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The FlexiSnake Story |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Invention sends Velcro "Down the Drain" CHILLICOTHE, IL DEC 27, 2006 -- It's the new way to open a slow running drain - a velcro-tipped, disposable drain snake called FlexiSnake. "It's one of those 'why didn't I think of that' types of discoveries" says local Turner started his own company, FlexiSnake Distributing, and began test marketing the new invention this past summer in a local True Value hardware store and it sold more units than any of the 12 popular chemical drain cleaner products on the shelf. He also recently launched an e-commerce website selling the novel new gadget. The website, www.flexisnake.com, lists testimonials of users gushing over the new device with statements like "In less than 2 minutes my drain was running like new again..." and "WOW-I pulled out this huge wad of hair..." (1). "I was surprised to find that two-thirds of the website customers were female", observes Turner. "They no longer have to wait around for the apartment 'super' or a lethargic husband to unclog the bathroom sink or tub" Turner claims. "FlexiSnake is so small and light they just do it themselves. It fits in a shirt pocket and might just be the world's smallest drain snake. Plus, caustic chemical drain cleaners are dangerous to have around and use. FlexiSnake is safe". "Chemical drain cleaners just aren't effective on these common bathroom hair clogs" says Turner. I found an article on the web(2) in which one of the major drain cleaner companies stated that their product clears only 38% of hanging hair clogs. I'm finding that folks are frustrated with this chemical drain cleaner 'performance gap'". And Americans are quick to spend money on new problem-solving gizmos(3). Turner sums up the business opportunity, "hair clogs are common(4) and the drain cleaner market is huge-hundreds of millions of dollars(5), and this ill-met need creates a golden opportunity for a new product like FlexiSnake". And, according to Turner, the hair clog problem isn't unique to the U.S. "We've already had inquiries from Australia, England, Africa and southeast Asia. Wherever people and modern plumbing exist you have hair clogs. It's a vast worldwide market". So will we see FlexiSnake on store shelves anytime soon? Turner responds "The product has proven itself and now we need to find partners with established worldwide distribution. The Velcro/hair thing clicks right away with people that have this problem. Now we just need to get the word out". For more information or to purchase FlexiSnake, go to www.flexisnake.com. ### Contact: Scott Turner 309-274-6223 flexi@flexisnake.com (2) "Clorox Plumbs Warchest for $18M In Answer to Drano Foamer" (3) Business Week, February 2005, Welcome to Procter & Gadget (4) According to Drano and Liquid Plumr websites, hair is a common cause of drain clogs: (5) “Drain Openers Slip to $183 Million“ The Household Cleaning Products Market based on InfoScan data supplied by IRI (Information Resources, Inc) Bio Enzymes (drain opener, drain cleaner, etc.) $157,816,000 ”The more specific-use products, such as drain cleaners, rug shampoo, oven cleaner and toilet bowl cleaners are used by nearly half (or more) of all households.” Expose Household 2004 |
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