Having an active brain (usually not a good thing for me), I was trying to come up with something before Christmas that might speed things up at the market. I spent some time with pencil and paper, came up with a "crate" design I liked and then cranked out a couple using cardboard,
then progressed to scrap plywood.
I liked what I was coming up with, but realized I was way short on time to get it done. I approached an organization called Plank Industries
http://www.krrc.ns.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Plank-Industries-Brochure-.pdf, which is run by the County and is a spot where folks with various challenges can work. They were extremely accommodating and quickly made a couple of samples which turned out perfect, using really nice pine and all.
Without any hesitation I had them crank out 40 crates, 20 of each size.
I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am. They also can do all the packaging if needed, all you have to do is supply the product and they will do it all, including shrink wrap if desired. I dropped off a sample honey dipper and they will be making me a bunch of those as well. Each "crate" will have both a liquid and a creamed honey jar, some mixture of candles (depending on size and cost), and a honey dipper.
The cost of the boxes was $2 for the smaller ones that hold the hex jars, and $2.50 for the larger ones, and I think we will use them for shrink wrapping as well.
I am hopeful that the shoppers coming to the market will appreciate a locally produced and ready to go gift basket that will make things easier for everyone.
What a great organization!
