This is again, a simple box but this one is the first box that I made money!
I'm lying... I mean... I didn't make money by the box but my friends kindly bought T-shirts from me so I rushed to make several boxes in a day and put a T-shirts in it to ship.
I was so happy about the purchase so I asked my wife to make a Mizuhiki decoration, which is a Japanese traditional cord art (I know some of the receivers may have just thrown away but that's how it's supposed to be). My wife loves this thing so we even went to a Mizuhiki museum in the middle of no where in Japan.
Then, because of the box, I realized the shipping cost went up and I made a negative profit by each sale. Anyways, it was a good opportunity to experience making a product for someone in a tight schedule and I really enjoyed it.
Hey, the box and the word I can't pronounce look familiar! And I was wondering about that with the medium flat rate box and the shirt price... lol It was all awesome, a big surprise and a chuckle to boot!
Pottz, thank you! Yeah, I must be confident when it comes to selling my product or it can be disrespect to people who buy it (this time, the box wasn't the product I sold so it's okay maybe..). Hopefully, soon you see me be confident and sell my products, haha.
Mos, I shouldn't say it or I must say sorry but the box went to you wasn't the good one intentionally (I did my best but the bottom line product I can produce) . As I was sure you are an experienced woodworker, I wanted you to tell me if it's an acceptable level. I'm not selling the box but the quality wise (the joint surface weren't clean and one has a hair line gap). Anyways, now I've got your address so I can keep sending you my test products, haha.
Boxes don't have to be fancy to make them practical... in fact, I would be hesitant is using a fancy box and finish up locking it in a cabinet... kinda defeats the purpose.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Yrti, admire your work. The box is exactly what was needed and it will serve its purpose and after that serve other uses. Nicely done. P.S. Your "Noodle Box" inspired me to try to make a copy. Not as good as yours but a fun project. Thanks for showing your work.
I think the box was a good marketing move, kind of like a promotional item that will let them remember you (many of them at least). Of course no one ever made it "big" by selling for a loss 🙂
Ron - Thank you and yes, hopefully, they find other uses of the box and it lasts long. I'm glad to hear you made your version of the noodle box! Your craftsmanship is on another level so I'm sure it must be so nice:)
Splinter - Thank you! I didn't expect I could sell my shirts and as this was the first time, I just wanted to show how happy I am so I did all I can do so yeah, it was like a promotion. I also wanted people to see my products in person to criticize, too so I can improve the quality!
Well made and I’m sure you used your hand tools. The Mizuhiki is as nice as the box. I know I wouldn’t throw it away.
If that’s your shipping box you better raise your shirt prices or give them options. One price for those wonderful boxes and one price for cardboard boxes with the Mizuhiki.
James, thank you for the advice and yes, I used hand tools. It was just one time sale for fun so it's ok I'm loosing:)
The type of Mizuhiki is just a little decoration on wrapping so not worth keeping it but my mother in low always keeps a little bigger one in Ikea frame, haha.
