Start Them Young

The boys have been working for the past few weeks, on learning about “problem-solving”, “platforms”, “profit” and making prototypes for an entrepreneurship class, which culminates in pitching their product or service in a booth at the upcoming Children’s Fair.

A few life lessons and hilarity along the way-

• Wes says he will sell for $0.48 versus a cost price of $0.47 (Zhan has explained he has to pay us back for the loan of start-up capital).

Z: How much will you make per rod?

W: 1 cent

Z: And how much is a a dollar?

W: 100 cents

Z: And how much is a Boost juice? How many rods do you have to make and sell?

W: $6… 600!

Z: So how long will it take you to make 600 rods?

• The rods are coloured with 3D printed attachments, they tried to ask me to help with the more tedious colouring, but I said that was sub-contracting and I could, but it would increase their cost per rod by $1 each for my time.

• Zhan tries to coach them into a sales pitch.

Z: What is it that makes your rod unique? Think about, what do you like about Boost juices? Why do you pay for it?

W: They have so many flavours.

Z: Right, and can you get watermelon and lychee any place else?

W: Yes. At other Boost juice stores

• Their sister, Rowie, gets tired of waiting for her rod to be made, runs out showing off a rudimentary one she’s fashioned for herself from sticks and string to stares of dismay from creators and other customers.

• Pezzy makes a first sale to his cousin, but for $0.10. He explains that he wants to be kind to her and also, she doesn’t have $1. He’s reminded he cannot spend money he doesn’t have, and would have to make it back by pricing up the next sale. He tries to reneg on the sale and reprice to $0.87 but Grandma says he can’t change an agreed price. He says he can because he hasn’t sold it yet but Uncle Colin suggests cousin could sue for breach of contract.

In case you're wondering, they are still working on it. Amused to see the boys take their entrepreneur-ship class prototypes to the streets for market feedback. Thanks to all the East Coast passer-bys who engaged them, asked questions and even made purchases!