Browse Tag: retail

6 Inventions to Recover from Daylight Saving Time (National Napping Day)

Are you dreading this upcoming daylight saving time? Even if you plan ahead and to go to bed early, you may still feel ridiculously tired the next day. Time and time again, studies show this practice to be dumb and consistently dangerous to people’s health in a variety of ways. This national event is so notoriously terrible, it sparked a second national event, National Napping Day. In 1999 William Anthony, a Ph.D professor from Boston University, created National Napping Day to aid in the loss of sleep on a national scale. Currently, the states of Arizona and Hawaii have succeeded in fighting against this standard, as well as several countries such as China and Japan. Conversely, Florida is fighting to permanently keep daylight saving time, the Senate voting 33-2 in rally of the idea.

We can’t do anything now, but we can help with the drag of it all. We’re pretty passionate about inventions here, and even more passionate about sleeping. Here 6 inventions to help you through the drag of daylight saving time  enjoy National Nap Day to its fullest potential.

1) The Barisieur

Waking up today is going to be a bit harder than normal, so why not wake up like a king or queen? We’re suggesting the best case scenario, waking up to the sweet smell of coffee…..literally. The Barisieur is an alarm clock and coffee brewer. Imagine the soft sounds of bubbling water greeting you in the morning, your stirring intensified by that perfect coffee smell permeating your bedroom. Not only is this the dream we’ve all been waiting for, but it’s design is quite possibly more sleek and sophisticated than the actual idea of waking up to the smell of coffee. MMmmmmmm.

2) Bath Buzz Caffeinated Soap

Now that you’re awake, it’s time get ready for your day. How can you fit in another caffeine boost to your morning routine? The shower of course, where Bath Buzz offers a solution in their caffeinated soap. There’s a whopping 2400mg of caffeine infused in their peppermint scented soap. That equals up to at least 24 cups of coffee! In addition to the energizing benefits of caffeine, you may be surprised to know caffeine is really good for your skin. Caffeine is a prominent ingredient in countless anti-aging skin care products and helps to improve blood circulation. This unassuming bar of soap is guaranteed to help jump start your day.

3) Shelterin Inflatable Car Air Mattress 

You’ve made it past the first half of your work day and it’s lunch time, you’re doing good! Many studies show that short 10-20 minute naps are super effective when dealing with afternoon-slump fatigue. You heard science, now’s your chance to find a cozy spot! I suggest using the Shelterin Inflatable back seat car mattress to aid in your nap-quest. Don’t worry about finding an air-pump, this air mattress comes with a car electric air pump. It shouldn’t take more than a minute to inflate this mattress that’s compatible with 95% of car models. After all, it may be easier to fit in a quick nap from the back of your car if your work doesn’t like your sleeping at your desk (I can’t imagine why).  

4) Ostrich Pillow

Maybe you can’t get to your car, or you’re lucky enough to have If you have a super cool work space. If that’s your case, then I highly suggest using the Ostrich Pillow. Don’t let its looks deceive you, this pillow can conquer any surface for the perfect power nap. If you frequent planes, it’s the perfect travel accessory that you didn’t even know you needed. There’s also an opening in the front for nose and mouth breathing, which is really relevant for those of us that value sleep without that “hot air” feeling.

5) Portable Coffee Cup Holder

Congrats, you’ve made it halfway through the day! You’re doing great. It’s time to stack up on another cup of coffee. After that power nap, it’s going to take everything you have left to motor through the rest of your day. You can’t risk keeping your eye off the ball for even a second. And by ball, I really mean that precious, precious cup of joe. That’s where the Office Table Desk Clip comes in handy. Now you really can keep your eye on the prize. Besides, you can’t risk spilling your drink all over your papers, computer, or keyboard! As an added bonus, this nifty tool double to hold your phone, cosmetics, or even a flower pot.

6) Coffee Joulies

Alright you’ve made it to the final stretch and your work day is almost over! I don’t know about you, but I’m always burning my tongue on a fresh cup of joe. Coffee Joulies conquers against this classic tongue battle by using advanced phase change material technology to store and release energy. To translate this to English, the beans absorbs and conserves the heat from the initial pour, making sure the cup doesn’t exceed burning temperatures. As your cup cools down, the stainless steel stones will then release the previously stored heat to maintain the “perfect” temperature for your coffee. Food Network can be quoted saying “The beans really work” and that’s honestly more than enough for me.

Pat yourself on the back!

Congratulations! Looks like you’ve made it through your work day. Now that you’ve enjoyed National Napping Day to its fullest potential, it’s time to stop and think about everything we’ve learned today, and no I don’t mean confirming daylight saving time is absolutely dreadful. I mean, look at all these helpful products that may have helped you through your day! It’s never too late to start looking at good inventions and assessing their usability. What may come off as a laughable product may really come in handy on days when you need them most, like National Napping Day. If you’re feeling inspired and wanting to create your own invention, feel free to contact us at 888-373-3876. If this article inspired you to take the next step in your own inventing journey, make sure to comment and let us know. As a reward, I might even get an official nap time at my desk (OH BOY)!

Krissy Pizzo is the social media expert and writer for Source Direct, an Invention Company based in Palm Harbor, Fl. If you have any additional invention tips or comments, feel free to email her at kpizzo@thesourcedirect.net. If you absolutely dread using email, you can comment below! 

Success Stories: The Weave Scratcher

STOP THE PAT! From hairpiece to sew-ins, The Weave Scratcher offers a simple solution to the most common predicament: itching. Source Direct helped create this product in 2011 and we are excited to announce it is taking off. ESSENCE magazine featured The Weave Scratcher as their top tool for “soothing an itchy sew-in weave”. We have been picked as “Amazon’s Choice” for weave scratching products online. Sometimes a good product requires time, attention, and patience while carefully building a following.

The Weave Scratcher was created to help ease discomfort without disrupting your style. To better understand The Weave Scratcher, it helps to understand why people experience itching in the first place.  

During the braiding and weaving process the hair is pulled very tightly. When hair is pulled too tightly, the scalp becomes irritated and can develop an inflammation of the hair follicles. This inflammation reaction can account for that furious itching sensation. Even when done properly,  an excess or lack of moisture to the scalp can turn quickly turn the scale. Seborrheic Dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff, is the other common perpetrator for this problem. An overgrowth of yeast on the scalp triggers an inflammation of the roots. This causes an array effects including a buildup of dry layers, flaking, and itching.

Anything from getting the hair wet to sweating without carefully drying the scalp can cause these itching sensations, and what a list! There’s too much to worry about with maintaining and caring for weave, so Source Direct spent a lot of time developing the right tool to properly assist.

Its firm but flexible design is meant to fit in between any hair weft or braided base with ease. The soothing bobby pin ends massage your head comfortably and carefully. It’s light and compact size allows clients to use the Weave Scratcher when at home or out and about. This tool can fit perfectly in your wallet, purse, clutch, or pocket. Our design is embodied to best suit the needs of our clients and their scalp. This handy tool is perfect for anyone who wears wigs, braids, or extensions.

We look forward to announcing the exciting collaborations we are currently working on, as well as more news to come. For anyone interested in joining the Source Direct Inventors Club, call 888-373-3876. 

Krissy Pizzo is the social media expert and writer for Source Direct, an Invention Company based in Palm Harbor, Fl. If you have any additional invention tips or comments, feel free to email her at kpizzo@thesourcedirect.net. If you absolutely dread using email, you can comment below! 

Source Direct Product Spotlight – Poop-n-Scoop!

Spotlight On: Poop-n-Scoop

We assisted Kevin in creating the Poop-n-Scoop because it solved a problem. I’m sure you can figure out what the problem is already. Who enjoys picking up dog poop with their hands? The answer is NOBODY! Hear from Kevin below on why he invented this product:

A Note From the Inventor: This is how I came up with the idea for Poop-N-Scoop. You may have a similar story. You’re taking your dog for a walk, he or she does their business and you do the right thing by cleaning it up. Most of us will take a bag from our pocket and pick it up. This is where my story begins. The bag I used had a hole in it and much of the warm mush squeezed between my fingers. Needless to say – very disgusting. After rigorous cleaning, I set out to find a better way to clean up after my dog. Checking pet stores and online offerings, I found nothing suitable to take on walks. An idea came to me after looking at my wife’s grabber/reacher (she’s kind of short) I thought if I modified it by adding shovels, I could solve any issue. A tool that picks up poop cleanly with a bag, no more bending over, Folds in half for taking on walks, hands free clipping onto your belt and no more poop squished between my fingers. I use grocery style bags that are around my house, tool stays clean, on -and on – meeting all of my objectives! Plus, many more important reasons to clean up – we more or less have to in most areas we live – mostly environmental and some parts of our country you could pay a steep fine if you get caught not picking it up (where I live, over $200). Plus, very important, your neighbors will like you again!

Kevin Montgomery (Inventor)
Kevin Montgomery (Inventor)

Congrats! Gotta Potty is moving quick!

Hi folks – Nathan here! I am the Sales and Marketing Manager for Source Direct. When a product has finished manufacturing and is ready to hit the marketplace, it’s my job to get it listed onto different retail websites. As most inventors know, it’s quite a process to sell a BRAND NEW ITEM. Our expertise has helped us get new products into the hands of buyers from many different retail organizations – EntirelyPets.com is one of them! Congratulations to our product GOTTA POTTY for making it to the big leagues! Here’s the link to purchase it on their website: http://www.entirelypets.com/gotta-potty-training.html

entirely

Selling Your Product Online – Best Practices!

The second that your invention has been produced, the first thing you want to do is start selling! The internet has proven to be a great place to sell products, and to many people, with very little overhead.

Here’s a few things you can try:

  • Sell on Ebay! It’s not just a place where you can sell your old junk – you can sell brand new items there!
  • Open an Amazon Seller Account. Amazon is the largest internet retailer in the United States, so obviously it’s a great place to sell!
  • Create a website for your product. You can have you own online store to just sell your product exclusively. You can use this to promote your product and avoid fees (you’ll have to handle your own shipping and logistics, however).

The key to eventually get the attention of big box stores is to show that your product sells online. You should absolutely start with selling products online – get a following and some sales and you’ll do very well in the retail marketplace. Make a SPLASH!

The Importance of Packaging

Next time you walk into a retail store, take a look at the products on the shelves. Typically, in most situations, the packaging is high quality and properly conveys the ideas of the product to the consumer. It’s absolutely vital to have packaging that is of the highest quality – it may be the deciding factor for the average, every-day customer.

Here are some examples of creative packaging for consumer products:

Festina Watches - To prove that the watch is water-proof!
Festina Watches – To prove that the watch is water-proof!
Pasta La Vista - Showing the pasta as "hair" on the chef! Cool!
Pasta La Vista – Showing the pasta as “hair” on the chef! Cool!
Beard Paintbrushes - a creative spin on a common product.
Mustache Paintbrushes – a creative spin on a common product.

To stand out in a competitive marketplace, you will want to have amazing packaging. What can you do, with your product, to enhance the initial reaction from the consumer? That’s for you to decide, and find out! Try doing some testing – this is important for all retail. Figure out what attracts your demographic of customer.

  • Don’t clutter your design.
  • Use fonts that are clear, and help convey the product purpose.
  • Understand the retailer’s method of presentation – can it be universally used in any retail setting?
  • Include everything you need to properly display the product and it’s function.

Your product success relies heavily on good packaging. Don’t prevent customers from buying your amazing product, simply because the package was sub-par. Go the extra mile – make it count!

Getting a Product on the Store Shelves: HOW TO!

Typically, the final goal for an inventor is to get their product on the store shelves. But….how? There are many things to keep in mind, but we’ve cut to the chase and listed a few of the most important factors:

  • Presentation is everything! If you are going to be pitching your product to a big box retailer, or even a small company, your product presentation must be pristine!
  • A video demonstration. Tons of products are submitted on a daily basis to the big box stores. Yours will stand out if you have a high quality video that shows every function of your product, as the consumer would use it.
  • A realistic price point. You need to understand the market value for your product. Large retailers may not take on your item if the price point is drastically different than products in the same categorization.
  • Persistence! These large companies may receive hundreds of product submissions every year! It’s up to you be as persistent as possible – you know what they say, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease!”
  • Is my product ready? This is a very common mistake. Do not send your product for store evaluation until it’s ready. If you don’t have a warehouse with product ready to go, you may set yourself up for failure if a large retailer wants to put in an order for more than you can handle. Know what your capabilities are – work with your manufacturer to come up with a plan.

It’s very difficult to get a product to take off, initially – but never fear! With persistence, presentation, realism, and goals, this process will be way easier. Planning is the most important thing you’ll ever do as an inventor.