Mass Appeal A local buying program could be the key to getting your product on the shelves of major merchandisers.
By Don Debelak
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The entrepreneur: Kim Babjak, 40, founder of KimCo LLC in Phoenix
Product descriptions: The Zip-A-Ruffle is a bed skirt that zips on and off for easy cleaning. Sold primarily on QVC, the product sells for $29 to $44, depending on size and material. The Animalid is a toilet-lid cover with 3-D animal graphics designed to help toddlers feel more comfortable during the potty-training process.
Startup: Babjak launched the business with $1,000 in 2000. In 2002, she got her first order from QVC for 2,000 Zip-A-Ruffles. That shipment cost $20,000 to produce; Babjak raised the money from family and friends.
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