Unusual Subscription Service

Here is an idea from one of my newsletter subscribers that I thought you would enjoy:

This is a twist on an idea that is already being profitably done. I see no reason why this shouldn't also work.

The model that it is based on is a subscription service for black socks. See http://www.blacksocks.com and www.blacksocksusa.com

Their business is simple. They have a simple website which sells a choice of black calf length or black knee length dress socks. (Actually, they also added white socks for health care workers recently.) You can get a pack of 3 either 3, 4, or 6 times a year. The owner believes in keeping it simple, and it has worked out profitably for him.

See: Business Week Article for more details.

How about a subscription service for white t-shirts (undershirts)?

Just like businessmen need a steady supply of black socks, they also need a steady supply of plain white undershirts. With the wear and tear of everyday use and washing, and sweat staining the armpits, men go through white t-shirts quickly.

You could offer v-neck and regular. Keep it simple. White only. Send packs of 3 or 6 either 3, 6, or 12 times a year.

Wholesale t-shirts can be found easily by doing a search on google. If you ran the business like the guys from blacksock.com, you would concentrate on marketing, and leave the order taking, fulfillment, and shipping to outside contractors. Just as the blacksocks website received a lot of free publicity in the press, I think this concept would too. And I'm sure that wives would order a subscription for their husbands who don't renew their t-shirts often enough!

Submitted by Bill M.

Women may not immediately see the need for this service so ladies let me try to explain: You know us guys will wear the same underwear or socks or t-shirts until they have holes all through them and practically fall off our bodies. Right? I am sure you have seen that first hand. So, why do we do this? Because not only do we hate to shop -- we hate going anywhere that even sells clothes. It has to do with our mom's taking us shopping when we were kids and making us try on clothes. Arggg --it make me squirm just thinking about it. :)

James