Java John Z's : iCaddy Giveaway, Inventor Interview, and April's Rain Rain Go Away Giveaway Hop

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

iCaddy Giveaway, Inventor Interview, and April's Rain Rain Go Away Giveaway Hop

It isn't frequent that an invention starts from the thoughts of a seven-year-old child. Sick and tired of propping her tablet up against the kitchen fruit bowl – only to have it constantly fall down! – inventor Katrina did what any aspiring entrepreneur would do. She glued together three toilet paper rolls and Voila! iCaddy was born. The iCaddy is a mobile device multi-tool that serves as a stand and charging station. Plus, it includes ear buds and a hidden storage compartment. The solution folds up neatly for a backpack or travel bag. And, here's your chance to win one. The iCaddy giveaway is part of the April's Rain Rain Go Away Giveaway Hop, too, so be sure to visit the other sites on the hop listed below the giveaway form for the iCaddy.

Having just launched at CES and Toy Fair with great success, I had the chance to interview inventor and entrepreneur Katrina:

How long after the initial aha moment until your first sale?

It took over 3 years since our first Aha moment to enhance the original iCaddy design and make our first sale.

How do most of your customers find out about the product?

Customers learned about iCaddy at the CES Tech show in Las Vegas this year, at Toy Fair 2019 in NYC, through numerous blogs and interviews with my brother and our website www.shopicaddy.com.

Where do most of your sales happen?

Right now, most of the sales are on our website and Amazon. However, we met with several distributors, retailers and the largest home shopping network at the tradeshows and are going through the vendor set up process now. We’ll be in retail for the Christmas season!

Have you had any big spikes up in sales? And, if yes, do you know why?

We just had our first retailer put in an order for 4500 units! And we have several that we’re still negotiating with that could do double or triple that. Plus, my brother auditioned for Shark Tank - fingers crossed!

How did you fund the initial production run?

My brother has funded the company up to this point.

Where is your product produced?

Our product was designed in the US but is made in China.

How did you pick the where?

My brother has some friends that are entrepreneurs and make their own products. They recommended a company in China who has been fantastic to deal with so far.

Could it be done more cheaply elsewhere?

No, but we will look at having a second source of manufacturing as we expand.

Where do you keep your inventory?

In Pennsylvania

Which pattern is the most popular?

Right now, our Splatter and camo patterns seem to be the most popular.

Are the kid photos on front of packaging friends of yours?

No, but our new packaging will feature me on the front!

How much time a week do you spend on company?

It varies, but usually 10 hours or so.

How many members of your family work for your company?

My brother Chris is the person mostly involved, my other brother Ryan helps promoting the product.

Have you had to ever skip doing some homework to finish something for company? If so... what?

LOL, No. I try not to skip homework as I want to continue to achieve high honors. If something needs to be done for the company I stay up as late as necessary to get it done. One time I stayed up late with Chris finalizing some design features on the unit.

What's next?

Right now I am still focused on the iCaddy launch but I do have somethings in mind for the future...Stay Tuned!!

And... now here's your chance to win one. Winner's choice of the pattern.

The giveaway is for US residents only who are 18+ and ends at 11:59pm on 4/16/19. For more complete rules see Giveaway Rules. The winner will receive their choice of designs for an iCaddy, valued at $24.99 MSRP.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Java John Z's is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

We’ve joined with The Kids Did IT & The Mommy Island for the Rain Rain Go Away@! Giveaway Hop. Be sure to hop around the other blogs to enter for the chance to win some great prizes!