Toy Business Unboxed

ToyLaunch
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Toy Business Unboxed

Welcome to "Toy Business Unboxed," the podcast where we unravel the secrets of the toy industry! Join us as we delve into the world of toy design, marketing, manufacturing, and retail. In each episode, we'll unbox the latest trends, strategies, and challenges faced by toy professionals. From insightful interviews with industry veterans to deep dives into market analytics and creative brainstorming sessions, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things toy business. Ideal for inventors, entrepreneurs, or anyone fascinated by toy creation, "Toy Business Unboxed" reveals the stories behind captivating toys. Join us to learn how imaginative concepts become market hits!

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    The Birth of a New Maze Marvel

    Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we sits down with an innovator in the puzzle game industry to explore the journey behind Play-A-Maze, a company redefining STEM toys. Discover how a passion for gears, mazes, and the psychology of play led to the creation of affordable, safe, and educational mechanical puzzles. Learn about the design and functionality of these unique toys, the challenges of launching a startup, and the insights gained from crowdfunding and e-commerce. Whether you're a toy enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable lessons on creativity, innovation, and navigating the toy market. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction 01:04 The Story Behind Play-A-Maze 01:43 The Fascination with Mazes and Mechanics 03:16 Developing Affordable STEM Toys 04:43 Demonstrating the Puzzle Maze 08:12 Challenges and Market Strategies 09:28 Crowdfunding Experience 11:43 E-commerce and Distribution Challenges 14:53 Creative Process and Product Development 17:00 Feedback and Testing with Children 19:46 Special Needs and Educational Benefits 24:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Toy Entrepreneurs 25:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

    27 min

  2. JAN 10

    A Sustainable Toy Story: Building a Better Future

    Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we chats with Steve, an 81-year-old former teacher and school administrator turned toy entrepreneur. Discover Steve's early inspirations from his humble beginnings, playing with toast crumbs, to his experiences teaching in a challenging Brooklyn school district. Learn about his innovative educational toy store, catering to children with special needs, and his current venture, the Eco Connect Bottle system, which transforms plastic waste into creative, useful items. Steve shares his inventive journey, the importance of hands-on, imagination-driven play, and his heartfelt advice for aspiring inventors and toy industry entrepreneurs. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:42 Meet Steve: From Educator to Toy Entrepreneur 01:51 Steve's Early Life and Toy Experiences 04:05 Teaching in Challenging Environments 09:33 Founding the Learning Store 16:57 The Eco Connect Bottle System 21:25 Challenges in Mass Production 21:49 Breakthrough with High-Speed Machines 22:33 Designing the First Eco Connect Bottles 23:43 Innovative Connector Prototypes 24:49 Versatile Applications of Eco Connect Bottles 28:32 Patent and Business Plan Development 29:59 Pandemic and Personal Challenges 30:46 The Vision for Repurposing 37:08 Encouragement for Inventors 40:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

    42 min

  3. JAN 3

    The Light of Innovation

    Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed where we interviews John Ellis, a seasoned entrepreneur and optical engineer. John shares his journey from a liberal arts graduate to leading a team of physicists at Optics for Hire. We discuss the intersection of optical engineering and the toy industry, revealing behind-the-scenes stories of innovative products like the XBox Kinect and a Barbie doll with a built-in camera. John also delves into his experience with licensing and creating new products, including a candy-integrated toy and a knife sharpness tester. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating product design and licensing in the toy industry. ⭐️Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:42 Meet John: From Optical Engineer to Toy Innovator 02:14 The Role of Optical Engineering in Toys 06:24 Challenges and Successes in Toy Development 11:02 Innovative Products and Licensing Strategies 16:50 Optics in Consumer Products: Knife Sharpness Sensor 22:02 Latest Invention: The Tape Edge Finder 27:45 Advice for Aspiring Toy Inventors 29:38 Conclusion and Farewell

    31 min

  4. 12/27/2024

    Empowering Toy Businesses with Expert Reviews

    Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, where we explores the crucial role of expert reviews in the toy industry with special guest Dr. Amanda Gummer, child development expert and founder of Good Play Guide, shares her insights on creating credible toy assessments and handling industry challenges. Whether you're a toy entrepreneur or a parent, this episode offers valuable perspectives on enhancing brand reputation and consumer decision-making through expert endorsements. ⭐️Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:42 Webinar Overview and Agenda 01:44 Jason Hsieh's Journey and Expertise 02:39 Challenges and Solutions in the Toy Industry 05:24 The Importance of Consumer Trust 07:45 Expert Reviews and Their Impact 12:42 User Reviews vs. Expert Reviews 18:52 Building a Network of Experts 23:50 Leveraging Reviews for Marketing 31:41 Influencer Marketing vs. Expert Reviews 40:58 Future of Toy Reviews and Technology 45:09 Pitfalls to Avoid in Expert Reviews 51:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    54 min

  5. 12/11/2024

    Compliance and Testing expert insights with 40 Year Veteran Norman Aronowitz

    In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sat down with a special guest Norman, a seasoned professional with over 40 years in the toy industry, as we explore the intricacies of toy safety and compliance. Norman shares valuable insights from his extensive career, from toy testing to the specific regulations enforced by bodies like the CPSC. Learn about the importance of rigorous testing for different age groups, challenges in meeting compliance standards, and effective strategies for navigating product regulations on platforms like Amazon. This episode is packed with essential advice for any toy entrepreneur looking to ensure their products are safe and compliant across global markets! 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:42 Meet Norman: A Toy Industry Veteran 01:30 Norman's Journey in Toy Testing 03:21 Understanding U.S. Toy Compliance 06:37 International Toy Testing: Focus on Japan 08:48 Common Challenges in Toy Compliance 13:56 Cost-Effective Toy Testing Strategies 16:24 Navigating Amazon's Product Compliance 16:51 Amazon's Testing Requirements 18:25 Navigating Amazon's Compliance Challenges 19:25 Working with Toy Launch for Amazon Approval 22:20 Lab Testing Process for New Toy Companies 24:22 Choosing Between US and China Labs 26:53 Sourcing and Testing in Mexico 28:52 Final Advice for Toy Entrepreneurs 31:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

    33 min

  6. 12/02/2024

    Specialty Toys and Retail Resilience: Sue Warfield - 4 Decades of Wisdom

    Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we chat with Sue, a seasoned expert in the toy industry with over 40 years of experience. Sue shares insights from her diverse roles, including buyer, store owner, sales rep, and now Director of Astra. We delve into her journey, the evolution of the industry, and how Astra supports toy entrepreneurs and specialty retailers. Sue also discusses the pandemic's impact on retail, the importance of personalized service, and the innovative ways Astra helps its members, such as through the unique 'Toy Boat' event. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation about the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving toy industry. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:42 Meet Sue: A Veteran in the Toy Industry 01:37 Sue's Journey and Inspirations 03:41 Navigating Retail Challenges During COVID 06:37 The Importance of Specialty Retailers 13:15 Astra's Unique Initiatives and Events 17:59 Advice for New Toy Entrepreneurs 21:59 Staying Competitive in the Toy Industry 24:30 Astra's Resources and Membership Benefits 30:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    31 min

  7. 11/25/2024

    Transforming E-commerce Customer Service

    In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join us as we speak with Jordan, founder of Omnie Integrated Services. Jordan shares his extensive background in customer service and his vision for revolutionizing e-commerce support using AI and automation. We delve into industry trends, the benefits of outsourcing vs. in-house teams, and how Omnie's tailored approach helps toy and e-commerce businesses not only satisfy customers but also drive revenue. Jordan discusses their partnership with Gorgias, leveraging AI for personalized customer interactions, and offers advice for maintaining brand voice when outsourcing. Tune in for insights that could transform your approach to customer support. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:42 Meet Jordan: Revolutionizing E-commerce Customer Support 01:27 The Journey of Omnie Integrated Services 03:48 Trends in E-commerce Customer Support 05:35 The Power of Personalization and AI 07:57 Challenges and Solutions in Customer Support 09:36 Outsourcing vs. In-house: Key Advantages 15:43 Maintaining Brand Voice with Outsourced Support 18:14 Leveraging AI and Automation in Customer Service 20:59 Comprehensive Customer Support Solutions 25:56 Future of Customer Service in E-commerce 29:08 Conclusion and Contact Information

    31 min

  8. 11/13/2024

    From Court to Creation

    Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we sits down with Jerry Dupree, founder of Brainfit Games and former NBA player. Jerry shares his inspiring journey from playing professional basketball to creating his own board game company, Brainfit Games. Hear about the passion and challenges behind developing Tip-Off Basketball, a unique board game integrating physical and cognitive development. Learn how his basketball experiences influenced his entrepreneurship and get insights into the toy industry, the importance of networking, and future collaborations Jerry is excited about. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes and valuable business lessons. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:47 Meet Jerry Dupree: From NBA to Board Game Entrepreneur 01:42 Jerry's Basketball Journey and Early Inspirations 05:29 Creating Tip-Off Basketball: The Concept and Development 11:43 Challenges and Lessons in Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 16:38 Future Plans and Vision for Tip-Off Basketball 21:18 Imagining Kim Jong Un Playing the Game 21:47 Physical Challenges in the Game 22:49 Promoting the Game at Tournaments 27:10 Expanding the Game's Reach 31:29 Advice for Aspiring Toy Entrepreneurs 35:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    38 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Toy Business Unboxed," the podcast where we unravel the secrets of the toy industry! Join us as we delve into the world of toy design, marketing, manufacturing, and retail. In each episode, we'll unbox the latest trends, strategies, and challenges faced by toy professionals. From insightful interviews with industry veterans to deep dives into market analytics and creative brainstorming sessions, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things toy business. Ideal for inventors, entrepreneurs, or anyone fascinated by toy creation, "Toy Business Unboxed" reveals the stories behind captivating toys. Join us to learn how imaginative concepts become market hits!

Information

  • Creator
    ToyLaunch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Toy Business Unboxed

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