bit of humor, an understanding of what the process is and most of all, with a lot of love and support.

If you would like to hear more about Kai, Denise and Sean’s story, these are two great articles they shared with me:

Global National Story: