Name : Vera Cartier

Email Address : teddybearclothes@hotmail.com

What kind of Business do you run? Online Teddy Bear Clothes Shop

When did you start it? I acquired this business from it's previous owner July of 2008

Why did you start it? I could see great potential in the business of clothes for teddy bears.
I re-designed the site and completely over-hauled the existing line to what we are today.

What was your inspiration? I like many others always have loved teddy bears. They bring comfort and an unconditional love to their owners young and old.

How much capital in terms of resources did you invest to start up your business? Since this was an established business, my cost was limited to purchasing the website and some inventory and the wonderful domain name.

Do you have a website for your business? If yes please provide it http://www.teddybearclothes.com

Who are your main customers? What demographic are they mostly from? My customers come from all over the United States. Many are grandparents buying for their grandchildren, a handful are men, many are teddy bear collectors, so I believe we have a vast audience and clientele.

What do you feel are the basic goals that a business such as yours should reach in
the first year? I am a true believer in the personal touch and excellent customer service and every day in every year I strive for that.

For anyone who wishes to start their own WAH business in the same industry as yours
what are your top 3 advice tips? Always put your customer first, keep it personal and offer your customers great sales!

Has this business venture allowed you to spend more time or less time with your family? Ask a busy person to get the job done....all of us that are mothers know how to provide quality time for our family , our business and the million other things we do daily.

What are the top three marketing strategies that you employed to achieve success for
your business? Advertise where your potential customers may be, always give that personal touch to your business, free gifts with every order.

What goals are next for your business? We are constantly seeking new and exciting teddy bear clothes so that\'s always a priority and we aim to keep our customers happy! We offer everything from teddy bear outfits, coats and pajamas to shoes and socks!

Where do you see your business in another 10 years? We will see a growing customer base of repeat customers, continue giving each customers the service they expect, continue to increase the line and just have lots of fun in the best business anyone could have!

Name the top 3 products and/or services your business provides and their respective
benefits to the customer/consumer - Who doesn\'t love a teddy bear and a great sale? We currently are having a Teddy Bear Sweater Sale, a $6 catch a bargain sale and a teddy bear sale....so to sum it up we like to help our customers save some money and get a wonderful product.

Has your business been recognized in any way by the media or any awards organization? If so please state how you were chosen and what kind of recognition your business has achieved. - We are proud supporters and actually a home base in western Massachusetts for Hugs Across America. This is a non-profit organization that provides teddy bears to
children in crisis, whether it is thru the police dept, shelters or any helping organization.

How many times a year do you offer special discounts on your products or services?
When? Constantly! Actually on a monthly basis we send out a newsletter to our customers
making them aware of any special savings and sales.

Share with us two positive feedback comments your customers have said about your
product/and or service.

Great customer service!
Fast delivery!
Adorable selection!