This is the shipment that went out last Monday -- the first wave of orders was tidal! Each of these van-loads was full to the brim (though I didn't get a picture of trip #2, so there's a duplicate photo in there to represent the missing picture). From creating your Trash Ties to order, to packaging, boxing, labeling, updating, and so on, these orders were completed in record time -- and we should have handed out green stocking hats and pointed shoes to the friends and family that stopped by to help. We all have a greater appreciation for Santa's elves! The customs forms alone took a day to complete. And it took one person a full day and half just to mark the orders as shipped in the computer. Thank you, helpers!
Now everything is onto a steady pace and all orders from December 11th and on will be subject to the work-flow we've implemented these last two weeks. Thank you everyone for your enthusiasm. And thank you for your patience. There are only two of us to manage every step of this process thus far, from raw materials to completed shipments. It may take a couple of days for an inquiry to rise to the top of the pile, but we intend to address each and every concern in turn.
And thank you again! We received four times more orders than expected the first day the cart was open alone. And we've done it! In the last two weeks, we've converted our garage into a shipping center, implemented an order work-flow system, and made and processed every order from that first busy week.
Christmas is now three days away and our home still lacks any evidence of the holidays. Tonight is the beginning of what we've coined, "Crazy Christmas," Christmas in a flurry -- all Christmas, all day, for three days straight! We'll continue to create your Trash Ties over the holiday, and will begin shipping again once Christmas has passed.
Moving forward, as stated in the welcome page of the Trash Ties store, please expect a 2-4 week lead time before shipping to allow us time to create and package your Trash Ties, and handle all necessary paperwork and filing of information.
We're excited to show you some new hair-dos in the coming weeks, start up some photo groups, and see your Trash Ties in action. Watch for an over-the-top contest as well - prizes too!
Happy Holidays to you all!
Enjoy your Christmas. Time to take a deep breathe and relax a bit!
Posted by: Colleen | December 23, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Mine got here today and are going to be a big hit with my 20ish year old daughters! Can't wait to see what they come up with for hair dos.
Thank you for a great product and for the extraordinary effort you put into get them out in time for Christmas.
Thank you, thank you! Now put up your feet and eat some chocolate! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: LisaAlso | December 24, 2007 at 11:17 AM
I am totally in love with my Trash Ties, which arrived a couple of days ago. I'll be getting these for all of my girlfriends' birthdays this year!
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: emma | December 24, 2007 at 08:51 PM
Can't wait to purchase some - love this idea Heather!
Mary
Posted by: hoganfe handbags | December 24, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Thanks for ALL the effort you put in to get our order to us!! They arrived today - just in time for stockings -YEAH!! I look forward to ordering more for birthdays!
Posted by: Amber | December 25, 2007 at 12:38 AM
My girls wore their new trash ties today, as did I. My nieces have already asked me to buy them some for their birthdays. The funniest thing was when my daughters were playing with their dolls and yelled look mom, they have trash ties too! They used pipe cleaners to do up their hair!!! I had to share that with you. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Colleen | December 25, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Heather, I can't believe how stong the Trash Ties are! I got mine yesterday and they hold up my thick hair like its nothing!! Thank you for such a cute strong hair tie!!
Posted by: kimberly | December 27, 2007 at 10:52 AM
We love Trash Ties! Thanks so much for coming up with such an awesome invention! My daughter has long hair, but it is very fine and these are so strong they really hold whatever style we put in her hair! I just placed my 2nd order! We have had so many compliments and I have to laugh every time I hear my 4 year old tell people, there are Trash Ties in my hair! Amy & Bella =)
Posted by: Amy | December 27, 2007 at 01:16 PM
My mom is sending us a few from the States which should arrive sometime this week. I can't wait! My older daughter has long thick wavy hair and must keep it tied up at school. I think once the other girls see her hair up in Trash Ties, they'll all be clamouring for their own set. We also sent some to a hairstylist friend who fell instantly in love. Other friends are waiting to order until they've seen them in action. All in, I think your van is going to be full for a long time coming. Congratulations!
Posted by: Andrekabu | December 30, 2007 at 02:18 AM
This is amazing! So neat to see a fellow business woman follow her dream - keep up the great work!
(found you through Tara at Bella Pink :)
Posted by: Joy | January 07, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Hello- I think I could REALLY excited about these trash ties. I just have one question-- Do they hold really thick, curly hair? My daughter was adopted from Ethiopia and she has a head of gorgeous curls. I do twists and braids in her hair, but the rubberbands are trecherous to pull out!!
Thanks.
Posted by: Suzi | November 12, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Your weblog is very educational, keep up the good work!!!!
Posted by: Pamelia Tommolino | November 17, 2010 at 02:37 AM