Lunchology - Why Didn’t We Think of That?
It never ceases to amaze me what becomes a big business these days. Things that have certainly crossed our minds more than once… more often than not, it’s a question of actually following through when an idea is hatched, and that’s just what Kristi Thomas, 39, did back in March of 2002. She launched Lunchology, to sell paper lunch bags that are decorated with trivia, brain twisters and inspirational sayings. How’s she doing with it? Sales were $195,000 in 2006, so I’d say she’s doing more than ok.
In a recent issue of Family Circle magazine, she gave a little insight on how it all got started.
Inspiration. “When my daughter, Madison, had separation anxiety in first grade, I doodled jokes and cartoons on her lunch bags to cheer her up. When other parents asked me to make bags for their kids, I knew I was onto something.”
Start-Up Strategies. “To be sure there was nothing similar on the market, I typed phrases like “lunch bags” and “brown bags” into Internet search engines, then did a preliminary patent search at the US Patent and Trademark Office (uspto.gov). When nothing came up, I filed a provisional patent for patent-pending status - around $200, plus attorney fees - which protects your idea for a year. I showed samples to fellow entrepreneurs and gourmet store owners for input but also had them sign a confidentiality agreement to further protect my idea.”
Money Making Moves. “My first break was when the owner of a local upscale grocery store agreed to carry the bags. Initially, I manufactured from my basement with the help of friends, but when space got tight, I partnered with Weaver Industries, which employs people with mental and physical disabilities. We moved into their warehouse and trained their staff to do our packaging. I have met some of my finest workers there. Thanks to them, we’re now in about 1,000 specialty stores. Also, I’m negotiating with Target and am on track to triple sales!”
Photo from Lunchology.com.
