There are so many various new products that seem like really great novelties is concept but the Parking Pal is the ultimate creation you may have seen to date. The Parking Pal is a product for retailers which promises to be an absolute fast moving item.

With the larger size and height of vehicles today drivers are having an increasingly difficult time seeing young children around their vehicles in driveways and parking lots. Children are at greater risk than ever before. The Parking Pal is a wonderful aid in helping parents keep their children safer in parking lots. The Parking Pal is placed on the side of the parents vehicle, where it will remain safely attached at all times.

The old saying, "There's more than meets the eye" is the perfect statement to associate with the 'Parking Pal'. The reasoning behind this is quite simple. 'Parking Pal' was specifically designed with bright colors, playful illustrations, and the image of a small palm, which children love to place their hands on. After a couple learning sessions, a child will discover that the Parking Pal is their safe spot in parking lots, and they will know where to go the second they are outside the car. It also helps teach them responsibility in parking lots and around moving vehicles.

Just think for a moment how many children you see running rampant and out of a parent's control in a busy parking lot. It is just in their nature to be a bit antsy. When a parent is busy trying to deal with the groceries, find the keys to the car, or deal with a number of other distraction which can occur, they not be fully aware of their children's activity. 'Parking Pal' provides a logical and fun solution which parents can easily use to teach their children to place their hands on while they wait instead of resorting to having them wear a leash to keep tabs on them.

What many people are not aware of is the fact that a child mind is like a piece of memory foam, learning specific actions and establishing a specific psychological profile from experiences in life. When using a leash or similar tool to keep a child close by, it delivers a message of dominance and control by the parent or guardian figure. There is not sense of accomplishment or personal achievement established in the child. With 'Parking Pal', a child can learn responsibility and establish a sense of self gratification from having placed their hand on the 'Parking Pal', and keeping it there until told to do otherwise. 'Parking Pal' provides and excellent way to develop an excellent positive platform in a parent/child relationship.

One thing without question now is that the 'Parking Pal' is a hot item like no other according to our hands-on product evaluation participants. In both New York and Los Angeles, we placed the one sample of the 'Parking Pal' on a vehicle we were using for this evaluation to see what the public would have to say.

What makes this situation far different than any other we have done to date was how we conducted this hands-on experience. We had two big bags of candy at both testing locations. The scenario was played out where we invited families we found in the surrounding area to take part in our evaluation. Their child had to keep their hand on the 'Parking Pal' for 5 minutes. The reward for doing so was they could reach in the bag and grab a handful of candy.

We used one person as a monitor to make sure none of the children wandered off or were at risk in any manner, while myself, or in the case of NY, someone else was speaking with the parents about the 'Parking Pal'. The idea was to distract the parents so that they forgot their child was busy with their hand on the 'Parking Pal'!! To the parent's surprise every time, they suddenly realized they were not paying attention and realized that their child was still waiting there with their hand still on the 'Parking Pal'!

The end result of this effort had a two-fold result. The first was that the children learned by obeying what they were to do, there was a reward for following instructions. The parents realize the 'Parking Pal' provides a means to have far less risk with their child/children in parking lot concerns. In addition, they could teach a positive association with following parental/guardian instruction that could be carried into other areas of their every day life.

The feedback forms were full of nothing but the greatest of compliments in reference to the 'Parking Pal'. One of the most important statements was in regard to the "incredible price" that the 'Parking Pal' would be available for. More important was as one of our participants shared with us..."This thing gives me a sense of relief that I never had before, proving that it really works with my kid; I gotta have one!" I guess we have a hit product here! :-)

While other organizations will define their ratings in a "blanket" method which simply defines each rating in an overall usage, we choose to take a different approach. Each individual rating that was assigned to this product, based upon our evaluation process, is briefly explained as to how that specific rating score was reached. The ratings for this product are listed below.

Design Quality: Rating Level 5 - The incredible design quality of the 'Parking Pal' is more than just a statement of creative design, it is a masterpiece in its own right. Well crafted in its design, materials used, and quite effective in its intended purpose, it shows that it so simple, appearing to be nothing so special while at the same time holding such an incredible contribution to a child's safety when needed most. The 'Parking Pal' earned a perfect score in this category.

Durability: Rating Level 4 - The 'Parking Pal' is a given for well above average when it comes to durability. The materials used make it pretty well effective in regard to dealing with the outdoor environment if it resides on a vehicle for an extended period of time. The 'Parking Pal' showed it will hold up to long term exposure with little wear becoming visible, depending upon the outdoor environment it is exposed to. The 'Parking Pal' scored just a single short of perfect in this category.

Ease Of Use: Rating Level 5 - The 'Parking Pal' scored well above average in regard to ease of use. Pretty well simplistic, easily understood, and applicable for use in multiple age-levels, the 'Parking Pal' really scored well in the category for ease of use. How simple can it get by simply placing the magnetic pad on the side of a car and instructing a child to place their hand on it? The 'Parking Pal' pulls a perfect score in this category for Ease of Use.

Innovation Levely: Rating Level 5 - In regard to innovation, the 'Parking Pal' scored the highest possible points. The design, shape, and functionality are amazing when you think about the incredible developmental concept which the 'Parking Pal' represents; nothing but the highest in innovative design and quality built to last. It was quite evident that much time and effort was put into the creation of this product with the most innovative design coming forth as a result. In this category, the 'Parking Pal' scored a perfect score.

Marketing Value: Rating Level 2 - In regard to innovation, the 'Parking Pal' scored well above average in points in this category. The 'Parking Pal' has a literal 'sure thing' image to it that gives it an added edge as a unique and innovative product. The 'Parking Pal' pulls a score of "4" in this category.

Visual Appeal: Rating Level 4 - When it comes to visual appeal, this was an easy call. 'Parking Pal' was specifically designed with bright colors, playful illustrations, and a small image of the palm of a hand which children love to place their hands on and find somewhat visually appealing. The 'Parking Pal' pulled a rating of just one digit short of perfect in this category.

EVALUATION RESULTS - From evaluation for induction into "The Toy Man® Product Guide"
Overall Rating: 5	Seal of Approval: Approved	eco-Recognition Seal: Not Eligible	Award of Excellence: Not Eligible	eChoice Award: Selected

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