Hey guys, I'm in the beginning stages of setting up as a vendor and I would love some feedback. I will mainly be focusing on cage sets, with toys possibly coming later. What I would love to know is, what are some of your gliders' favorite "furniture." What are some of the things you like to see included in cage sets, and most importantly, what are some specific things that concern you about safety with your items?

Thanks all! Any input is greatly appreciated.

I think all cage sets should include: pouch, corner hammock, bridge hammock and vine. You could do a basic cage set with one of each but make it customizable so that a person could add as many of each item as they would like. Then have "extras" like tunnels, open environment pouches (I suppose that could be an option) etc. Also, add a few cents to the price and include c-links!!!!

Here's another questions I'll ask related to the C-links... When I make sets for myself, I always put a little plastic ring inside the fleece tab that just makes it easier to connect to the C-link or whatever I hang with. It just makes it easier for me to pull cage sets out of 4 cages when I wash. Would that be a hit do you think?

If it helps keep the fleece tab from stretching out I would love it.

I think it does, and also that way I can make the fleece tabs smaller, which helps as well. The only reason I had thought it may be an issue is because I know some people like to try to limit the amount of plastic they put in their cages. I suppose I can just make it an option to leave them out.

When it comes to cage sets, I agree with the option to sort of put your own set together instead of certain items in a set.

And personally for me, I don't want stuff that is geared as "baby" or over crazy colored. As a 20 something I prefer to have streamline, modern color combos and design...if that makes sense. So maybe a wide variety in the sense of fabric designs?!

I'd love to get more tunnels and horizontal toys. Mine are not big fans of the vertical vines and such. But that is probably just my babies being weird.

My needs are slightly different due to the number of cages we have here in rescue, but I can say that I won't pay for a cage set with a fleece vine. NONE of the gliders here use them. They are cute to look at, but here we are all about function.
I want cage sets to have 2 pouches, 2 corner hammocks and one hammock or bridge. I want the pieces to be a nice size, not small like many I receive. I want them to hold up to multiple washings and to a wide variety of glider personalities and colony sizes. Please double stitch all tabs inside.


In terms of what people want and what they look for safety wise, you might check out the SUGAR Group's 2012 report on either TSG's website or on the FB page. Several hundred owners were surveyed and their answers to questions of interest to vendors are a part of that report. ;)

Thank you all, this is some great feedback!
I will certainly start adding more tunnels and horizontal play items. Mine always seem to prefer the vines and hanging braids. I have one girl who would I think would hang by her back feet at the bottom of her braid and swing there all day if she didn't have to eat or sleep! Has anyone had any experiences with crinkle tunnels?

And Val, I did read quite a bit on TSS about safety in cage items and that has been very helpful, and I will definitely start double stitching all tabs.

For the cage sets...I am always looking for sets with 2 pouches....I like the idea of adding pieces to customize a set...maybe coordinating fabrics for ad on selections would be fun!
For the ropes and vines mine don't like them hanging down either....I tied a loop at the ends and attached the vines with a c link to make a ."bridge"....and hang monkeys from it .

LOL! I must have odd gliders, they adore their vines. But this is very good to know, I will start putting attachments at both ends so vines can be hung either way. I always offer the option when I do something custom for someone to switch things around and add what they may like more, and I try to keep as much variety in fleece stocked as possible. When that doesn't work, I will also do what I did yesterday for someone and literally take the phone to the fabric store, and send every possible option I think they may like until we get a winner! And the two pouches thing for me is also important, everyone always needs a spare.

Mine love their vines too! I've also tied them to the cage on both ends and they like it both ways - tied and/or hanging! They like them in the tent too.

If you ever need help with feedback I can send you a bunch of fabric and you can make a set and send it to me and I'll write a review for ya lol ;) I can test it all out for you no problem!

I think a vine with a few foraging spots is a good idea, mine love the one my older brother made with the plastic shot glasses. Then again he themed after a visit to Margaritaville. -.-