Interview with Tim Upton from BathBomb Cards
We are delighted to bring to you our interview with Tim Upton from BathBomb Cards. If you're looking for a card and gift in one, especially in these times of lockdown due to the coronavirus and wanting to cheer up, celebrate or encourage loved ones from afar, this innovative Canadian greeting card and bath bomb company from Victoria, BC, may have just what you need...
In a nutshell, what is a BathBomb Card?
It’s a bath bomb, but it’s also a fully dissolving greeting card. Feeling just like paper, you can write on the card with any writing utensil. It smells amazing and the real magic happens when you drop it in the water. In less than a couple minutes the card will fizz away, releasing top notes of essential oils and beautiful colours.
Who are the geniuses behind BathBomb Cards?
I came up with the idea, but Patrick Paquette helped bring the idea to life, and not very easily.
Image courtesy of CBC
How did you get the idea for the cards?
As I sat on the edge of my bed looking at a massive pile of greeting cards awaiting to be thrown out, I thought, why can’t we use our greeting cards? At that time my wife was having a bath, and I made the connection, that just maybe, the card could be a bath bomb and used in the bath.
How do you actually print your cards?
We use vegetable oil ink in a printer. It’s not very complex, it’s non-toxic and the detail is spectacular for our bath bomb cards.
Who designs the artwork and writes the words on your cards?
We have some top partners that do some amazing card designs, but most of our cards are designed in house by our team with Photoshop. We always ask the public for inspiration, and we have had some amazing ideas. That’s why on our site, you will find all sorts of mixed designs that appeal to so many different people.
What scents do the cards come in?
We have 5 choices between Lavender, Eucalyptus, Sweet Citrus, Peppermint and Cotton Candy. And of course, always look out for the fun, limited scents that are always different!
Are your cards eco-friendly?
Yes, they are! We decided this was the most important aspect of BathBomb Cards. We have done extensive research and innovation to ensure that our cards are completely regulated, safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly. Plus when placed in water, they dissolve away.
Do you have any seasonal cards? For example, for Christmas or Valentine's?
With over 200 designs, our customers can choose between 25 categories; from Christmas cards, Valentine’s Day cards, Anniversary Cards, Thank You cards, and even just Funny cards, we have cards for every occasion.
Every year we do some limited time card designs and scents. This year we went all out with something different: Firecracker Popsicle!
We use top notes of cherry, mid white lemon ice and bottom blue raspberry with a subtle vanilla sweet popsicle. Not too in your face tartness. Just a great blend of tart and sweet.
How often do you add new BathBomb Cards to your collection?
We try to add 3 new designs every week. We launch limited cards with unique designs, usually with some comedy, a few times each year. But what sets us apart from our competitors for designs, is that if a customer asks for a specific card design, we make it on the spot for them, for free.
So a customer can order a custom-designed BathBomb Card?
Yes! We pride ourselves to offer such a great service. Just call or email us, letting us know what kind of card you would like designed and we will design it for free! We also offer the ability to insert any message you choose inside of each card. And we also offer this amazing ability: to include non-dissolving hidden messages imbedded inside (such as “Will you marry me?”), non-dissolving fortune messages, and we have recently added the ability to hide Starbucks gift cards inside which makes for a unique gift!
How much do your cards cost?
Our cards typically range from $9.99 to $12.99. However, we quite often promote special offers and deals throughout the year, so it is a good idea to follow us!
How many cards do you currently have on sale?
Currently, we have around 200 different card designs for sale on our website. Our encouragement cards are on sale for $9.99 because of COVID-19, in the hopes that we can help others share more positive moments of encouragement.
Do you sell other products too?
Yes, we have just branched out and innovated a new type of bath bomb! Shaped like a bar, we used the same technology to put a nice simple design on it.
The design adds a nice touch to the bath bomb, with one of our BathBomb Bars saying “Annddd… Relax”.
Where do you sell your products?
We sell most of our cards online at www.bathbombcards.com. It’s perfect to order online for those that plan ahead, are looking for a custom message ability, and that like fast, plus cheap shipping at only $3.50 anywhere in Canada (and $6.50 internationally). We also sell in many retail locations across Canada, including some Pharmasaves.
Who is a typical customer of yours?
We have had a wide range of customers because our designs can appeal to many different people. Typically, we see more females purchasing bath bomb cards, of all ages. However, many men are finding this a cool unique gift for their loved ones as well. We also sell many cards to businesses, and companies looking for custom thank you cards, invitations, and even anniversary cards. Realtors have found giving BathBomb Cards as a great way to give a card and a gift in one.
Do you send your own cards to friends and family?
Yes, we have sent many cards to friends and family for different special occasions. I recently sent one to my mother for her birthday. We can’t thank our family and friends enough for supporting us and helping us spread the word about BathBomb Cards. And they love them!
Who would you love to send one of your own cards to?
I would love to send a card to the actor Sarah Rafferty, I am a big fan of the show Suits and would love to hear what she thinks of BathBomb Cards, especially since she claims to be a 'bath enthusiast'.
What made you decide to approach Dragons' Den?
We noticed Dragons’ Den was coming to our city Victoria. So, we decided to go for the audition. We thought it would be a great opportunity to test ourselves and present BathBomb Cards to a larger audience.
Please tell us about your experience on TV with the Dragons.
We had a great time participating in the Dragons’ Den TV show. Although we were both very nervous, we really did not know what to expect. We prepared as much as we could, and it all happened so fast. It is a very exciting environment since the show is filmed in a live setting. We were very happy that the Dragons treated us well during the show, and we also got to meet some other entrepreneurs who we are still in touch with today.
Image courtesy of CBC
How do you give back to the community?
BathBomb Cards has the unique ability to be a part of people's lives, helping share moments of love and care towards one another. That’s why we just touched over 250 people's lives by giving away free encouragement cards for those most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are always looking to donate to causes, help those in need and make a positive impact on people's lives and the environment.
What's the craziest thing you have done for your customers?
We will do our best to make the impossible happen with our customers. One customer called at midnight asking for an urgent card, custom-made for the next day. I agreed to have it made and delivered to him at the entrance of a local Walmart at 6 AM sharp. We made it happen and his girlfriend loved it!
Can others sell BathBomb Cards, or become an affiliate or partner?
Yes, we are always looking to pass the opportunity of BathBomb Cards onto others. We are always looking for new team members, partners, and even card sellers or companies that want to have their own line of BathBomb Cards, with their designs! We can just be the drop shipper. If you're looking for any of these opportunities, please contact us.
You can find BathBomb Cards here on their website, as well as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Special Offer: Customers worldwide can currently save 25% by adding the coupon code NORTHERNCARDS at checkout when shopping on the BathBomb Cards website!