Affordable Luxuries

Quite impressive eh! Internet based, my mate, an IT manager was able to set up a basic eCommerce site relatively quickly but what could he and his family possibly sell? It came down to how they were all feeling under lockdown. Well, enough to be able to feed and entertain themselves, walk the dog but unable to enjoy the little luxuries that a fully-fledged retail experience could offer. They also reckoned that like me many people would have bank accounts that were healthier than normal. The site they reasoned needed to entice people to spend small amounts on things that were comforting. The business was also on the money because it set out to offer sustainable alternatives and be eco-friendly. The kids helped to define the products, and then got on their phones to source them and get them in stock in their garage. A table was set up and cardboard boxes ordered to make sure they could package them and send them out by post on a daily basis.
The products? Yes, yes, I am coming to that! Here goes:
- Wooden toothbrushes
- Eco toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Foot balm
- Many different eco-deodorants
- Eye treatments
- Fairtrade chocolate
- Beeswax/linen wraps
- Various herbal teas
- Etc.
A bit of activity on Facebook, Insta and Twitter to promote their site and they were up and away. They caught a particular wave for sustainable and affordable luxuries and found themselves extremely busy in no time.
All good things however must come to an end. The family closed down the business in July 2021, not because it was failing but because the kids needed to get back to education and my mate and his wife to re-focus on their day jobs. The extra hours had started to take their toll. I think they found it to be a worthwhile experience and they had many happy customers who left glowing reviews. It just showed that if you keep the affordable luxuries coming people stay happy!

One last thing, make sure you don’t skimp on the ultimate seasonal affordable luxury, a real Christmas Tree from Pines and Needles. That’ll do the trick.