Each quarterly subscription box that is shipped by SimplyNCgoods is carefully curated by real people – Michelle and Gabriel (you can learn more about us here).
Making Decisions
We discuss the logistics of each box. Is it our annual holiday-themed box that we ship in November? Is it going to be shipped during warm weather or cold weather? What kind of items offer variety to the recipients? What area of the state are we focusing on when choosing items for that particular box? What items complement one another nicely to be included in a box together?
These are just some of the things we take into consideration in the early stages of curating a box.
Contacting Artisans
The next step is for Michelle to begin contacting artisans about the opportunity to be included in an upcoming SimplyNCgoods subscription box. We maintain a spreadsheet of NC-based artisans who have expressed interest, via this survey, in partnering with SimplyNCgoods for inclusion in a subscription box. The Artisan survey is always open for NC-based makers, bakers, and creators to let us know they’d like to be a vendor partner.
We let potential vendor partners know some details about SimplyNCgoods, if they are not familiar. We also communicate what type of item we are seeking to include in a future box. We include an estimate of how many items we will need, as well as the date they will be needed.
Handling Logistics
The next step is covering the logistical details with those who are interested in being a vendor partner after our initial discussion.
We answer any questions the artisan might have. Sometimes this involves email communication, and other times we have a phone call with potential vendor partners to make sure everyone is clear on the details.
We discuss specifics of the item that will be included in a SimplyNCgoods subscription box. This discussion may include choosing from an item the artisan typically creates, or the artisan may be interested in creating something special just for the SimplyNCgoods subscription box.
Additionally, we have a Vendor Agreement with each of our vendor partners. This agreement outlines all the often-boring-but-very-important details of doing business together. Our Vendor Agreement also helps ensure that the artisans who choose to be vendor partners with SimplyNCgoods receive fair payment for their contribution.
When curating a SimplyNCgoods subscription, we focus on two things:
- ensuring our subscribers receive a box filled with unique goods that bring excitement
- ensuring that our vendor partners are paid fairly for their work
Preparing the Box
Imagine we have received the curated items for our next SimplyNCgoods subscription box. We’ve gathered a variety of items – for example, a sweet snack, a home decor item, a unique sauce, and an all-natural skincare item. These items were purposefully curated for this box based on the area of the state – western, central, or eastern – the box is showcasing. They are a perfect fit for the box and the current weather (no melting chocolates here).
Now, the assembling of the box begins…
We work to determine the best way to ensure all the products are secure for shipping. We also want to ensure that each product can display it’s uniqueness upon unboxing. We don’t want broken or leaky bottles, or scented items impacting food items.
When you open a SimplyNCgoods subscription box, we want you to feel excited, curious, and pampered.
Each box also includes an insert that shares some details about the items and vendor partners included. Sometimes this may even include discounts that our vendor partners have chosen to offer especially to SimplyNCgoods subscribers.
We also like to include a few SimplyNCgoods business cards and stickers so you can share the SimplyNCgoods goodness with others.
The next step is making sure each box is sealed and labeled, so it can head off to make someone’s day.
What Makes SimplyNCgoods Different?
We know there are a wide variety of subscription boxes out there. You can likely find a subscription box that caters to whatever interests you – clothing, makeup, books, kid’s toys, specific foods, etc.
SimplyNCgoods is not just another subscription box service.
What makes SimplyNCgoods different?
- SimplyNCgoods is North Carolina based and North Carolina focused. The team behind SimplyNCgoods consists of 2 life-long residents of NC, with almost a century in the state between the 2 of us. The contents of each SimplyNCgoods subscription box are uniquely curated to highlight the talent, beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit of North Carolina. We love shipping boxes all over the USA, but North Carolina is home!
- SimplyNCgoods offers a variety of items. We desire to highlight all aspects of North Carolina. We are purposeful in partnering with a variety of vendors who create a variety of products. We’ll share some NC-based food items, but not only food. We’ll share craft, decor, and accessories made in North Carolina, but not only those things. We’ll share skincare and kitchen goods, and all sorts of things in between. Over a year of subscription boxes, folks who subscribe to the Classic box will get to experience 30-35 different products from North Carolina. That’s room for lots of variety!
- SimplyNCgoods focuses on ensuring our vendor partners are paid fairly for their work. Many subscription boxes seek the largest discounts or the cheapest product when gathering items to fill their boxes. We work individually with each vendor partner to ensure their business and product are well-represented, and that they receive adequate compensation for the time and talent they put into work.
Become Part of the SimplyNCgoods Story
We invite you to become part of the SimplyNCgoods story.
Sign up to receive our email updates. These emails are sent out 2-3 times monthly and include updates and deals from SimplyNCgoods, as well as more in-depth information from some of our vendor partners. We also try to offer a North Carolina highlight in each email.
Head on over to our store and get in on the fun by making a purchase (or 2) of SimplyNCgoods subscription boxes.
SimplyNCgoods is a quarterly subscription box service that brings unique products made by NC-based artisans directly to your door. Learn more at www.SimplyNCgoods.com and be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.