The past two years have put independent artists, small businesses, and event hosts in an incredibly difficult spot. As we move forward in these uncertain times, more and more events are moving outdoors and incorporating virtual services and spaces. But how can small businesses and traveling vendors expect to thrive in the colder months, where outdoor events are limited and indoor markets may not feel safe?
The team at Lunar Faire has brewed up a creative solution:
Subscription boxes completely stocked by their vendors.
Subscription boxes are nothing new, but finding a similar service completely run and stocked by small businesses is difficult. I had spent many crazy, magickal nights as a vendor for the NJ Lunar Faire in person during 2021, but never had my work in a subscription box before, let alone heard about another event doing one with their vendors. The first Full Moon box from 1/17/22 sold out of all tiers, and I’m excited to share my experience contributing to it with all of you.
+ The Process +
The process was fairly simple and accommodating for vendors, especially any local to New Jersey. I was emailed with the news and invited to submit items through their ongoing online application. Vendors were given estimates on quantities and deadlines, and final numbers and dates for boxing day once they were accepted. Vendors could ship or drop items off in person.
There are currently two types of boxes for the Full Moon (featuring vendors that worked in-person at previous events) and the New Moon (giving new vendors the opportunity to contribute their wares). Both boxes have the option to be ordered as a subscription or one-time purchase, and each has multiple tier levels ranging from $15- $50. Each vendor is credited on a pamphlet in the box with a QR code to a link of their choice and a short bio about their business and connection to the Faire.
For recurring contributors, submissions are considered for individual items, and can be as included as frequently as once per month. Skipping months doesn’t disqualify you from contributing in future boxes. Smaller, more affordable items were encouraged to have as much content as possible for all tiers, including vouchers for remote services (tarot reading, guided meditation, etc.) Vendors have the option to set their own wholesale prices or donate items for free.
The initial release was limited to gauge public interest and test production levels from vendors and boxing staff. All tiers sold out. My item, the Poison Bouquet Sticker, was featured in all tiers.
+ Pros & Cons OF CONTRIBUTING +
- Quantities and deadlines may be too restrictive for certain vendors with small teams or items requiring more work.
- Difficultly to cater specific products — items require the broadest appeal possible.
- Profitability is currently minimal outside of higher tier boxes. This can be more of an advertisement opportunity than substantial income stream.
+ Direct access to a wider range of potential customers, even more than having a market table.
+ A great opportunity to mutually advertise between the hosts and fellow vendors.
+ A fully remote way to continue selling during colder months or avoid unsafe indoor venues.
+ The Takeaway +
I thoroughly enjoyed the process and outcome of my first subscription box contribution! While the start-up of a new subscription box may not be very profitable, the online community truly makes it worth it. With good hosts, fellow artists and creators you’re proud to support, and tons of great online feedback and promotion, I’d definitely recommend artists and small businesses try to find an indie subscription box that caters to their market. And, with time and successful launches, these ventures can prove to be another consistent stream of income for independent creators.
Subscription boxes, remote events, and virtual vendor markets are the future of event hosting. In-person markets can never be replaced, but finding creative ways to support the communities that fuel these events is crucial.
+ Other Subscription Boxes Featuring Small Businesses & Artists +
Explore Local
Features small businesses and artisans from different US cities each month.
Accepts vendor submissions via email: sales@explorelocalbox.comShowcases artisan greeting cards and stationary supplies.
Accepts vendor submissions via email: hello@postmarkdstudio.com
Magickal & environmentally focus boxes with different monthly themes.
Accepts vendor submissions via email: care@wolfandthyme.comSquink Box
Curated print service that handles all print production, packaging, and features artist profiles on their website.
Accepts vendor submissions via a contact form.