Tree Frog Toys

www.treefrogtoys.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

Tree Frog Toys specialise in eco friendly, organic and fair trade toys for children of all ages. We aim to stock a comprehensive range of toys that appeal to all children. Our toys range from timeless classics to innovative toys for modern kids. I believe that children need quality, open ended toys and challenging games to foster creativity, imaginative thinking and curiosity in the world around them. We aim to challenge the notion that eco-friendly toys are for only for hippies, and wish to have a business model that is not only ethical but that provides children with toys that are fun.

2. When and why did you start your business?

The business launched in March 2009. I was inspired to start the business when thinking about how many of the toys marketed to children are of dubious play value, and the environmental impact of the production of plastic, battery powered toys. I was also fueled by the recent toxic toy scares that have involved many trusted toy brands. I realised that there are many producers who are passionate about the environment and I wanted to create a toy store that brings that concern together in one place.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with of your business?

My business is in its early days yet, but what I have achieved is a sense of confidence that I can give something a go, do the research, take on the steep learning curve and see things slowly growing.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

Marketing, marketing and marketing. At the moment I see this as my number one challenge. I have a marketing plan in place but finding the time and financial resources to put it into place is my biggest challenge right now.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Using an email opt in list has given me a growing pool of potential customers. Also providing good customer service has lead to great feedback and hopefully repeat customers.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Google adwords has been a mixed success. The targeted ads work really well, the less highly targeted ones didn't.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

Feedback from happy customers makes me smile. So too does knowing not only that a child somewhere is going to enjoy playing with their new toy, but that those toys are safe, have great play value, and have a low impact on the environment.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

No one person inspired me, but I was inspired by lots of young designers using interesting, eco-friendly materials to make products in a way that is ecologically sustainable.

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

I want to concentrate on growing the retail side of the business in the short term. I also plan to move into wholesaling in the longer term.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Do your homework first and network, network, network but with an attitude of contributing to everyone's success.

Visit us at: www.treefrogtoys.com.au