Students launch a subscription box business
It can be such a challenge to constantly develop new highly engaging projects for students.
This two week project students will:
Video tutorials included to guide the students through the project. |
The full curriculum
The entire curriculum is build and ready for student use.
Short, targeted video tutorials walk the students through each step. The 2 week curriculum agenda is below. 2 weeks is moving fast (younger students like this). Teachers can modify as need, adding and emphasizing various aspects of the curriculum. |
Learn about various subscription boxes in the market
To kick the unit off, I have students research a variety of subscription boxes in the market. Students learn about a bunch of different themes from fitness to makeup to DIY crafts. They learn pricing trends, box design, products to include, etc.
Students learn about broad themes (lifestyle, Education, etc) Student learn about how to target a niche with the broader themes (jewelry fashion for teens) |
Choosing a subscription box theme to build a business around
Next, I have students brainstorm subscription box themes they would be excited to launch.
Students learn to pick a niche and deliver value to that niche. |
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Brainstorming products to include in each box
Here, the students plan out a few months worth of boxes and the products they will include.
This is exciting for students as they brainstorm fun and creative products to surprise their customers.
One of my students created the theme "Date Night in a Box". She brainstormed products like adventure dice, chocolate hearts, etc.
This is exciting for students as they brainstorm fun and creative products to surprise their customers.
One of my students created the theme "Date Night in a Box". She brainstormed products like adventure dice, chocolate hearts, etc.
Finding suppliers for their products
It's time to find actual possible suppliers for each of their products.
We mainly use Alibaba for our supplier sourcing. The students love learning about Alibaba and seeing how cheap they can source their products for. They also like thinking about what customizations to ask for from the suppliers. |
Video tutorials included to guide students
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Designing the box
We use Pack Lane's free box design software. The students put a lot of creativity into their box designs.
They choose a design and style and watch as the price per box changes. They quickly understand the financial implications of box design as the cost per box goes up or down based on the changes made. |
Build a financial model for their business
Students are now ready to build the financial model for their subscription box.
The curriculum comes with a Financial Model Calculator which the students use to experiment with the various financial elements of the business. They enter values in the pink cells corresponding to their business. The calculator builds the model showing:
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Plan initial marketing strategy
Marketing strategy always starts with a target market.
The students define who their target market is for this subscription box.
From there we layer on the 4 P's of marketing (Product, Place, Price, Promotions) and customize each to their target market.
Students observe competing subscription boxes and their marketing efforts.
The students define who their target market is for this subscription box.
From there we layer on the 4 P's of marketing (Product, Place, Price, Promotions) and customize each to their target market.
Students observe competing subscription boxes and their marketing efforts.
Create a presentation to investors
I have created a slide deck template which students fill out as they work on the project.
By the end of the 2 weeks, students have a fully customized presentation which they can use to present to the class, add to their portfolio, print to take home, or hang in the school.
By the end of the 2 weeks, students have a fully customized presentation which they can use to present to the class, add to their portfolio, print to take home, or hang in the school.