After struggling to find toys similar to those in her children’s Montessori school, Susan Klieman realized that she wasn’t the only one looking for unique, “back-to-the-basics” toys. She contacted her college friend, Sandra Gunthorpe-Orr, and in 2006, they founded Star Bright Kids Company, a toy seller that offers high quality eco-friendly and natural toys sourced from manufacturers all over the world. Through Selling on Amazon, Klieman and Gunthorpe-Orr have built a successful business-with more than 150,000 customers-from their homes, 600 miles apart.

Klieman and Gunthorpe-Orr’s knack for foreign languages and love of travel inspired them to search the world for toys that are safe, sustainably produced, and most importantly, that encourage children to use their imaginations. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), the Amazon service that stores, packs, and ships orders for sellers, ensures that their customers receive their orders while Klieman and Gunthorpe-Orr travel overseas to source new, unique products. “Fulfillment by Amazon allows us to travel the world in search of the best natural and eco- friendly products, while soundly knowing our customers are receiving their orders on time and in the best condition,” says Gunthorpe-Orr.

Using both Selling on Amazon and Fulfillment by Amazon, Star Bright Kids Company has grown their list of toy vendors from four to more than 200. Their customer base has grown as well, and they are now shipping an average of 200 orders each day. “Through the use of FBA, we’re able to ship a volume that was simply unimaginable and virtually impossible before,” says Klieman. “During the holiday season, Amazon shipped approximately 35,000 orders for Star Bright Kids Company, a task that we couldn’t possibly manage on our own.”

In addition to seeking out the best eco-friendly and natural toys, Star Bright Kids Company has more recently sought out fair-trade companies and has found a way to give back to the local community by donating toys to organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and local schools.