Need to Smile?

My daughter is always full of fun and makes me laugh daily. If you need a pick-me-up, watch this video!

GumdropSwap Welcome video

This video used to be on the website's home page. Some close friends were nice enough to tell me it was a little lengthy. I've been known to be wordy. My name IS Gabby. So I'm putting it here for those who want to "meet" me. It gives a brief history of how the idea for GumdropSwap came about, why I started this service and how to use the site. Enjoy!

Switching Utility Providers Was Surprisingly Easy!

We just bought our first home. I am used to having gas heat. Everything runs on electricity in our condo. The first month we were here was November and the bill was $223+ and that was about the max bill we ever got in the old place when we were running window AC units in the worst of summer. I meant to do research then about switching to another provider. My UI bill even mentions a website to do comparisons (http://www.ctenergyinfo.org) Then, we got the next bill, a whopping $384!  We've been running the heat a LOT. It's been freezing lately. We just replaced our blower in our heating unit and supposedly had an energy efficient thermostat installed. So, I can't imagine how high it would be if we hadn't made those changes. After getting this bill I finally went to the website and after plugging in my zip code and specifying that it was a residence instead of business I was able to compare the prices of other providers. I chose the 3rd best rate because they use 20% renewable energy as opposed to 12% which was what my UI's rate is and most of the other providers. I then went to that provider's website (www.veridian.com) and was able to switch by filling out a simple form with info form my UI bill. I was expecting lots of paperwork and having to print and mail forms. That was all I had to do? WHEW! What a relief. I should save about 20% and I can't wait to see the difference. I am proud of myself for paying a slightly higher rate to know I am using more renewable energy sources! Yay me!

Rave Reviews for GDS

The business was featured in the Connecticut Post newspaper on 12/14/09 http://www.connpost.com/ci_13996370
 
GumdropSwap has also been reviewed by mommy bloggers with rave and reviews! http://musingmainiac.blogspot.com/2009/11/gumdrop-swap.html


http://madamedeals.com/2009/11/16/gum-drop-swap-online-childrens-clothes-swap/


I am expecting to more reviews in the upcoming weeks. It is very exciting to know parents are finding this business useful and affordable. I am learning daily about being a “momtrepreneur” and trying to find a balance between that and being a wife and mom.

Why I Started a Business in the Worst Recession since the Great Depression

These are questions from business journalist, David Zahn, to help him write his article about me for the Connecticut Post. I thought they may be helpful to another budding entrepreneur:

1. What was your "career" prior to starting the business? My employer wasn't thrilled when I started a family and it was evident that my days were numbered when I returned from maternity leave. GumdropSwap.com is quite a departure from my Design Production Manager at a furniture retailer. The failing economy late last year was the timely excuse for them to sever ties. I realize that running this business takes a culmination of all of my design, administrative, organizational and problem-solving skills. It's like I've been training for this job my whole life.

2009 in Review

I started GumdropSwap when I was laid off early in 2009. I was appalled to discover how many people throw away clothes in great condition. Especially when so many families are struggling financially. As a new mom, I know how fast children grow and the strain to keep up with the demand. I wanted to figure out a way for parents to get rid of the things their kids had outgrown and be able to get "new" clothes with minimal cost. I was also determined to have an eco-friendly business. It's an opportunity for them to save money while respecting our planet. I launched the website http://www.gumdropswap.com in September.