New Product Opinions - Prop Storage/Carrying Box

[SteveS]

We are currently putting the finishing touches on a little project we have been working on and would like a little input from fellow OSO members.

While storing and transporting props we destroyed several cardboard boxes that came with new props, so we went looking for a little more durable solution. We found 1 - Cloth prop carrying/storage bags: not confident that they would hold up to Labbed Props, 2- Molded plastic containers: Great! Except the price of $120ea.

Our solution has been to build a box to hold up to 15 3/4" diameter props out of 1/2" and 3/4" plywood (utilizing dovetail joints for strength), with a center post to lock down the prop, a second post for locking down a spare hub, and a third to hold nuts and washers, also clips for hold a wrench. This has resulted in a very durable fairly lightweight container that protects our investment, while lasting more then a month or two (like the cardboard!) and at a fraction of the cost of the plastic containers.

We thought their may be a decent demand for these in the market, and would like a little input from you before finalizing design and starting production.

1. Do you feel there is a need for this product?
2. Considering the features and quality construction do you feel a retail price of $45ea to be reasonable?
3. Is there a need for a locking latch?
4. Would you pay $12ea extra for all stainless hardware?
5. Color: Black, Grey, or White?
6. Do you feel the additional post for spare hub is necessary?
7. Do you feel the additional post for the nuts and washers necessary?
8. Do you feel the clips for a wrench are necessary?

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You
Steve
sales@VictoryOffshore.com
315 697-5849

[TYPHOON]

Steve,been there done that! I had the same idea last year and built several proto types from pine to hardwood.I loved the idea and thought the same things.What I found was that making the box,material and 2-3 hrs labor on assambly and finish was pretty expensive to produce and then sell for a proffit.If you can do it for $45.00 per box you will sell a ton of them.
Randy

[SteveS]

Randy

Thanks for the input!

Initial calculations with current design looks like we can make a decent profit (were not going to get rich, but enough to give it a shot). The catch is we have to make them in batches of 100 to get price breaks on the hardware and lumber, and reduced cutting time.

I'll be working on it this weekend and hope to have pics of the latest design Monday. We did some distructive testing on the last one to see how it would hold up. Lets just say it took well to multiple drops off the back of the truck, tosses across the driveway, but failed when we tossed it out the second floor window (didn't damage the prop, but the same couldn't be said for the box). PS: It no longer photographs well.

Thanks
Steve

[audacity]

pay the $120 per case...WELL worth the money! i've had people make me custom wood cases in the past that are either too heavy or fall appart....plus the wood ones look like crap after a year...it's really hard to beat that case for 120 bucks!

Spoke to Julie at Throttle-up I think they have them in stock.The new plastic ones she have are great for shipping also...