January 2nd, 2010 • Comments: 0 7 • by Wendy • In the News • Resources

Single-Use, Ready-to-Serve, Formula-Filled Baby Bottles - a "Green" Idea?

A few months ago, I stumbled across a press release entitled "Ready Made Inc. debuts new disposable baby bottle prototype at Smart Baby Expo."

And I quote, "The new biodegradable paper based design was a major selling point for parents who are concerned with the environmental impact of plastics and the threat of Bisphenol-A in plastic baby products."

You have GOT to be kidding me.  Talk about a green wash!  How on earth can this company tout this DISPOSABLE, FORMULA-FILLED bottle as "green" (and keep a straight face).

Now that 2010 has arrived, this product is going to be hitting the shelves, or to quote the manufacturer, "will be sold in stores throughout the US and be available to global humanitarian markets" (excuse me while I vomit).  And so I thought I had better make you aware of it...

My colleague Diane Sam of MoBoleez summed up the carbon footprint of infant formula production quite nicely in a recent blog post:

"Think about all the consumption of natural resources, landfill space, etc. that goes into the production, packaging and delivery of formula, a completely derived and unnatural product that, with adequate support and education, should be very rarely required. Consider this quote:

"If every child in America were bottle-fed, almost 86,000 tons of tin would be needed to produce 550 million cans for one year's worth of formula. If every mother in Great Britain breastfed, 3000 tons of paper (used for formula labels) would be saved in a year. But the formula is not the only problem. Bottles and nipples require plastic, glass, rubber, and silicone; production of these materials can be resource-intensive and often leads to end-products that are not-recyclable. All these products use natural resources, cause pollution in their manufacture and distribution, and create trash in their packaging, promotion, and disposal."

Source:  "Mother Nature Loves Breastmilk" by Dia Michels

Plastic bottles and nipples are rarely recycled, take over 200 years to break down, fill up landfills and when burned, release toxic pollutants into our air... that we breathe... that our babies breathe.

Then, let's talk about the dairy industry. Most breastmilk substitutes are made from cows milk. The biological equivalent of walking up to a cow in a field and sucking on her tit. The mass factories that produce this milk contribute to a polluted environment in a myriad of ways. Here's a few:

• Cows excretion and flatulance produce 100 million tons of methane every year, which equals 20% of the earths total emissions. (Methane is the second most problematic gaseous contribution to the greenhouse effect and global warming).
• The fertilizers used to grow feed for dairy cows pollute rivers and groundwaters.
• The ammonia from cow pastures and slurry tanks cause acid rain.
• The clearing of land for pasture means deforestation, an increase in greenhouse gases, the destruction of animal and plant species and erosion of the soil. For example, each kilogram of baby milk produced in Mexico "costs" 12.5 square meters of rainforest.

Think Soy is better? Even the production of soy based formulas are detrimental to the environment:

• Soy formulas require just as much natural resources and energy to produce and package.
• In Brazil, forests are cleared and burned to create soy plantations. The soya beans are then used to feed cattle and as the base for soy based formulas.
• The growing of soy beans requires a high input of fertilizers and irrigation."

Source:  Breastmilk: A World Resource by Andrew Radford

Sadly, according to Ready Made Inc, 85% of consumers surveyed at the Smart Baby Expo, a consumer trade show, said that they look forward to using the Ready Made bottle, with 20% of them stating that they would use them DAILY no matter what brand of formula came inside!    Good GAWD people - the last thing we need is more disposables in our landfills!  I mean convenience is one thing, but convenience to the point of drowning our planet in garbage is certainly another!

What I find most disturbing however, is that this bottle is also being targeted towards the developing world - to prevent the spread of HIV no less!  Ready Made states in their press release that, "One-third of children in Africa with the AIDS virus contracted the disease from breastfeeding."

This is NOT TRUE.

According to Wikipedia, "The transmission of the virus from the mother to the child can occur in utero during the last weeks of pregnancy and at childbirth. In the absence of treatment, the transmission rate between a mother and her child during pregnancy, labor and delivery is 25%.  However, when the mother takes antiretroviral therapy and gives birth by caesarean section, the rate of transmission is just 1%. The risk of infection is influenced by the viral load of the mother at birth, with the higher the viral load, the higher the risk. Breastfeeding also increases the risk of transmission by about 4%.

4%. Four percent. Not 33-1/3%. Not one-third. FOUR PERCENT.  I guess they just got there numbers mixed-up there, right?

They might as well just climb into bed with Nestlé as far as I'm concerned.  And I won't be the least bit surprised if the brand of formula that indeed ends up in those bottles IS Nestlé!

The truth is, on December 1, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) updated their HIV recommendations on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.  Tanya from Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog explains...

"In the past, it's been the recommendation that women who are HIV positive not breastfeed as long as formula feeding is "acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe".

Many women in developing countries don't have access to clean water, much less the resources to purchase formula, and not breastfeeding puts their infants at a high risk of death and disease. In one recent study of 14 developing countries, not breastfeeding resulted in over 325 deaths per 1,000 births compared to 35 deaths per 1,000 births among breastfed babies.

That's why breastfeeding, even though it may mean that a child becomes infected with HIV, is considered safer than not breastfeeding in much of the developing world. Both feeding options carry significant risks, but a child is far likelier to die early in life if he is not breastfed.

So, until today, the recommendation has been that women in developing countries feed their babies breastmilk substitutes only if it is "acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe." Otherwise, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first six months of life, to be discontinued as soon as is feasible thereafter.

This has been a really difficult recommendation to follow, for several reasons. Exclusive breastfeeding (considered the safest method) is relatively rare. Weaning from exclusive breastfeeding to no breastfeeding at six months, as you can imagine, is extremely difficult. And women face significant stigma when not breastfeeding. Unlike the US, many developing countries never lost the "breastfeeding culture", and not breastfeeding is considered a give away that a woman is HIV positive.

But recent research has shown that when HIV positive mothers take antiretroviral drugs while breastfeeding, it reduces the risk of transmission dramatically. Access to ARVs has increased significantly in recent years. Accordingly, the WHO has changed its recommendation:

WHO now recommends that breastfeeding continue until the infant is 12 months of age, provided the HIV-positive mother or baby is taking ARVs during that period. This will reduce the risk of HIV transmission and improve the infant's chance of survival.

"In the new recommendations, we are sending a clear message that breastfeeding is a good option for every baby, even those with HIV-positive mothers, when they have access to ARVs", said Daisy Mafubelu, WHO's Assistant Director General for Family and Community Health."

I for one would NEVER buy a disposable baby bottle.  If people say that it would be convenient "on occasion" to use such a product, then I say it wouldn't be too inconvenient "on occasion" to use a reusable and recyclable BPA-free plastic or better yet, glass baby bottle and wash it and dry it and use it again and again and again.  And then I would pass it on to another mom.  I really have a hard time throwing anything in the garbage.  I donate clothing and household items that we no longer need or want; I have made the switch to LunaPads reusable menstrual products and the Diva Cup; we are avid recyclers and composters; we use reusable grocery bags and stainless steel water bottles; we buy organic as much as we can; and the list goes on and on... Then you hear about a company like Ready Made and it undermines you and everyone else that is trying to make a difference in our society... in our world.

And now that I'm researching this further, I've found many other companies selling pre-sterilized, single-use, disposable baby bottles - albeit not filled with formula - such as Steribottle and Vital Baby, to name just two.  I had to stop searching as I kept finding more and more!

I also had to laugh that the Vital Baby bottle was labeled "from 0 months" and yet had a fast flow nipple.  And then parents wonder why the baby has "reflux".  But I digress...

Please know that I am not attacking mothers that formula feed, whether it is by choice or by necessity.  Rather, I am upset with companies like Ready Made that skew the facts and bring questionable products to market all in the name of the allmighty dollar.  They simply don't care about anything else than their bottom line, but try to make you believe that they are being socially responsible.  If they really want to help the HIV pandemic, why don't they develop a truly green product and then donate a percentage of their profits to purchase the ARVs that these HIV positive mothers so desperately need?  Nestle?  Did you hear that?

So tell me how you feel about single-use baby bottles, either empty or filled with formula.  Tell me what you think about these companies that attempt to green wash us.  Tell me all about what you're thinking.  (And if you see the Ready Made bottles in stores, please let me know!)

December 30th, 2009 • Comments: 0 3 • by Wendy • Fabulous Finds

Nursing Mother Goddess Pendants are Here!

In the summer of 2008, I exhibited at the DONA Conference here in Vancouver, BC.  As we all filed-in to set-up our wares for the vendor area, my eyes kept wandering over to my neighbour's table.  If you don't already know this about me, I am a jewelry FREAK!  My neighbour was ceramic artist Susan Kirk and her beautiful, hand-crafted Nursing Mother Goddess Necklaces had caught my eye.  I'll admit that by the end of the 2-day conference, I left with several of her pieces.

A Nursing Mother Goddess Pendant celebrates and honours breastfeeding, thus making it "the" perfect gift for new mothers and their families, doulas, lactation consultants, midwives and ob/gyns.

These stunning hand-crafted ceramic pendants are available in four non-toxic, low-fire glaze colours - Stone Turquoise, Ivory (shown left), Ebony and Terra Cotta - effortlessly coordinating with anything and everything in your wardrobe!

Understated yet eye-catching, she will be a conversation-starter every time you wear her!  I can't tell you how many people have commented when I wear mine.

The Nursing Mother Goddess Necklace measures 2" tall (pendant portion) and is carried by a 25" black satin cord that is easily adjusted to be shorter if desired.

Tell us what you think about these necklaces.  Would you like to see more of this type of product in our online store?  Leave a comment below to share!

December 18th, 2009 • Comments: 0 3 • by Wendy • Media & Marketing

A Contest! Design our New Door Hanger

Have you heard?  We want YOU to help us design our new door hanger!  If you haven't seen our current door hangers, grab a look as the new one will have the same die cut and will most likely also have the Breastmilk Storage Guidelines on the reverse side.

Just leave a comment on the wall of our Facebook Fan Page with your slogan and/or design idea and you will automatically be entered into the contest.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are some of the slogans that we've come up with in the past.  Note that we've never used any of them... this is just to give you a "feel" for things.  In other words, we need your help as we're not too jazzed about any of them.  We know you can do better!

There's a really good reason NOT to knock right now!
Please Do Not Disturb - I'm Expressing in Style!
Please Do Not Disturb - Mammaries at Work!
Please Do Not Disturb - Pumping Zone!
Please Do Not Disturb - I'm in a Milky Way!
Please Do Not Disturb - I'm Pumping for the Cause!

So submit a sassy idea for our new door hanger and if we choose yours, you win!

What will you win if we pick your entry?  A PumpEase Sampler Pack featuring a PumpEase in your choice of size and print, a Breastmilk Storage Guidelines fridge magnet, one of our Do Not Disturb door hangers, one of the NEW door hangers that YOU designed and a Nursing Mother Goddess Necklace (coming soon to our site)!  Retail value $75.00!

Contest closes January 15, 2010.

We can't wait to hear all your ideas!

December 18th, 2009 • Comments: 0 2 • by Wendy • Fabulous Finds • General • In the News

Buy Entrepreneur with Collective-E

Did you know that US entrepreneurs and small businesses account for 99.7% of employers and produce a GDP of over $6 trillion dollars?

Did you know the 10.6 million women-owned businesses in the US employ 19.1 million workers?  That's 1 in 7 employees.

Did you know that minority-owned small businesses account for $591 billion dollars in national revenue?

Do you make an effort to purchase goods made by entrepreneurs and small businesses?  If you don't, perhaps you may want to take a second look at this fantastic and growing industry.

According to Collective-E...

"When you Buy Entrepreneur, it enhances your ability to find something perfect, unique and special for everyone on your list.  Everyday at Collective-E, we are fortunate to discover new and unique entrepreneurial brands ranging from multi-million dollar cosmetic and handbag lines to brownie companies run out of home offices; organic jewelry companies to massage therapists and everything in between.  You can find out about more of them here.  Though their size and scope may vary, they share a passion for providing unique and high quality products to their customers and for creating a better life for themselves and those who work with them. Not only is it a way to shop and support something important this holiday season, but it feels good too!"

"Entrepreneurs have the best ideas with the freshest inspiration. Find gifts for friends, family, or a little pick-me-up for yourself. You'll find unique pieces of jewelry, bridal designers, baby gifts, wine consultants, accountants, and much more. Collective-E members update this section all of the time as a live gift guide!"

Not only will you find UNIQUE and AMAZING products and services across all categories, but you will be supporting a vital, yet oft-overlooked part of the economy.

Entrepreneurs are everywhere!  Purchase a gift certificate at your local indie restaurant or neighbourhood hair salon; patronize a boutique in your area; shop on a favourite online web store.  Shopping local supports your community - these entrepreneurs are your neighbours, your family and maybe even your employer!

Buy Entrepreneur this holiday season and beyond!

December 15th, 2009 • Comments: 0 12 • by Wendy • Media & Marketing

PumpEase and the iParenting Media Awards

As you venture out to finish (or start?) your Christmas shopping, you will notice the seals of various "awards" emblazoned on toys, baby products, pregnancy products, parenting products and the like.  iParenting Media Awards (IPMA), Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA), National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA), The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and the list goes on.

These "seals" look very impressive.  I can't paste them into this blog post for reasons that I will explain later.  I had always thought the product had actually won an award, like an actor wins an Oscar or like someone wins "Business Woman of the Year".  You know, a "no strings attached" kind of award because you actually did something really well?

Nope.

Back-track to September 2008:  I was at the ABC Show and while I waited in the Starbucks line-up, I started a conversation with another exhibitor (those were long line-ups!)  Her product had won numerous awards a number of years running.  I was very interested in the exposure that she said the awards had given them, so when I returned home, I looked into several of the award programs for PumpEase.  To my surprise, you had to PAY to apply and the fees ranged from $275 USD to $450 CAD per product.

Money was tight then as a start-up, but I felt I had to "play the game" - you know, save face amongst my competitors.  Wouldn't the consumer wonder why my competition had received awards and I hadn't?  From the research that I've done, most consumers do NOT know that these "award programs" are really not awards at all, but high-profile, paid product reviews (just sayin').  We had no money, so I filed it in the back of my mind for a while...

This year, I decided to go for it.  I conducted what I thought was thorough research, bit the bullet and applied for an iParenting Media Award.  Note:  for the remainder of this post, I am ONLY speaking about the iParenting Media Awards program unless I mention another awards program specifically.

I was required to send in 4 identical samples - the same size; the same colour; the same style.  I also had to submit a product graphic electronically and of course include my cheque for $300 USD.

The communication from iParenting Media was very good.  I got automated messages when they received my entry, when they were shipped to the reviewers, and when they were being evaluated by the reviewers.  I also received an email from Jeanne Murphy, Program Director, requesting information from me as follows:

1. Where did you learn about the iParenting Awards program?
2. How would you rate our customer service to-date on a scale of 1 - 5 and why? (1 being the best)
3. What tradeshows do you exhibit at or plan to exhibit at in 2010?
4. Do you submit your products to multiple awards programs? If yes, what is your criteria for choosing?
5. Do you have any specific comments or requests of how we can serve you better?

I answered every question and got a nice thank you email back from Jeanne.  And every email that I received reminded me that I could login on Wednesday, November 11th, the day the winners were announced, to see a "snapshot of feedback" from the reviewers.

Fast-forward to November 4th.  I got a voice mail from iParenting Media stating that I still had to pay the $300 fee.  When I called them back, I told them that I had sent a cheque along with my submission, but they said they never received it.  After checking that the cheque hadn't cleared my account, I paid the fee with my credit card over the phone.

Now it is November 12th.  I had completely forgotten that the awards were announced on the 11th - too busy at Remembrance Day celebrations with Girl Guides I guess.  The morning of the 12th, I logged into my account and there was nothing there.  I went to the announcement page and I was not on the list of winners for the Feeding category.  I checked my account again.  Nothing.  No feedback.  No "you won" or "you didn't win".  So I emailed "help@iparentingmediaawards.com" at 7:52 am:

Good morning,

I am logging into my account this morning and see no feedback for my product PumpEase hands-free pumping supports at all.

Please get back to me asap with an explanation.

Thank you,

Wendy Armbruster Bell

I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.

I called their "Hotline" 1-888-808-IPMA (4762) and reached voicemail at EVERY extension that I tried.  I left two voice mails.

I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.

On November 13th at 8:27 am, I emailed Jeanne, the nice woman I had corresponded with a few weeks prior:

Good morning,

I logged into my account yesterday morning and saw no feedback for my product

PumpEase hands-free pumping supports at all.  I called two different people and sent an email and got no response.

Can you please tell me why there is no feedback?  I am wondering if my submission got messed-up somehow as I had sent a cheque WITH the product, it got lost, and then a week or so before winners were announced, I was called to say that I hadn't paid.  I then paid my credit card.  But it looks like my submission was overlooked.

I would really like to hear from someone before the weekend.  You can call me toll-free at the number below.

Thank you,

Wendy Armbruster Bell

I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.

On Monday, November 16th, I checked my account again.  Feedback!  And this is what it said:

Thank you for participating in the iParenting Media Awards program.  Your award status is determined by the results of surveys that were answered by three independent, external evaluation sites.  The reviewers answered many questions about your product that contributed to a score for your product.  They also offered subjective feedback which is shown below.  We provide this information as a courtesy to your company.  The feedback does not count toward determining your score and award status.  They are just the opinions of our reviewers.  (OK, so how is this feedback useful to me then?)  It went on...

What features would you add, remove, modify or enhance about this product?

1.  The only recommendation I can come up with as far as the PumpEase hands-free pumping support is the packaging that the product arrived in was damaged and open with the product falling out of the bottom of the package. I'd suggest marketing the product in a more stable package for the sales floor.

Ummm...  I shipped my 4 samples in a sturdy box that I regularly use for media samples.  Proper packing materials were used so that nothing could shift during the shipment.  Therefore, the only explanation to this feedback is that after receiving my samples, iParenting then shipped the individual PumpEase out to their reviewers in unsuitable packaging - perhaps an envelope?  My packaging is a BOX, similar to boxes that you buy regular bras in.  I challenge iParenting Media Awards to find ANY bra box that would have survived being mailed in an envelope!  Secondly, we don't ship to our retailers in envelopes; we ship to them in cardboard boxes (obviously).  In fact, our retailers LOVE our packaging as it is attractive, chock-full of information, merchandises well and has an oval cut-out in the front so that consumers can see and feel the fabric.  How an improperly packaged "one-off" shipment can be compared to bulk shipments is beyond me (note their statement that "the package should be more stable for the retail floor").

2.  This product would occasionally slip as the pumping process would go on. The clips held it snugly in place; however, the tube had a tendency to fall, especially as the cups became fuller during the pumping process. Modifications to hold the product in place better would be nice. While I loved the vibrant colors, it might be nice to see the product come in a more neutral shade for occasional discretion.

If the PumpEase was slipping during the pumping process, then the reviewer was wearing the wrong size.  Due to the fact that our sizing is based on the customer's bra size and the fact that over 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, sizing is a challenge for us for our online sales, but a challenge we have risen to quite nicely (if I do say so myself).  I can proudly say that we currently have a return rate of 0.25% for sizing AND manufacturing defects combined.  We have 3 size charts on our "Fitting Room" page and a video demonstrating how to measure yourself for a PumpEase.  We also work with customers over the phone and/or via email to make sure they have the correct size if they are unsure.  Did the iParenting Media Awards people even consult the size chart on the back of our box?  If they did, were the reviewers confident that they were wearing the correct bra size?  Did they take a simple Overbust Measurement to make sure they were getting the correct size?  Something tells me... No.

And as far as the "neutral shade" - we already have one.  It is black with white binding.  It is called Tuxedo.  It is one of our best sellers.  Did the reviewer even check our website before deciding that the print we sent was our only offering?  Remember, the 4 samples I sent had to be identical in colour, size, style.  Something tells me... No. 

3.  I would suggest offering better packaging: show some kind of detail on the front of the packaging to actually reflect the use of the product. Also offer a list of breast pumps this support works best with. This did not work well with my pump.

The detailed image reflecting the use of the product is on the back of the package - there is only so much real estate on a product package.  Our packaging was professionally designed by Pencilworks Studios Inc and we get nothing but compliments on it by consumers and retailers alike.  Funny that this reviewer states that the PumpEase didn't work with "her pump" but neglected to state what brand of pump that is.  Hmmm...  how convenient.  We GUARANTEE PumpEase to work with ALL breast pumps on the market therefore this feedback is kind of irrelevant in my opinion.  We have sold close to 10,000 units in our first full year of business and NOT ONE of our measly 0.25% of returns was because it "didn't work well with my pump".

So obviously I was quite deflated by this feedback.  This is my invention and believe you me, a lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into it.  As I read and re-read the feedback, I realized that every point was entirely moot:  I should redesign my packaging because iParenting Media doesn't know how to properly package something for the mail?  And I should redesign my product and/or adjust the sizing because the reviewer was wearing the wrong size?  Or maybe I should offer yet another neutral fabric because they can't read my website?  Finally, I guess I should redesign my product to "work with the mystery breast pump".

And then on top of all that, I realized that I never received any answers to my custom question - something that was supposed to be included in my $300 submission fee.  I guess I could ask them about that if they would actually return my phone calls or emails.

As a heads up, you CAN resubmit the same product (and yes you have to send them another $300 to do so) but ONLY if you change something.  So I had another question:  Do I have to change something that was mentioned in the feedback or can it be anything?  So I called Jeanne Murphy citing that I had indeed received my feedback (albeit 6 days late), but that I had questions about the process.  That was on Monday, November 16th.

I HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE TO-DATE.  TODAY IS DECEMBER 15th.

If there is one thing that gets my goat is poor customer service or in this case, NON-EXISTENT customer service.  It is appauling that this business (and yes, this "award program" is just a business) is falling over backwards to help you UNTIL they get your $300 in their hot little hands and then you are completely ignored.

With the risk of sounding like a sore loser, I wanted to make you, the consumer and fellow Mompreneurs and inventors, AWARE of the truth behind the iParenting Media "Awards".  I was discussing the situation with my husband and a colleague of mine, attempting to justify (to them and probably to myself) choosing iParenting Media Awards over the other programs.  I told them that iParenting Media Awards was the only one that was ISO9001:2000 certified.  My husband, who works for Toyota Canada Corporation (who is ISO 14000 certified), reminded me that being ISO certified ONLY means that they follow a set of standards for their business processes, NOT that they have any integrity!  (touché honey!)

And here's the clincher...  I have since found out from several recipients of the award that after you "win", they send you an 8-1/2 x 11" certificate and about 6 of each of their two styles of seal stickers (the regular IPMA and the "HOT").  Then they advise you that you can't USE said stickers on anything but demo products and promptly try to sell you a licensing package, starting at $1000 USD and UP, to use the iParenting logo.  That's right folks.  You WIN the award but you are not allowed to use the seal without paying them yet even MORE money.  You can't use it on your website; you can't use it in a press release; you can't use it on your packaging; you can't use it in your trade show booth.  You CAN use the words "iParenting Media Award winner" and you can display the certificate in public and that's it.

Funny how that wasn't mentioned anywhere in the submission process.

In fact, I had to dig through the deep, dark bowels of their website to find ANY mention of it at all.  I found it under Customer Service/Benefits and Promotion of Award Earners.  As you can see below, they gloss over the point, not mentioning a dollar amount at all, but only vaguely mentioning a "licensing package".  Make no bones about it, these paragraphs are written "just so" so that unless you have prior knowledge of the licensing fees (and thus can read between the lines), it is easy to misunderstand what they are stating:

Do I have to pay to promote my IPMA Award if I win?

No.  iParenting Media provides all IPMA Winners with a permanent Award Certificate and we encourage you to display the certificate when promoting your Award.  IPMA winners have equal opportunity to participate in on-camera interviews at industry events.  iParenting Media also provides each Award winner with a document that clearly provides the proper way to maximize the benefits of your IPMA Award at no additional charge.  Additional promotional opportunities are available for purchase.

So they give you a paper certificate like this one:  But you can only use it at trade shows or other public events.  You can't put it on your website or in a press release or anywhere else for that matter.  You can't give it to all of your retailers, because you only get ONE copy and are not permitted to reproduce it in any manner.

Are physical stickers available if we want to put them on our winning product?

Yes.  Each iParenting Media Award winner is provided with a courtesy supply of both Classic and Hot award stickers for use on their demonstration units.  Additionally, each IPMA winner is provided the opportunity to purchase additional seals at any time in the future for the winning product as long as the product is not modified from the award-winning version.

I wonder how much these stickers cost?  Oh and if you pay the licensing fee for the digital images, you can't make your own stickers with it - you have to buy their pre-made stickers.

Are digital images available if we want to put them on our website, print materials or packaging?

Yes. iParenting Media Award winners may license the Hot and Classic IPMA Award images.  A variety of packages are available to suit your needs.

Again, no mention of the cost and certainly not that the licensing will cost you more than three times the cost of the product submission itself!

Then I found this gem here:

Do you require final packaging?

We do not require final packaging, only final product. Our philosophy is that some companies with outstanding products may have large marketing budgets or recognizable characters to influence a consumer's purchase. Therefore, the packaging is not included in our criteria.

So the packaging is NOT included in IPMA's criteria, yet 2 out of 3 of the feedback that I received was regarding my packaging.  Hmmm...  I think iParenting Media Awards is talking out of both sides of their mouth.

I say BUYER BEWARE.

I have since done extensive research on some of the other award programs mentioned at the beginning of this post and I can tell you that they are NOT all alike.  As an example, PTPA discloses the licensing fee in detail and UP FRONT for the use of their logo if you win their award and if you don't win, you can resubmit within 6 months for NO EXTRA CHARGE.  You also get your evaluator feedback in its entirety and TWO custom questions.

So will I submit to another program?  A few weeks ago I said, "ABSOLUTELY FREAKING NOT!"  Obviously, my perception of these programs was "slightly" skewed by my experience with iParenting Media (duh).  Now that some time has passed and I can look at the situation more objectively, I will say, "Never say never!"  If you can look at the process with your eyes wide open, knowing up front the ENTIRE cost that is potentially associated with it, considering the accompanying PR and exposure that is received as a "winner" (which is usually very good), then you can make a sound business decision on whether you want to pursue it.  On the other hand, if you go in thinking it will be a $300 deal only to find out that in order to promote your winning product you have to cough-up big bucks (big-non-budgeted-for-bucks), then they kind of have you by the balls, don't they?  Anywho, if I take the plunge again, you'll be the first to know!

Have you had any experience with these awards programs?  Not yet perhaps, but were considering submitting?  Did you think they were real "awards" like I did?  Drop us a comment below.  We'd love to hear ALL about it!