Subscription services are all the rage now… Below is an opportunity to basically buy a business in a box… with only having to worry about sustaining and eventually increasing the revenue.
Some of my observations or concerns… Without doing the math..
“Making” $5973 a month is actually revenue per month. Misleading.
According to their calculations (which s not mentioned) they have lost money 6 of the 10 previous months.
Owners found more success with influencer marketing (think Fame bit.com) instead of Facebook ads.
More work could be done to increase affiliate marketer”s sales.
Box building could be outsourced.
As I mentioned I have not done the financial analysis yet.. But just by glancing there seems to be a lot of value in the setting up of the business.
I would keep an eye on this but would recommend a healthy marketing Budget per month… But like I always mention.. It sure beats paging rent at a brick and mortar shop.
I noticed a Vape shop at the mall… They have to be paying in the 5k a month range for rent.. What if you had that kind of budget?
This may be an idea to start something from scratch adding your own unique touches to it.
Site with 2,267 uniques/mo making $5,983/mo
The Story Box is a monthly subscription service. Customers can choose from three package types. Each month, customers receive a package containing two children’s books and parent guides.
Despite the inconsistent profit related to the current owner’s experimentation with Facebook Ads, there is a strong base of subscriptions and renewals.
A new owner should consider using a fulfillment center.
Buyers with expertise in Facebook ads or influencer marketing can optimize and scale quickly.
This website earns revenue with Product or Service Sales. It is recommended to request a video walk through from the seller to verify all revenue claims.
Seller’s Notes
Board Books for children in the age range of 0 to 2 1/2. This package contains two board books and challenge of the month card. The challenge of the month card offers practical and general tips about reading with babies. This package sells for $14.99/month plus $2 shipping.
Picture Books for children in the age range of 2 1/2 to 6. This package contains two hardcover, picture books and an accompanying parent guide. The parent guide is specific to the books in the box, recommends language concepts to discuss with the book, and recommends activities to complete that are related to the story. This package sells for $19.99/month plus $2 shipping.
The Family Package is for families that have children in the 0-2 1/2 age range and children in the 2 1/2 – 6 age range. This package contains one board book, one picture book, challenge of the month card for babies, and a parent guide to go with the picture book. This package sells for $17.99/month plus $2 shipping.
Marketing and advertising for The Story Box has mostly consisted of influencer marketing on Instagram and paid advertising on Facebook. The results from Facebook ads have been variable, but some ads have converted at less than $20 per conversion. The current owners lacked experience with Facebook ads, which resulted in money spent on poor performing ads. However, some ads aimed at targeting look-a-like audiences have proven to be successful. A person experienced in Facebook ads is likely to have more success. The Story Box on Facebook
Influencer marketing has been successful and relatively inexpensive in comparison to trials with Facebook ads. Most of the business’s growth can be attributed to influencer marketing. The Story Box has worked both with micro-influencers that are willing to post about The Story Box in exchange for one trial package. The Story Box has also used sponsored/paid posts with larger influencers. Maintaining activity on Instagram with 20-40 posts per month results in a continuous stream of new orders. In addition to influencers, The Story Box has utilized “brand reps” on Instagram. Brand reps are required to post 2-4 times per month about The Story Box in exchange for free boxes. Brand reps help keep posts about The Story Box regular and also provide rights to their photos. Photos can be used in email marketing, on the website, on social media posts, Facebook ads, etc. The Story Box on Instagram
The Story Box also has an affiliate program set up through Share-A-Sale. It has resulted in some sales; however, the current owners have not invested much time into developing the affiliate program. Ownership of the affiliate program can be transferred with the business. This program has potential to generate more revenue if a new owner can contribute more time to recruiting affiliates and maintaining contact with affiliates.
Current Reach:
approximately 2500 on email list
approximately 7900 likes/followers on Facebook
approximately 8900 followers on Instagram
Current tasks to operate business:
General business management / account: 2 hours per week
Finding influencers, contacting influencers, negotiating details, following up, etc.: 5 to 10 hours per week
Packaging: 5 hours per week **This can be outsourced easily and at a reasonable price.
Selecting books, ordering books, writing parent guides: 5 hours per month.
Scheduling social media posts: 1-2 hours per week
The current owners recently obtained a quote from an order fulfillment company. Due to the fulfillment company’s ability to receive discounted shipping rates, fulfillment may only cost $.50 to $1.00 per box. This would eliminate one of the most time consuming aspect of the business.
Please see below for current time/scheduling considerations. This can be adjusted to the new owner’s liking, but current scheduling is as follows.
Renewals occur on the 5th of the month. Renewals have recently generated $3500 to $4000 per month. The remaining revenue is generated from new orders.
Shipping typically occurs around the 20th of the month. For example, most customers renew on the 5th of the month and their package is shipped around the 20th.
Orders placed after the shipping date are not usually fulfilled until the following month.
Time constraints related to selling the business:
The current sellers are prepared to fulfill and ship orders for the July 20th shipment.
The current owners would like to sell and transfer the business around this shipment date (July 20) to allow the new owner time to order shipping materials, books, package, and ship the August 20th packages.
If the business is sold in this amount of the time, the new owner will receive the August 5th renewal revenue.
Included in the sale:
Social media sites: pinterest.com/jointhestorybox, twitter.com/jointhestorybox, instagram.com/jointhestorybox, Facebook.com/jointhestorybox
associated email accounts
Mail chimp account with email lists
Share A Sale account with affiliate program
custom die-cut and printing plate for custom boxes
high quality photos that can be used on social media, in marketing emails, on marketing materials, Facebook ads, etc.
Books currently come from remainder distributors and publishers. Most books are purchased from 4 main sources, but other sources are used occasionally. As the business grows, owners will have more power to negotiate rates with additional publishers. Packaging materials are currently purchased from 3 suppliers. Packing materials include: custom boxes, custom sticker, tissue paper, and shredded filler.
The current owners are willing to spend 2-3 hours per week with new owner for 30 days to assist with transition.
Breakdown of pricing and profit margin for each package is available via private messaging for serious buyers.
Source: jointhestorybox.com — Website For Sale on Flippa: Site with 2,267 uniques/mo making $5,983/mo