How it Was Developed
Simon told me the process of creating the Drop Stop ® was anything but easy. He said, “Marc and I sat in the car and stared into the gap for hours, brainstorming ideas. At first, we thought of a leather flap that one could lift up and effectively scoop any dropped item back into their lap. But it was sloppy. Then we thought about using beanbags. That too was cumbersome and didn't allow for easy seat movement. We then realized the importance of a product that moves with the seat. Otherwise, it's no better than stuffing a towel down there.” In all, the two spent six months bouncing ideas off of each other. “We went through hundreds of different materials and prototypes, yelling at each other and congratulating each other”, said Newburger. In the end, the two decided to create a product that would be anchored by the seatbelt catch. This allows for movement without pulling the Drop Stop ® out of place when you adjust your seat.After settling on the concept, they had to focus on the look and feel of the product. The outer exterior of the Drop Stop ® is made of high grade neoprene, which is similar to the material used to create wet suits. Its design allows it to repel liquids and makes for easy cleanup. After all, no one wants a stained piece of material wedged between their seats. Simon said, “The material makes the product very durable for the wear and tear in an automobile, and also makes the Drop Stop ® bend, flex, and mold to any configuration.” As for its construction, he said, “Every time we ordered products off TV, they always seemed to be made so poorly. We wanted to break that mold, and actually make a product with the best materials available; one that we could be proud of, and more importantly, our Moms could be proud of. Neoprene was 30 times more expensive than any other material, but no other material would do. Neoprene is durable, washable, stretchy, and sleek; all very important factors for a top quality auto accessory.”
In the end, Newburger and Simon were satisfied with the product they had created. It was durable, stylish, and it effectively sealed off the gap between the car seat and the center console. Newburger and Simon were quick to point out that Paul Berman of T2 Design, Scott and Laurie Goldberg of Allman Products, and seamstress Stephanie Garrison, all helped create the Drop Stop ® as it is today. He said, "We were able to put together a dream team of top professionals in the business, along with our closest friends and loved ones, and bring to you what we hope will make the world a safer place and our days a little easier."
Where to Buy
The Drop Stop ® is available via the company’s Web site, and will soon be available on QVC. Newburger said, “QVC just ordered 3,000 sets. It’s all very exciting.” The product also received an endorsement from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Newburger said, “The Editor-in-Chief contacted us and said they got so many positive responses from running it in their NY version of the magazine, they now want to run it Nationwide. They also want to have a big Drop Stop ® giveaway contest!”The Drop Stop ®, which is available for almost any vehicle, costs $19.95 in addition to shipping and handling. This includes two Drop Stops ®, a Slide-Free Pad, and an LED Credit Card Light.
Although the product is designed for any vehicle, some late-model Mustangs, such as my 2008 Bullitt, already have a pretty tight seal between the seat and the console. On the other hand, my 2001 Mustang had a bit more space. My old Fox Body, even more so. Use your own judgment to determine if your Mustang would benefit from the Drop Stop ®. Although I’d have a hard time slipping a cell phone through my seat, spare change could slip through. I installed the Drop Stops ® which completely sealed off the gap.
To learn more about this product, visit the company’s official Website.
