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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Pikkolo New Print: Georgia

Gorgeous new Pikkolo Baby Carrier print now available in limited quantities! Hurry because these are not going to last!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Powered by Moms: The Future of Business

Ever notice the header on my website? It says "Powered by Moms". That's not just some random thought. That is a big thought! In fact, it's a driving force of the philosophy behind my business.

Six years ago, I was searching around for a way to bring in some income and do something challenging. I didn't even consider working for the first few years because my first born baby was a super high-needs challenging baby and she took all my attention plus more. But by the time my second was about to be born, I was starting to realize I could give back to the world and I had one of those huge epiphany moments.

I was searching for a business idea and I had amassed special skills! It all fit and SoBeBabies was born as a business to bring safe, comfortable, efficient babywearing to more families. As time went on, it became clear that I needed help, but how's a mom working from home to know who to hire? That's where my values took the front seat.

It was clear to me how difficult it is get paid employment while still giving my children the attention they deserve. What better way to continue the gift than to share it with other moms who valued their children just as much as I do! And so, when I began to search for employees, I made it clear up front that they put their children first. That's right; their children are more important than my business! (Well duh!) If a child is screaming in the background, that is not something to be ashamed of. (Well, sure, the needs of the child might need tending to, but the customer should not be shielded from the fact that there are children underfoot! And I don't want to repeat here what Susan's child was just screaming while she was taking an order! Too funny!)

Just now, I was on the phone with a manufacturer's rep and explained that yes, I'd gotten her email but that I would likely not get back to them until 9pm because I work weird hours. Soon it came out that she does as well. She's at home in a different state than her company with her two kids underfoot! I love it! I can't tell you how often I am emailing back and forth live with a company I work with and it's after midnight or 6am or whatever weird hour we both happen to be online.

Moms are an important part of our workforce. It is imperative that people start to recognize the reality that we have not lost our brains just because we chose to make our children top priority while we can. And just because we may only be willing to work 8-20 hours a week, it does not mean those are not quality hours! The world would do well to take advantage of this hidden power and hire more moms!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Groovy new Fleurville

I love me some Fleurville! I was thrilled when I was able to start carrying this wonderful brand. The prints are so yummy and the quality is great. I use the bags myself. I have just gotten a shipment and will be using two of the bags for personal use. That is saying a lot as I am super picky.

Here are some of the gorgeous new prints that just arrived.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Suspicious order with Indonesia ship-to address

I just got a very suspicious order.

I mean, what business owner does not love to open their shipping cart and see an order more than ten times the size of an average order!

But that was my first red flag.

A few minutes quick research revealed quite a few red flags. One red flag alone does not cause me to cancel an order, but all together, this was too much.

Here are all the red flags of this particular order:
  • many of the same item (who needs 4 of the same brand of baby sling?)*
  • different country on the shipping and billing address. I have many good orders where the order is shipped to a different address than the billing address, but a different country is a red flag.
  • shipping address in Indonesia. A bit of quick surfing reveals that they are now second for Internet fraud. It seems the scam is they claim the goods never arrived and do a credit card charge-back, leaving me out the goods. Which brings me to my last point,
  • a request to ship via USPS Priority Mail, not Express - the claim being that Express mail causes them to have to pay higher taxes. It all goes to the same post office, so I highly doubt that one would incur higher tax than the other. Express Mail International is a highly reliable and highly trackable service. It is also insured. I am not quite understanding how using Priority gets them around this but perhaps their post office doesn't treat it very well and the charge back claims hold up somehow. How awful that credit card companies go along with this.
Sorry, prospective customer, but not today am I willing to give away this much inventory. Perhaps you'd like a nice free pencil sharpener instead?

Wouldn't it be ironic if the person who placed this order was just a mom, trying to make a little extra cash for food for her kids, just like me?


*Except a reseller - and in that case, they should be getting their own wholesale account

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Pikkolo is awesome

Have you seen the Pikkolo baby carrier? It is the only baby carrier I recommend that does a facing out position that supports proper hip positioning for the baby.

Most mainstream baby carriers leave the baby's legs dangling down. This has been linked to issues such as hip dysplasia. Even if other carriers don't cause a developmental problem (this point is directed to those of you, who, like my five year old, will argue that nothing happened to your child - as I often say to her, just because you didn't get hurt, it doesn't mean that what you are doing isn't unsafe), common sense says it's not comfortable to be supported by a narrow strip of fabric. Would you want to hang like that?

The Pikkolo is suitable from birth for most babies and can be used front or back, with straps crossed or uncrossed. The straps have memory foam, which makes for a super comfy and contoured fit.

The material of the Pikkolo is so soft. Some buckle carriers use harsher, more scratchy materials. It's also gorgeous! Check out the current prints!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Beco Butterfly Return

Beco Butterfly II Open Package

Beco Butterfly II

Open Package

$150.00 $105.00
Save: 30% off

Easy Walker Stroller Sale!

Easy Walker Stroller

with Carrycot

Starting at: $668.00 $548.00
Save: 18% off

  • Manufactured by: Easy Walker Strollers

Special sale while supplies last on the Easy Walker Stroller with Carrycot!


Bootleg Ergo Baby Carriers!

Did you know that there are counterfeit Ergo Baby Carriers being sold? All authorized and legitimate Ergo Baby Carriers are sold for at least the MSRP. Do not be fooled by super deals! Be certain you buy from an authorized Ergo Dealer. The fake ones are not covered by warrantee. You get what you pay for!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Monday, April 13, 2009

Website facelift



SoBeBabies.com has had a facelift! There are still improvements in looks and efficiency going on behind the scenes to improve your shopping experience. Have a look and enjoy! Feedback is welcome!

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Flair Highchair!

Flair HighchairA gorgeous new high chair in super fun colors!

Easy to use. Easy to clean. Stylish enough for your lifestyle.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Introducing the Ergo Sport Baby Carrier!

Ergo SportFinally! Everyone is always wanting the Ergo to be a bit cooler for those dog days of summer. The Ergo Sport is the answer to everyone's requests.

It's chock full of new features and the reviews are great! Here are some of the features/improvements:
  • removable hood
  • breathable fabric
  • longer straps so great for both larger and smaller wearers
  • padding on shoulder straps extended to the delight of many babywearers
  • black, but yet doesn't attract lint!
One of my employees is absolutely loving hers! Go click on the link to see what she's saying. She has relinquished her beloved X baby carrier in favor of the Ergo Sport! Amazing!

Saturday, February 07, 2009

New Pink Baby Carriers!

I love me some pink baby carriers! As do my girls! So, without further ado, let me introduce to you the exciting new pink Ergo baby carriers for both mom and daughter!
Ergo Baby Carrier - Pink

Ergo Doll Carrier - Pink

Favorite Baby Carrier