Prologue
For many small businesses at the moment, mine included, the current Coronavirus epidemic is taking a large toll.
Due to the cancellation of conventions and events, stock running out that is unable to be replaced, and two big wholesale orders that I haven't been able to complete, and therefore have not received payment for, as of today, I'm about £2,000 down because of the virus and that figure is only going to grow.
Things have been doubly tough as last week my partner was made redundant out of the blue, compounded by our car failing its MOT thanks to a wonderful human reversing into it and driving off. So, as things stand, we're in a very precarious financial position.
Detective Work
To try and throw my energy into something more positive, I've been creating a brand new range of golden age murder mystery themed products. They're partly inspired by 100 years of Agatha Christie, partly by the fact we've just entered the new 20s, and partly by my love of all things macabre and vintage. Think; sepia colour palette, art deco patterns, magnifying glasses, poison bottles, and old books.
I plan to turn my initial four designs into wooden pins and keyrings, vinyl stickers and prints.
To do this, I need to raise £500 to pay for the stock, delivery, packaging materials and backing cards. There will then be a series of stretch goals to unlock vinyl stickers and four more wonderfully art deco, murder mystery themed pin designs.
The Suspects
Pick up your magnifying glass and start searching for the perk of your choice!
Wooden Pins (40mm) made from Birch Plywood with a butterfly clutch fastening.
Wooden Keyrings (50.8mm) made from Birch Plywood with an antique bronze key chain.
Vinyl Stickers (50mm) made from heavyweight gloss vinyl.
Prints (square 150mm x 150mm) printed onto 350gsm matte card.
If we manage to hit stretch goals I'll be able to produce an additional four detective themed designs!
The pins, keyrings and stickers will be manufactured by a UK based company that I have used many times before and I am assured of the quality of their production.
Once the campaign has ended and the items have been produced (which takes approximately 4 weeks) all perks will be dispatched via Royal Mail 1st Class (UK) and standard Air Mail (international) which can take up to 6 weeks (though usually 5-7 working days). If you would like to upgrade to tracked and signed please make sure you select this upgrade otherwise there will be NO TRACKING INFORMATION FOR STANDARD POSTAGE OPTIONS.
Please look after yourselves and, where you can, support small businesses more than ever before.