Why We Love ToyDirectory

Don't believe the hype? What about a peer? If you want to know how ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine help specialty toy manufacturers and retailers build their businesses, just listen to what they have to say:

"Two days after we went live on TDmonthly, we got a phone call from a distributor who has 37 points of distribution. She'd seen our game on ToyDirectory and asked for a sample to show her boss. We sent her a full-scale comp and she called back to say 'We're in ... can we get it early?' We've made four pre-Toy Fair sales so far with TDmonthly!" — Tara Murphy, founder, Elastic Earth, 2009

Manufacturer Video Testimonials
	Ken Maxwell, Peg Perego (Fall Toy Preview 2007)
Missy Cohen-Fyffe, Babe Ease (ABC Kids Expo 2007)	Crystal Kane, LilyBugs (ABC Kids Expo 2007)	Charles Littwin, Ttalf (ABC Kids Expo 2007)
Dane Scarborough, Uberstix (WTHRA 2007)	Marc-Aurele Buholzer, Dunecraft (WTHRA 2007)	Laura Cipullo, Kelmar Games (WTHRA 2007)
Derek White, Manhattan Toy (Toy Fair 2006)	Shelley A. Markwart, Zany World Games (Toy Fair 2006)	Tony Cross, Mic-O-Mic Americas (Toy Fair 2006)

Leads for Manufacturers

"We use ToyDirectory because it is a great way to reach a vast amount of customers efficiently and affordably." — Devo Ihonde, vice-president of sales, eeBoo (ToyShow), 2007

"We know our customers and prospects regularly read TDmonthly because we can see their follow-up activity on our website whenever we advertise or are fortunate enough to be mentioned in an article. We can even trace post-advertising residual activity from our permanent listing. Finally, we read it, too, to keep abreast of the toy business." — Gerry Linda, director of marketing, Neat-Oh! International LLC (ToyShow), 2007

"ToyDirectory.com is our main method of Internet marketing. The quality of its editorial content and its insightful coverage of the toys, games and educational products industries through its TDmonthly and Playzak Internet magazines have made ToyDirectory.com enormously influential in these markets. For example, a recent survey conducted on the Internet by the oldest and best-known print magazine in the toy industry and also conducted by ToyDirectory.com resulted in at least 10 times the number of responses to the ToyDirectory.com-issued survey. ToyDirectory.com is a very powerful, convenient and surprisingly cost-effective marketing medium, which we highly recommend. — Marshall P. Gavin, executive vice president, b. dazzle, inc. (ToyShow), 2007

"HABA USA continues to be very satisfied with the leads brought to our attention through ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine. This is one advertising venue that I don't have to ponder over the value provided." — Lea Culliton, president, sales & marketing, Habermaass Corp. dba HABA USA (ToyShow), 2007

Read more Manufacturer Testimonials

Retailer Video Testimonials

Toys for Retailers

"I just want to tell you how much we appreciate your notice of new toys. We purchased the "Ball of Whacks" twice already and people love it! We show it to everyone who enters. This is really fun. Please keep us on your list of notice of new products. Thank you ever so much." — Ruth Hackman, Aerial Stunt Kites, LLC (SM), Lake Geneva, Wisc., 2008

"We find TDmonthly Magazine a great place to review following Toy Fair. There are usually several articles and reviews of 'toy finds' that we had missed at the fair. It gives an excellent source for what's going to move in the coming year." — Rick Garlock, owner, The Treasured Child, La Grange, Ky., 2007

"One word: Webkinz." — Margie Gold, president of Toy Time, Festival Bay Mall, Orlando, Fla., 2007

"I go onto your site when I'm looking for information on new toys, anything new to the market and any news relative to the toy industry. ... We learned of Sudoku through TDmonthly. We got it in before Christmas, and we sold through it." — Sherrie Cannon, owner of Discovery Depot, Cookeville, Tenn., 2006

Read more Retailer Testimonials

MANUFACTURERS' TESTIMONIALS back to top

Increased Exposure and Sales:

"I continue to do business with the ToyDirectory over the last four years because I get results! — Stanley Block, president, Teddy Bear Stuffers (ToyShow), 2007

"ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine offer Out of the Box a chance to present our most current information to retailers. The publications also allow retailers to access our website directly from the source of information. A great service!" — Matt Mariani, director of marketing, Out of the Box Publishing (ToyDirectory), 2007

"As a new player in the novelty toy business, Gibby Novelties was looking for an avenue in 2004 to assist us in getting the 'word out' to retailers and consumers about our doll and novelty lines. ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine have done a fantastic job in helping us develop and grow our business in the past few years! We could not have prospered and grown as rapidly as we have without their sales and marketing efforts, inside knowledge of the industry, and the consistent web exposure on our behalf! If you want to see immediate results, we highly recommend the use of their knowledge and expertise! — Daniel Gibby, owner of Gibby Novelties LLC (ToyDirectory), 2007

"Douglas Company has been working with ToyDirectory and TDmonthly for several years. We appreciate the continuous visibility to our market and the many leads that have become new retailers as customers. As we all know, the specialty gift and toy market is significantly driven by web-based marketing. We appreciate complementing our print materials with the carefully targeted, well-executed, and prolific exposure that ToyDirectory and TDmonthly offers. The TDmonthly and ToyDirectory staff are competent, kind, and eager to help...that is priceless. We thank you for a very positive relationship over the years." — Erika Radich, marketing manager, Douglas Cuddle Toys (ToyShow), 2007

"I have received many nice orders since joining forces with ToyDirectory.com. The people I have worked with are delightful and I have never had a problem with them. They come very highly recommended by my company, which is a small publishing company." — Nancy Poffenberger, president, Fun Publishing Co. (ToyDirectory), 2007

"ToyDirectory has been a great resource for our company. They are highly proactive and frequently provide coverage about our new products. And we love our Toy Show Preview and all the leads it generates! Through our relationship with ToyDirectory, we have gotten smarter about our Internet presence. ToyDirectory personnel are professional, prompt, consistent, smart, helpful and just plain nice. Their customer service is outstanding; their creative department is excellent [and] their professionalism and competency is top notch. And, they make us feel special. These days, that kind of customer service is truly rare. But the best thing I can say about ToyDirectory is that when I Google my corporate name, I am now at the top of the page! Thank you, ToyDirectory!" — Brenda de Jong, owner, Small Miracles (ToyShow), 2007

"It is with pleasure that I have this opportunity to express my appreciation for TDmonthly's suggestions, guidance, and help at modest costs enabling Rolli-Rider to achieve international exposure. You and your staff have been remarkably unquestionably responsive. We do appreciate having had your help and partnership." — Noel Eberhardt, Rolli-Rider (ToyShow), 2007

"We have subscribed to ToyDirectory for nearly two years. We are a distributor of high-end construction toys from Germany and of amazing brainteaser games from Taiwan. Virtually everything we sell has received numerous awards from the toy experts. We have tried print advertising and find that, in our experience, the responses are just not worth the expense. On the other hand, inquiries and orders resulting from ToyDirectory have been well worth the relatively small amount of expense incurred. We find that their prices are more than reasonable, their attention to clients is way better than most (they really want to work with and for you), and they are very responsive to getting information updated, etc. They will actually chase you to make sure your information is current! Highly recommended with no reservations! — Tony Cross, president, Mic-O-Mic Americas Inc. (ToyShow), 2007

"Timeless Toys Inc. has used the services of ToyDirectory for over two years. We have received three to four times more responses and interest in our products from potential Internet dealers and retailers who have found our site through ToyDirectory in comparison to any other similar services that we have used. The personnel at ToyDirectory are very friendly, knowledgeable and responsive to our questions or special needs. I recommend them to any firm in need of improved Internet exposure." — Harold A. Nizamian, chairman & CEO, Timeless Toys Inc. (ToyDirectory), 2007

"Our listing in ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine has generated many quality leads over the last few years. Initially we planned to run our listing for just a few months, but 2 years later we are still there and receiving new leads every week...well worth the investment. The basic listings we subscribe to, together with many other services offered — email broadcasts, product reviews and video diaries — provide a cost-effective vehicle in promoting SaiZon and Stikfas products to many retailers we may not have otherwise approached." — Martin New, director of sales and channel marketing, Stikfas/SaiZon (ToyShow)

"Wild Heart Ranch has been profiled on ToyDirectory on an ongoing basis to generate sales leads and brand awareness. We have generated targeted leads that have translated into sales for us. As the toy industry transitions to more and more online sales, we feel having an online presence with ToyDirectory is an effective online sales tool for us." — Dawn Van Zant, founder/director, Wild Heart Ranch Inc. (ToyShow), 2007

"I just wanted you to know that I received an inquiry today within 24 hours of your posting KAPLA on ToyDirectory.com. That is quite efficient indeed." — Marjorie Israel Chayette, general partner, Kapla Toys (ToyShow), 2007

"We have had great success with our advertising dollars spent at ToyDirectory. We consistently have visitors to our site who request information through our wholesale site. Those visitors have turned into real sales and become ongoing customers. The customer service and exceptional value ToyDirectory offers keep us advertising with them!" — Susan Berns, Fairy Finery (ToyShow), 2007

"Fanny's Play House has subscribed to the different programs of ToyDirectory.com for several years. We are a small company without a showroom or many sales representatives. ToyDirectory.com gives us a lot of exposure to retail stores. We get inquiries regularly as a result, some of which lead to an order. I recommend their programs to small companies in particular." — Fanny Wong, CEO, Fanny's Play House (ToyShow), 2007

"First of all, we would like to thank you for the great job you are doing. Since we opened our website www.dandme.com six years ago, approximately 98 percent of our web business is a result of our listing with you." — Don and Mary Hurley, owners, D and ME Wood Toys (ToyDirectory), 2006

"ToyDirectory has a fantastic product with their E-casts. They have really delivered results for our company. In addition, we feel their manufacturers' page and Toy Fair Previews are an important part of our marketing strategy." —Grant Cleveland, owner, DuneCraft Inc. (ToyShow)

"I just wanted to let you know how happy I've been with the results from being listed on ToyDirectory.com. The number of inquiries I have received have been phenomenal. The listing price is well worth every penny and I definitely want to renew my listing. Thank you!" —Suzanne, DOLL Essentials

"You guys really are the best. I know my budget isn't even close to what the "big boys" spend per year on advertising and marketing, however it is saying something that you guys are getting 85 percent of my total budget this year, and probably more of it next year. I appreciate your help very much, please know that! ... Leads from ToyDirectory.com have resulted in a purchase rate of 2%. We are very happy with the results." —Joe Karsten, Adventure Products Inc. (ToyDirectory)

"The Bear Mill has utilized ToyDirectory for the past two years. I find advertising through ToyDirectory to be a big asset to our company. ... My contacts through the ToyDirectory continue to increase with every advertisement I place. Overall, the service we have encountered through the Toy Directory has been wonderful and we will continue to utilize them in the future." —Janis Fenton, co-founder, The Bear Mill (ToyShow)

"We love ToyDirectory.com. Our website has received many visitors from your directory. When we look around at the community you have established, and the consistent service and e-mails we receive, we are proud to be members of your site." — Maureen Gallagher, Galison Books

"I really appreciate being listed in ToyDirectory.com. It seems to be a popular site, because we are getting many leads. Keep up your good work!" —Moshe Neurath, Hygloss Products Inc.

"I can say that our presence on ToyDirectory has resulted in a steady stream of leads, a fair number of which have turned into customers." — Roger Fletcher, Diamond Comic Distributors Inc.

"My listing on ToyDirectory.com's online directory has proven to be a profitable venture. I receive several responses from retailers who have seen the pictures of my products and are looking to buy wholesale on a regular basis. The cost of listing with ToyDirectory is low, and the response is absolutely worth it!" — Dianne Gendron, Basic Creations

"ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine are a source of valuable industry contacts that, quite simply put, turns into value, money … hard cold cash, that warm the cockles of our hearts." — Emmanuel Aronie, sales/operations, Zero Toys Inc. (ToyShow)

Outstanding Service:

"ToyDirectory and TDmonthly have always been extremely professional to work with. I appreciate the personal attention we receive and believe that the exposure to the toy stores we target is a great value. I would not hesitate to recommend ToyDirectory to any company looking to expand its business-to-business relationships." — Dave Wedzik, founder and president, Alivan's (ToyShow), 2007

"I just want to let you know that we enjoy working with ToyDirectory and TDmonthly because you are all very thorough and good at following up with us; you are all very pleasant to deal with and you do a great job with displaying and linking our products. Keep up the good work!" — Susan Price, sales administrator, Goldberger Doll Mfg. (ToyDirectory), 2007

"Your company does such a wonderful job hiring! Everyone at TDmonthly has been such a pleasure to work with." — Lisa Carvajal, founder/CEO, TOTO Products (ToyShow), 2007

"I just wanted to thank you for your help with our listings. [The staff] was great in getting everything updated, with good placement. We really appreciate it." — Holly Beth Moncher, president, Time for Manners (ToyShow)

"It was sooooo easy to work with TDmonthly. [The staff] made everything very simple for me as this is my first time to advertise. I am extremely grateful for all the publicity you have given me thus far. I look forward to working with TDmonthly in the future and thank you again for everything. Also, the email alerts are wonderful, letting me know there was another article about our company in this month's issue. The product search brought up immediately all the information about my company and it was great. I will be in touch with your advertising department after the Toy Fair to place an ad. Thanks!" — Terri Hensley, owner, Huntington Ludlow Media Group, 2007

"ToyDirectory is a reference point, having their pulse directly on the toy industry. I keep working with ToyDirectory to take advantage of their resources. I am kicking this relationship into high gear this year and definitely plan to use them in my marketing strategy." — Daina Bennett, Educational Materials Distributors (ToyDirectory), 2007

"TDmonthly provided us with an immediate profile with our most important target market — specialty toy retailers. And they did this at a price we could afford. The TDmonthly team has been easy to work with and very professional. One of the things I especially value about our relationship with TDmonthly is the way they come to me with suggestions for ways to improve the reach of our marketing effort. When I think TDmonthly, I think value for money." — Jim Phipps, CEO, AquaStruct, Inc. (ToyShow), 2007

"The listing we have on ToyDirectory has been great for exposure, as has the ad we took out for the Toy Fair issue. But most of all I have appreciated the excellent customer service." — Laura Cipullo, KelMar Games Corp. (ToyDirectory), 2006

"Your company is coming across as a group of very refined, creative and customer caring individuals...I am impressed." —Sam Otal, Training Wings Inc.

"Recently, we had experience with an online directory/search engine for wholesale gift products through one of our wholesale gift show operators, which caused me especially to appreciate and not take for granted your integrity, design standards, thoroughness, timely and accurate communications and referral traffic volume." —Marshall Gavin, executive vice president,
b. dazzle, inc.

"The HABA® corporation has been extremely pleased with the quantity and the quality of the leads that ToyDirectory.com and TDmonthly.com consistently sends to us. We would like to thank the ToyDirectory staff for their assistance in planning our marketing strategy and the consistently valuable customer service your organization provides. Thank you for doing such a great job!" —Lea Culliton, president, national sales & marketing, Habermaass Corp. dba HABA USA

"What I appreciate, as the executive who is responsible for marketing at b. dazzle, inc., is the constant flow of creative new marketing ideas and programs that ToyDirectory.com innovates and tailors to our specific needs; it's as if I have my own advertising creative staff supporting me and helping me to maximize our marketplace exposure. In today's highly competitive marketplace, every manufacturer of toys, games and gifts needs an Internet marketing strategy. For b. dazzle, inc., that Internet marketing strategy, simply stated, is ToyDirectory.com." —Marshall Gavin, executive vice president, b. dazzle, inc.

"The representatives for ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine have focused on the particular needs and goals my business wants to accomplish through advertising, and have always kept me updated on any offers that might pertain to those needs throughout the year. I appreciate the dedication they have to my business, and the ongoing communication they have with me." —Kim Weil, Bendon Publishing International

"Toy Directory and TDmonthly provide Alivan's with an invaluable resource for marketing our product line toward targeted retailers." —David Wedzik, founder, Alivan's Inc.

"It is a real pleasure to work with the ToyDirectory.com staff. They are highly creative, practical, considerate and helpful. If you have come to believe that customer service no longer exists in our culture, your cynicism will be extinguished and your faith will be renewed when you work with the wonderful professionals at ToyDirectory.com." — Marshall P. Gavin, executive vice president, b. dazzle, inc. , 2007

"I cannot express my appreciation for your support. We are soooo honored to be included in this product preview. I am just delighted. I must say that everyone at TDmonthly Magazine has been exceptionally supportive, cooperative, informative and eager to assist us in getting our products in front of the Toy Fair world! ... Seriously, you have one of the most stealth operations and are committed to serving your customers. I could not be more impressed." — Debby Carman, founder, Faux Paw Productions, 2007 (ToyShow)

"I met you guys at the Game Expo in Las Vegas and it's been one of the best things that's happened to me. The people are great to work with and I'm getting a chance to market my game that I wouldn't have otherwise." — Rahn G. Porter, president, Boxing Express, 2007

"In my quest to seek out a new source that would display The Learning Station’s over 20 years of award-winning educational music and videos with panache, distinction and international appeal, the search engines brought me directly to TDmonthly Magazine. Immediately impressed with my new found, high-ranking, quality prospect, I proceeded to initiate a relationship. To my VERY pleasant surprise, I found much more than a company that would satisfy my perfectionist, promotional desires — I was warmly greeted by a welcoming group of OUTSTANDING professionals that invited me to become part of their TDmonthly family and who have gone beyond all boundaries, bending over backwards to seek my complete satisfaction. [TDmonthly is] a high-standard industry magazine that encompasses ALL of my promotional needs, catering to our intelligent, international audience and that has added a whole new dimension of ‘EXCELLENCE in ADVERTISING’ to our entire product line." — Proud to be a new TDmonthly member, Laurie Monopoli, The Learning Station, 2007

"Being listed in the ToyDirectory is probably the most effective internet listing for toy manufacturers seeking
new internet business. Our listing in the ToyDirectory has brought us more leads from internet retailers than any other online listing." — Marsha Cannonie, National Sales Manager, Premium & Special Markets, Nikko America Inc./Erector, 2007

RETAILERS' TESTIMONIALS back to top

“TDmonthly does an excellent job documenting the toy industry’s trends and highlighting new products with informative interviews that are enjoyable to watch. I always look forward to seeing the next set of videos."
— Kathleen McHugh, ASTRA President

"Our business crosses over between the toy and hobby industries. I find TDmonthly Magazine to be an excellent resource to keep me informed of new developments and new products with easy and efficient navigation to find what I am looking for quickly." — Bob Wilke, partner, corporate franchise team, Hobbytown USA, Lincoln, Neb., 2007

"I found numerous companies listed on your website advertising the toy show in NYC this year. We have many samples of product coming, all of them new and exciting opportunities for us and our customers. With the toy show being in NYC it was a major help for us in the Midwest to see all of the suppliers in one spot since we are unable to attend the show. I haven't had any complaints and don't expect to with TDmonthly." — Josh Grindstaff, Education Station, Coldwater, Mich., 2007

"I enjoyed your emails and have found them very informative. I would recommend them to anyone who is in a gift-buying position. They are also very timely." — Marlys Nelson, former buyer for Foster Corner Drug, Perry, Okla., 2007

"I love getting [TDmonthly]! I saw the PUMGO for the first time on your site, and I brought it in and did pretty well with it. And I was the only one in Montana who had it ... It's actually pretty great!" — Denise Hoffman, owner of A Pocketful of Toys, Fallon, Mont., 2006

"We have found ToyDirectory invaluable as we are a new Internet retailer. It's great to get up-to-date information about new products." — Jason Chapman, managing director of Toys Are 4 U Ltd, Sittingbourne, Kent, England, 2007

"Since I'm starting up a new business here in Belgium (a retail shop, toys and collectibles) and would like to import mainly from the U.S., ToyDirectory is a great help for me!" — Glenn Delcart, Best Copie, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium, 2007

"Being from New Zealand, which is more than shouting distance from the United States, I find TDmonthly an excellent source of information. I don't get the opportunity to travel to the major fairs often and rely on agents and publications to get information. If I see a line in your update that looks pretty good for our market, I'll often contact one of our own sourcing agents and tell them to contact the company. Sometimes the line can work (freight, margins etc.); sometimes it can't. I would rate TDmonthly as the most informative toy publication I've come across so far. — Warren Hunter, merchandise manager, General Merchandise, Foodstuffs Auck Ltd, New Zealand, 2007

"Your monthly has helped me with trends...also when I'm searching for something...I can usually find what I'm looking for through your contacts!" — Sherry Arrant, Extreme Body Rage, 2007

"With ToyDirectory and TDmonthly Magazine we were able to do a lot of contacts with suppliers that we didn't know where to find. I can say that both ToyDirectory and TDmonthly were my right brain of the commercial process I've been to with several manufacturers and suppliers that appeared in TDmonthly Magazine." — Luis Miguel Ribau, Oficina da Ciência, Lda, Aveiro, Portugal, 2007

"The best thing about [your videotaping me at Toy Fair 2006] is that I saw your site and found a gazillion things to read there: rating toys in the homeschool articles, etc. It was one of the best things that came out of Toy Fair." — Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys, Falmouth, Mass. , 2006

"I have your site in my Favorites and go back and look from time to time ... at least once a week. I try to spend a good chunk of time researching." — Betty Nobles, buyer for Village Toy Shop, New Hartford, N.Y. , 2006

"I went through and found several things I was interested in, including Fanny's Playhouse. ... I've ordered and they're great things, and I wouldn't have heard about them otherwise. The articles on the site have been really helpful because we've never run a toy store before ..." — Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles, Vancouver, Wash., 2006

"I research to see who's doing what, what's coming out, who's the distributor, where I can get the merchandise." — Carolyn Stevens, owner of Collectibles N Toys, Wayne, N.J. , 2006

"I use it all the time. I really like the Retailer Spotlight ... I also use it to look up a vendor that I need information on ... such as Red Farm. I get busy, but I'm pretty much able to go every month and see what's new." — Jan Adamson, owner of Annie's Toy Chest, Cocoa, Fla., 2006

"My daughter and I use your site as a guide for purchasing toys and games for the playrooms at the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, Florida. Because of the controlled environment, we know what toys are played with most and which ones take a lot of playtime. Your site has helped us make good decisions about what donations to request and what to purchase. We are glad you all are in business." —Mrs. Darlene Klosterman and Amanda Klosterman, volunteer staff, Ronald McDonald House

"The new owners of the store have been using [TDmonthly Magazine], so they're definitely finding things. I've been in the business a little longer than them, so I'm more familiar with the toys, but they've brought things to my attention that I've never seen or carried. They're definitely seeing it as a pretty valuable tool." — Kevin Hart, former buyer for Toy Store, Atlanta, 2006.

"I get the Bloom Report and I go to your site from there to search for new products." — Angie Wilkos, owner of Cherry Street Kids, Black Mountain, N.C., 2006

"I like reading the articles about other dealers and about business in general." — Joyce Hoover, owner of the Doll & Gift Gallery, Rogers, Ariz., 2006

"It's great! I find it very informative. ... I've gone through the newsletter to contact the companies to find out if they have fairy products." — Katina Dispenza, owner of Efairies.com, 2006

"You offer a great service. I registered, and have also used the Inquiry Basket. … Thanks for all your hard work in covering so many new companies" — Ricki Block, owner of Ariel's Child, New Windsor, N.Y.

"Your site's very easy to use." — Jeff Gurley, owner of The Lollipop Shop, Jonesborough, Tenn.

"I really appreciate this type of newsletter. It helps a lot to hear from other retailers about products that are working for them."
— Pam Nailor, owner of Royal Hobbies, Chandler, Ariz.