News & Events

All The Profits You Can Bear- My Pawfect Bear
Interview with Marisa A. Catusco of My Pawfect Bear
By Scottie Claiborne

Are you in a short-season area? Are you just looking for ways to increase your bottom line profits? My Pawfect Bear may be the answer! This portable bear-stuffing machine was designed specifically for the rental market. Marisa Catusco tells us why you need to add this cool activity to your inventory.

This month we interviewed Marisa A. Catusco, of My Pawfect Bear, a stuff-your-own bear system that is portable and designed specifically for rental companies. The popularity of bear stuffing has caught on in a big way and My Pawfect Bear can help you to capitalize on this fun trend.

[AIRCO] What's the idea behind My Pawfect Bear?

[My Pawfect Bear] Being involved in portable rentals for over 12 years, I have watched our industry as it has been crippled by high risk forms of entertainment. Love-N-Stuff My Pawfect Bear was conceived to satisfy the portable rental company's need for low liability, high profit, year round services to offer their clients. The "Stuff your own Teddy Bear" concept is a proven success thanks to retail venues all over the world. Having the ability to bring this concept to the client instead of the client coming to you is ideal for today's portable rental company.

[AIRCO] How does this concept work for portable rentals?

[My Pawfect Bear] There are so many ways to implement My Pawfect Bear into your menu of services. Stuffing your own Teddy Bears has been featured at Birthday Parties, Company Picnics, Corporate Team Building and Morale Boosters, Post Prom, Project Graduations, Church and School Carnivals and Fund Raisers, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and so many more opportunities.

[AIRCO] Is it easy to transport and set up?

[My Pawfect Bear] The GingerBear House has been developed with our experience in portable rentals. The machine breaks down into 2 pieces, so it can be transported most minivans. The machine itself has a large capacity storage drawer so you can roll into a party ready to go. The GingerBear House is a true Plug and Play piece of equipment! We have fixed our machine with additional and necessary features not found on any other stuffing machines available including the 25 ft retractable power cord, the storage nook for the foot pedal and removable stuffer nozzle, its storage drawer and safety switches, The outer shell is constructed to be durable during transport but also posses an attractive finish so it never goes unnoticed. All of these features are essential for a safe, functional and profitable attraction.

[AIRCO] How much can a rental operator be expected to invest upfront to get started with bear making?

[My Pawfect Bear] I was always frustrated with new purchases in that being able to tell my clients about the new attractions coming I would have to "fend for myself". I would like for our clients to have to invest less than I had to. Included with the initial package purchase of the machine and starter inventory (a retail value of at least $2000.00) is a Marketing and Production tool book, marketing graphics, birth certificate graphics, and postcard mailers for our clients to get the word out. I believe this part of the package has a priceless value! This package is priced at $7495.00.

[AIRCO] I notice the insurance companies you list on your site also insure inflatable companies. Do you have any idea how much insurance on the bear stuffing machine generally runs per year?

[My Pawfect Bear] Of course, it varies, but typically less than half of what you pay for a single moonwalk.

[AIRCO] What kind of profit margins can an operator expect? Are the bears or the clothes more profitable?

[My Pawfect Bear] There is about a 300% markup available in most areas of the US.

[AIRCO] What ways to you recommend upselling clients to get more out of each sale?

[My Pawfect Bear] Our "Beary Cool Party Production" booklet provided with the package purchase is filled with theme ideas and party packages designed to help structure a party package and provides insight on how to up sell the event.