Whether people are looking for cool branded T-shirts or themed products such as comic books, game downloads, and fan collectibles, there is definitely a need for monthly subscription boxes for the geeks and gamers among us. Not only will customers receive an interesting new product each month, but you may even open their eyes to fresh ideas and products that they wouldn’t usually choose.
1. Comic box
Ensure your customers have their comic book or graphic novel fix each and every month with a comic subscription box. You can deliver classics or latest editions each month, and you can even include a collectible inside — for example, a T-shirt or figurine relating to the particular comic.
2. Board game box
Many people will say that board games are in the past, but not us! We believe there’s a place for board games in everybody’s home. Send customers a new board game each month for them to play with their family or friends. It’s a fun way to ensure we’re all connecting on a human level again!
3. Cosplay box
Far more than just dressing up, cosplay evokes a sense of intrigue, whimsy, and empowerment. With more and more folks making their way to fan conventions by the thousands, there’s most definitely a market out there for a cosplay subscription box. You can supply fabrication and makeup tips, materials to create costumes, and inspiration from other amazing cosplays.
4. Dungeons and Dragons
Whether it’s minis, mods or more, there are so many Dungeons and Dragons fans out there that a subscription box will never go astray. It’s a niche market with an existing fanbase, so that’s a win in the ‘idea’ book. Whether you’re including accessories, maps, modules or dice, excite your customers every month with new D&D merch.
5. Trading cards
Trading cards doesn’t just include the likes of Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering. We’re also talking about sports trading cards. And we can assure you, the fan base for trading cards and accessories is huge. Send out monthly decks and include some apparel, and you’ll keep your customers smiling all year long.
Let’s get started
Starting your very own subscription box business doesn’t need to be as hard as it sounds, especially when you list with marketplaces such as Cratejoy – because we take all the hard work out of the process.
But there are still some things that you’ll need to do on your own.
First, come up with an idea. If you’ve found your niche idea, make sure it has at least three or four of the following properties:
- Existing fanbase
- Timeless niche
- Discovery value
- Habitual need
- Gifting potential
- Emotional value
- Lifestyle value
If it doesn’t have at least three of these properties, you still may succeed, but it will probably be a bit harder to get your product off the ground.
Once you’ve come up with your idea, it’s time to get cracking.
- Build a prototype box. Find the products you most want to include in your box. It doesn’t have to be the exact box you’re going to send first off, but it should be pretty close. Build the box as close to how you want it to finally look as possible. That means finding all the packaging, deciding what size and style of box you want and figuring out the branding. Send the box to some of your family members and friends and ask them for their feedback. Get as much detail as possible so you can change the things that didn’t work before you officially launch.
- Figure out the price. Pricing can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. Go low to remain competitive and people may not take you seriously. Also, you definitely won’t be making a big enough profit to actually live off your business. Go too high, however, and you’ll put a lot of people off.
- Set up your website, Marketplace listing and social media channels. This is how you will actually sell your subscription box and also how you will market it. It’s how you’ll gain new followers and subscribers too, so think carefully about what you want your website to look like. And remember, once you’ve launched, your marketing efforts should ramp up, not down.
- Start selling! Sell your first subscription box and send it out when agreed or advised. And don’t look back!
Why focus on geeks and gaming?
If you love everything about gaming, comic books, board games, and puzzles, then your passion will shine through your projects.
When it boils down to it, all a subscription box means is that you’re sharing your passion with the rest of the world. Think about all the products you love, and that’s what you should include in your subscription box.
The benefits of turning your hobby into a viable business are endless. First up, that wholesale pricing that you get because you’re now a registered business owner? You can use that yourself. Second, there’s the extra income you’ll be generating, which is always a win. While it will be an outlay at first, the profits will hopefully soon start flooding in.
Third, there are tax benefits involved. Always wanted to attend Comic-Con? Now it can be a business expense. Of course, there are guidelines around this so always follow them to avoid repercussions. And finally, running your own business offers loads of flexibility. Work when and where you want.
At the end of the day though, enjoy what you’re doing is top of the benefits list!
