Apr 23 2008
StepNpull
My comment spam filter recently placed in the moderation queue a comment that was relevant to the post. It had nothing to do with prescription drugs or “enhancement” or how to become independently wealthy (whatever in the world that really means).
The product was so intriguing that I was inspired not only to approve the comment, but I’m writing a post about it. And you’re reading it.
Called the StepNpull, it is a small, glaringly simple device that attaches to the bottom of any latchless door for hands-free opening. It relies on foot power, and was invented by three Alltell Wireless call center staffers in Missouri, where the Springfield Business Journal ran a great April 12 article about their motivation.
Not surprisingly, their reasons were perfectly in line with the concerns that my readers and I expressed in my post “Washing Your Hands.” I wonder if the “Mike” who left the comment there is co-inventor Mike Sewell.
Adding to the relevance is that Alltel happens to be an Arkansas company, and as most of you know, that’s our home state.
As forehead-smackingly “why didn’t I think of that” as it may seem, I wonder about the device’s widespread efficacy. Some doors are a difficult haul, and while the leg motion required seems fairly natural, the muscles used are relatively weak in the average person (I admit this is a guess based on my own miming action, but that’s the glory of opinion pieces!). In addition, some outsoles are nearly perfectly smooth, and would provide little grip on the device’s “lip.”
All that said, I can imagine the StepNpull’s feasability at most public restrooms and on other doors. The $19.99 price tag seems a little steep, but they’re not mass-producing yet, so that could go down substantially.
Now the only thing to watch out for is that boisterous co-worker who loves to burst through doorways whistling “Crazy Train.” Hey, at least I usually nail the Randy Rhoads solo.
Yeah, that does sound like a bit much for what you get (talking about the price).
Have a great Wednesday bud…
“Go and buy the StepNpull to avoid the germy strain!!”
If you try really hard, you can almost hear Ozzy singing that little jingle right there. If Mike & Co. want to use it in their commercials when they hit the big time, I expect royalty payments.
I remember when the trash cans that you could open with the foot pedal first came out. Eveyone thought how great that would be. But they warp and the pedal is never strong enough or it slams shut on your hand.
Wow. Not hosting a project does wonders for the comment activity. Sheesh. Who died?
I don’t think anybody has actually di….
No!
Who are you??!!
I thought I killed you back in high school when you insulted my home economics bake-off trophy!!
Get away from me with that meat cleaver, you mean thing!
Nooooooo…..!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well…I have been away from the blog for a week or so, as you can tell. No real reason…just a lot going on.
I caught up though, and I loved the pictures. Not that I don’t appreciate the other contributors, but I didn’t go look at their pictures. I’m sure they were all great.
I actually liked the synopsis of your visit to NW Arkansas. I was not at all surprised that your Bentonville house had fallen into a neighborhood that wasn’t very well attended to, but I was surprised that the Bella Vista house’s area wasn’t well maintained.
As newer subdivisions go up, the older and now more affordable homes tend to attract occupants who don’t take much pride in things. It’s sad, but it’s true everywhere and not just NW Arkansas.
I hope you had a good visit though, and I wish I would have had business take me up there so that I could see you guys.
Step and Pull huh? I think that has a possible future. Hospitals will certainly take a look at it, and I’m sure larger corporations would be susceptible to a good sales pitch related to lost productivity due to worker illness, and how this device could help reduce that. The old, “It’ll more than pay for itself” approach usually has at least a shot at success. They wouldn’t even need factual statistics, and could borrow data from the CDC or other sources to make their point.
But…here’s the real reason it could work. It will appeal to a certain amount of people by default. If you’re pitching that device to someone who has even a small phobia regarding germs, they will look for a reason to buy and install it at their place of work for selfish reasons. Then you tag on a good sales pitch with at least some form of data, and the germophobe buyer will look for a reason to help push it through.
By the same token, you’ll have some people who will think it’s silly, because they don’t have those concerns, and they’re likely the same people who don’t even wash after trips to the restroom. Can’t win ‘em all….
Here’s where it could fail badly. People wearing open toe sandles are going to stub their toes, and that’s going to be a sticking point. It needs a really thick rubber cover on it to provide padding to prevent that, other possible injuries.
That’s where we come in. “Step n Pull Save-a-Little Piggy Pads” Just $3.95, and worth every penny to prevent a potential lawsuit.
Do I have it pegged or what?
Hello Mark, I appreciate the comments. Yes, this is Mike Sewell, co-inventor of the StepNpull. We’ve been marketing the product for about 4 months now and the response has been incredible. We’ve had a few questions and concerns regarding function and safety. While it’s possible someone with an open toe shoe may stub their toe, due to the fact that it’s mounted low, it’s not likely. To date toe stubbing hasn’t been an issue. From a functional perspective, it is very easy to open the door with your foot providing the door doesn’t stick and the door closer is adjusted properly. For those doors that are more difficult to open than normal, they usually can be adjusted. In fact, most of the positive comments we receive are from women who wear, as you know, all types of foot wear.
StepNpulls are currently installed in a variety of businesses including call centers, restaurants, libraries and retail stores. Some of those locations include (local to the Springfield area) Wendy’s, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, TGI Friday’s, Applebee’s and Chili’s. We hope the excitement regarding the StepNpull will be communicated up channel. That has been the case with two of the aforementioned businesses who are installing the product in several other locations.
We see potential beyond the restroom. For example, it would be convenient to have a StepNpull installed on the front door of a laundromat, shipping business or auto parts store. Any place where the user’s hands may be full and a hands-free option would be useful.
Our price will possibly creep down over time as our manufacturing quantities increase. Our current price is $16.75 but we give a price break starting at 10 units.
Well, I’ve rambled enough. I sincerely appreciate your thoughts along with those that posted.
P.S. If you work in an office with latch less restroom doors or have a place to install the product, email me and I’ll send you a couple to try first hand…errr…I mean foot.
Take care,
Mike
Best single comment line EVER on Regular Life:
“We see potential beyond the restroom.”
Yes, ever. And I’m not just saying that because I’m still at work after 10 PM, cresting into my 18th consecutive hour at the office today. Weeeeeee!!!!!!