Potato Parcel
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Online retail |
| Founded | May 2015 |
| Founder | Alex Craig |
| Headquarters | San Bruno, California , United States |
Area served | United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom |
Key people | Riad Bekhit (owner) |
| Products | Custom message potatoes and related novelty items |
| Website | potatoparcel |
Potato Parcel (also known as PotatoParcel.com) is a U.S.-based enterprise that sends potatoes featuring custom messages up to 140 characters or a single image.[1][2][3]
History
The company was established in May 2015 by Alex Craig, a 24-year-old developer and graduate of the University of North Texas, initially operating out of Dallas, Texas.[4][5][2] Craig sourced potatoes locally and reported earnings ranging from $10,000 to $13,000 per month.[6][7][8] The business gained popularity through social media channels such as Twitter.[5] Craig characterized the idea as an innovative method for sending anonymous notes beyond conventional messaging applications.[2]
In October 2015, entrepreneur Riad Bekhit from the Bay Area acquired Potato Parcel for $40,000 and moved its operations to San Bruno, California. Bekhit expanded the product line by introducing items like the Lump of Coal Potato (painted black), Potato Pal (potatoes with facial designs), Potato Postcard (postcards attached to potatoes), and Spooky Tater (potatoes painted like pumpkins).[9][10] Additionally, a burlap sack packaging option was launched.[11] By April 2016, monthly revenue had increased to between $20,000 and $25,000.[9][12] The company also broadened its shipping reach internationally, covering Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom.[1][9][10][11]
Potato Parcel's concept has inspired comparable enterprises across the globe. An Australian firm provides messages limited to 15 words for AUD $10.[7] In the UK, Brick or Potato markets bricks or potatoes with personalized inscriptions for £6.99.[13] Potato Messenger, founded by Australian art students, sent around 1,000 potatoes decorated with rainbow flags to Parliament House advocating marriage equality.[14] Other related ventures include Bananas Gone Wild in Texas and Nannergram in Utah, which deliver customized bananas,[2][15] along with Eggplant Mail offering personalized eggplants.[16][17]
Reception
Cosmopolitan writer Tess Koman labeled Potato Parcel as "the new glitter-bombing, but way more depressing." Meanwhile, Elliot Volkman of Tech Cocktail referred to it as "the perfect way to tell people exactly how you feel."
See also
External links
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