[DIY] Re: advice needed
I am a lefty but I am also a righty for a lot of things, as I had to learn to adapt. I have a big problem with manual can openers and therefore must use electric. As for tools...most are universal for either dominant hand.. screwdrivers, drills, hammers, knives, etc. The only thing I would say on the gender role is that it would be nice to have a drill that is narrower for the smaller handed, but if it was marketed as a "just for women" thing, I probably would not buy it on the basis of what was said earlier about losing power and the pink casing. I am 5'2" and have unusually small hands, hubby is 6'1" and his hands aren't much bigger than mine (which is quite funny when you think about it...although his feet are size 12.). I am picturing a line of tools made for women that are very similar to the line of tools that Home Depot makes for kids. My oldest son has a bunch of these as well as their "real" tool counterparts...they are sturdy but I wouldn't want to have to rely on the kid tools for any major home improvement. Kati A female lefty in Iowa....don't you dare call me a southpaw!
They are not pink or any color. They look like regular tools. The drill is narrower! It has power! The name of the company is Tomboy Tools. They have a website you can visit. You see, I am thinking of becoming one of their consultants but my hubby thinks it is silly and women just use their hubby's tools and why would they want their own? Well, true if you are married. If you are not, then would'nt you want a tool that fits you better? They are not like kid's tools. They are real heavy duty tools.
I went to the website and the tools are not pink, but blue. I looked at everything on the site. It requires you to put up money for a "kit". You buy the tools at a discount and sell them to women at the workshops. You also get credit for bringing in more people to sale or be trainers. The more "trainers" you bring in, the more you will make. I think that is where you would make the money. They suggest that you could make about $18.75 and hour, based on a 4 hour party. You will put more than 4 hours into planning, preparing, and holding that party. Bottom line is I don't think you would make the money they state unless you are good at getting other people to be "trainers". I wouldn't go to a "workshop". But then I don't go to the tupperware, MaryKay or anyother home party that wants to sell me something. And I dont' like to buy anything pre grouped and packaged even if it is in a neat plastic gallon bucket, or a blue zip up bag. I also didn't see anything about tool warranty. I think most of the women on this board aren't typical neighborhood wives. There may be a niche for this type of thing---it all depends on who you know to ask to have the parties. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Be gentle with YourSelf Sue
On Wednesday, Jun 16, 2004, at 06:07 US/Eastern, Antoinette Heitmann I went to that site. The drill is the same 9.6v Ryobi you can buy at any Home Depot in America for $39.95 with two batteries, but Tomboy Tools wants $59.95 for it with one battery, and they'll sell you the spare battery for $39.95. Can we say "rip-off"? Oh yeah...a 9.6v Ryobi doesn't exactly have "power." The 14.4v Ryobi we get $69.95 for has power. Oh yeah, they do have a rather unique definition of the word 'tomboy.' They say it's "a girl who determines her own destiny." Last I checked, it was a girl who likes to dress up as a boy. It seems pretty sexist to me to say you can't determine your own destiny if you wear skirts and lipstick. I know lots and lots of women who have determined their own destiny but who don't dress like I do. They have tool-themed jewelry, and that's pretty cool. One of my customers is a lady general contractor (who wouldn't be caught dead with "tomboy tools"--she is a good loyal Milwaukee customer, even has the Hole Hawg for mixing drywall mud) who loves her hammer-shaped earrings. Unfortunately, Tomboy Tools doesn't have hammer earrings, or I might buy some from them. I can't find any around here. Next time I see her I'm gonna have to ask. -- --jmowreader
well, i think you made a wise choice... there's such an abundance of gender marketing or specialized marketing out there, and so much of it is just silly to me... i buy the best i can afford of what it is i want, whether it's designed for a woman or a man!! ;-) and hey, it's not often anybody listens to what i think, so thanks for the opportunity!! lol Antoinette Heitmann <antoinette_heitmann@... investment. $150. You know after reading what you all think, I am not going to do this. I don't think it is a good thing to market tools just for women. I have been using my husbands tools for years and why would I need to buy special tools anyway? I really appreciate your time and helpful thoughts. robin grunzweig kitysmom2@... mission viejo, ca usa "To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." --Joseph Chilton Pearce