All kinds of direct sales businesses abound. From Pampered Chef kitchen gadgets to Longaberger baskets, it seems that there is a company for every item you’d ever want to buy.
Add tools for women to the list. Tomboy Tools is a company that trains sales consultants to market tools designed for woman.
At a typical tool party, women might learn how to repair drywall, install crown molding or use electric tools.
Brenda Ragland is a Roanoke area consultant for Tomboy Tools. Ragland, who is single, likes to tackle home projects herself. She built a pond in her backyard fives years ago. She’s also not afraid to try various repairs at her Vinton home, whether it is installing laminated floors or doorknobs.
“I try to jump in and do it, so I can say I’ve got that under my belt,” Ragland said.
The tools that she sells are the basic kinds, such as caulking guns for $14.95, cordless screwdrivers for $22.95 and plumbing kits for $49.95.
The difference, though, is most all are lightweight with smaller grips. Workers in Taiwan manufacture the tools sold by Tomboy Tools, based in Denver. The items are sized based on the hands of Asian men, who typically are built smaller than American men, Ragland said.
Of course, Tomboy Tools sells some pink tools. There are pink hammers for $14.95, though $3 from the sale goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, which raises money for breast cancer research and education for women.
Ragland is one of several local consultants who gradually is building a business for Tomboy Tools here. She likes the company because it empowers women to become do-it-yourselfers and to make wise decisions about home repairs.
Tomboy Tools’ Web site tells the story of a woman who was about to have an entire wall in her home replaced by a contractor, before she learned how to repair drywall herself during a tool party.
“A lot of home repairs are really easy if somebody gives out the right tools and walks you through it,” Ragland said.
You can learn about Tomboy Tools and its products at www.tomboytools.com.
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