How To Buy Toys With Confidence and Make Informed Choices

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and today's the day!  Ever since I started building The Ark's Youtube channel, I've been struck with all types of inspiration on how to keep shoppers informed about what's out there in toy land. 

While it's true that you can find nearly everything online, including in-depth toy reviews, that doesn't mean the content you're reading is credible and aimed at helping you make those informed toy purchases.  Yes, there are a lot of fake reviews out there.  In fact, last year Yelp and a slew of other companies (about 18 others) were dinged for publishing fake product reviews.  Not only does this harm the credibility of consumer review sites, but it leaves honest online shoppers with an uneasy feeling about the information they're reading.

 

However Google has been trying to do their part to gradually rid the web of spammy pages aimed at misleading web surfers, which opens the door for legitimate toy connoisseurs, passionate toy bloggers, and reviewers for their credible content to be seen. 

Luckily for us Arkians, we're oozing with toy suggestions, honest info, and the type of enthusiasm customers appreciate and need.  One of our goals online is to deliver that same customer service experience to parents and shoppers from across the globe.  We know not everyone can have that small toy store experience as more and more independent toy stores disappear, but social media gives us a chance to create our unique atmosphere right online for everyone to enjoy.

As mentioned earlier, one of the inspirations for writing this post came from the new Youtube channel I've been working on for the store.  In addition to making playlists linking to some of The Ark's favorite toymaker videos, I've also been creating and uploading the store's very own toy demo videos.  Youtube videos may have to be one of the best ways to make an informed decision about a toy, as there's nothing quite like seeing it in action to cement a decision.

Another great asset for confident toy buying is understanding the labels on the back of the box.  Just like food items, toys also have their own unique set of "nutritional facts."  When customers inquire about the quality of a product, I often talk about a company's attention to manufacture oversight (if it's being produced overseas) and I always point out that big CE logo.

 

So what does this "CE" logo actually stand for?  When a toy has this special marking, it means it has passed all European standards for toy design, manufacture and safety.  A toy can absolutely be made oversees in China and still qualify for this "quality seal of approval" if the manufacture oversight is exemplary and conforms to European toy standards.  In fact, a toy can't be sold in Europe without this "CE" qualification, making Europe's standards a definite authority concerning safety, material quality and toy design.  

The next time you stroll into a toy store looking for top quality gifts, remember to check out helpful YouTube channels and look out for special labeling that assures safety and quality.