Innovative Educational Toy Helps Start-Up Business Thrive In Tough Economic Times

Inventors of the Potty Watch Find Success Despite Bad Economy

News provided by

Dec 10, 2012, 03:16 ET

SANDY, Utah, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Economy may be suffering the effects of the worst recession in decades, but don't expect Alan and Pamela Parkinson to be looking for a bailout anytime soon. These parent-inventors have turned an idea for a toilet training timer into a successful business that is growing exponentially, thanks to word-of-mouth advertising and the power of the internet.

"The old adage 'build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door' still holds true, and the internet makes it easier to get the word out" said Alan, president of Potty Time, Inc. (pottytimeinc.com) After being laid off from a kitchen appliance company, Alan took an early 401K withdrawal to design and manufacture the Potty Watch®, a wristwatch shaped toilet training timer which uses music and flashing lights to remind toddlers when it's time to "go." The Potty Watch® does the reminding so you don't have to.

"Everyone thought we were crazy," said Pamela, CEO of the company, "but the investment has paid for itself several times over. We've sold almost 200,000 units in all 50 states, mostly from word of mouth referrals. Our sales just keep growing! The average family will spend about $2000 on diapers before a child is potty trained, so spending $10 to speed up potty training makes sense to a lot of parents. And the great part is, those parents are happy and tell their friends about us.

"It has been fun to watch our small business grow from selling on our own website to expanding to specialty catalogues like One Step Ahead & Lillian Vernon. Now we have placement nationwide in Babies R Us, BuyBuy Baby, and over 300 independent retailers. We are living proof that the American Dream is still alive and well, and that there's no bad time to have a good idea!"

To learn more about the pediatrician recommended Potty Watch®, find a retail location near you, or to buy directly from Potty Time, Inc. go to pottytimeinc.com or call (801)523-5080.