How to Start a Business Creating Shoe Boxes
It's anybody's guess who invented the ubiquitous shoebox, but one thing's for sure: No other prefabricated box lives as many lives. Once footwear is removed, shoeboxes are the least likely boxes destined for landfills, serving instead as storage for cancelled checks, family photos, kids' treasures, sewing supplies and myriad other items. If you've put a new spin on the common shoebox, you could have the makings of a small business.
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Things You'll Need
- Package design classes
- Business name
- Office set-up
- CAD software
- Raw materials and supplies
- Portfolio
- Shoebox samples
- Shoe company contact data
- Nondisclosure statement
- Contract attorney
Instructions
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Get some package design class work under your belt so you are aware of the engineering that goes into corrugated boxing of all types. Master CAD design software to help you take your shoebox ideas to three-dimensional renderings. Become an expert on the materials you'll use to construct your shoebox prototypes.
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Establish a small business by setting up an office, giving your enterprise a name, opening a checking account and drafting a modest business plan that covers your best estimates of how you will go about manufacturing and marketing your shoebox ideas. Apply for a business loan to underwrite start-up essentials, including a computer, rent and utilities, plus raw materials and supplies.
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3
Create a series of shoebox designs using your CAD software and then mock up samples of your best boxes by hand. Try alternative materials, unusual graphics and enhancements in addition to exploring environmentally friendly prototypes that offer buyers more than just a box. Prepare a portfolio of your work.
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Contact shoe manufacturers. Prepare a package of information to introduce yourself and your product. Phone each company. Ask for the name and e-mail address of a contact person in their product development or research and development division. Contact that person and request a meeting to show off your new shoebox creations. Prepare yourself for rejection; not everyone will agree to meet you, but some will. Make appointments to meet in person.
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Present your shoebox design portfolio and hand-made samples to the company contact after asking her to sign a confidentiality agreement to protect your proprietary data from being copied. Explain why your creations are superior to others and be prepared to discuss your pricing structure. Be upfront about your intent to contact other companies if you're asked about exclusivity.
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Sign a contract with one or more shoe companies. Pay attention to clauses in the contract that could penalize you for late deliveries, failure to abide by agreed-to terms and other dicey legal issues that can arise should you have a problem meeting the conditions of the contract. Hire a contract lawyer to vet the document before you sign it.
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