Independent curiosities / Founding dossier
Strange objects.
A remarkable plan.
A gothic collectibles business where vintage oddities become fictional evidence. Explore the complete, editable blueprint for The Strange Things Department.
15 connected branches · One curious ambition
What to expect
Real vintage objects. Clearly described.
Fictional mysteries. Honestly labeled.
A founding plan. Not inflated promises.
01 / The signature experience
An object is only
the beginning.
For collectors, dark academia devotees, and anyone who would rather investigate a gift than simply unwrap it.
In development. Product ranges below are planned pricing, not live offers.
An abandoned motel. A guest registry. A genuine vintage object with a fictional story waiting to be unraveled. Follow the clues, cross-reference the evidence, and reach your own conclusion.
- 01
Handle the evidence
Vintage object, fictional receipt, guest registry, letter, and vintage-style photographs.
- 02
Connect the clues
Hidden details and digital bonus evidence turn the collection into an investigation.
- 03
Keep the story going
Follow-up cases build an interconnected fictional mystery universe.
02 / The working archive
Every thread, connected.
Open any branch to inspect its details. Click its title or notes to edit. Edits stay in this page session; copy your changes before leaving.
Central business
THE STRANGE THINGS DEPARTMENT
Curiosity Has a Cost · Gothic-inspired collectibles, vintage oddities, and interactive mystery entertainment.
01Brand identityFoundation
- Gothic archival aesthetic; charcoal black, aged ivory, oxblood red, and antique brass.
- Vintage institutional typography and a fictional evidence department theme.
- Mysterious, witty, unconventional personality. Customers become fictional investigators.
02Target customersFoundation
- Oddities and curiosity collectors; gothic and alternative subcultures; vintage collectors.
- Dark academia, mystery, puzzle, and horror enthusiasts; unusual gift buyers.
03ProductsProducts
- Evidence Boxes: $39–$59
- Digital Mystery Files: $9–$29
- Vintage Oddities: $15–$150
- Mystery Collectibles: $12–$35
- Gothic Accessories: $15–$45
- Monthly Mystery Subscription: $19–$39
04Signature productProducts
- Case #001: The Woman Who Never Checked Out — a fictional abandoned motel mystery.
- Includes a genuine vintage object, fictional motel receipt, guest registry, handwritten-style letter, and vintage-style photographs.
- Hidden clues, digital bonus evidence, and an interactive investigation. The customer solves the mystery.
- Follow-up cases encourage repeat purchases.
05SourcingOperations
- Thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets, auctions, vintage wholesalers, and online resale marketplaces.
- Original handmade collectibles and print-on-demand merchandise.
06Sales channelsMarketing
- Etsy for eligible vintage and original products; independent e-commerce website.
- TikTok for customer discovery, Instagram for branding and engagement, Pinterest for visual discovery.
- Email marketing and a collector community.
07Viral marketingMarketing
- Strange thrift discoveries, mystery package unboxings, fictional evidence reveals, and unusual object histories.
- Customer investigation videos, viewer polls and theories, limited-edition product drops, and mystery countdowns.
- Behind-the-scenes sourcing and customer-generated content.
08Customer acquisitionMarketing
- Publish curiosity-driven short videos → encourage profile visits → offer a free digital mystery clue → collect email subscribers.
- Promote introductory mystery products → convert viewers into customers → encourage customer reviews.
- Release additional cases and build repeat purchasing.
09Revenue modelFinances
- HYPOTHETICAL TARGETS — not sales forecasts or verified sales.
- Evidence Boxes: 50 sales × $39 = $1,950
- Digital Cases: 100 sales × $12 = $1,200
- Vintage Oddities: 30 sales × $35 = $1,050
- Collectibles: 40 sales × $18 = $720
- Memberships: 50 × $19 = $950
- Illustrative monthly gross revenue: $5,870
- Illustrative annualized gross revenue: $70,440
- Deduct inventory, shipping, fees, labor, marketing, and taxes.
10Startup costsFinances
- Vintage objects: $30; packaging: $20; printing: $20; props: $15.
- Design software: $0–$15; website setup: $0–$30; contingency: $25.
- Estimated prototype budget: $110–$155.
- Business registration and insurance not included.
1130-day launchOperations
- Week 1 — Finalize business identity, design logo, create social media accounts, and develop the first mystery.
- Week 2 — Source vintage objects, design evidence documents, create three product prototypes, and calculate production costs.
- Week 3 — Produce ten short videos, publish mystery teasers, create an email signup page, and test audience interest.
- Week 4 — Launch digital mystery, open limited physical preorders, target the first 20 paid orders, and gather customer feedback.
12OperationsOperations
- Inventory management, product photography, mystery writing and design, printing and assembly.
- Packaging and shipping, customer service, order tracking, and financial bookkeeping.
- Product quality control and accurate vintage item descriptions.
13Business metricsFinances
- Product sales, gross revenue, contribution margin, and average order value.
- Customer acquisition cost, website conversion rate, and email subscribers.
- Repeat purchase rate, subscription retention, and inventory turnover.
14ExpansionGrowth
- Seasonal mystery collections, exclusive collector boxes, subscription memberships, and original fictional characters.
- Interactive online investigations, audio mystery episodes, and artist collaborations.
- Wholesale gift products, retail partnerships, and original merchandise.
15Long-term visionGrowth
- Build a recognizable alternative collectibles brand and establish a loyal collector community.
- Create an interconnected fictional mystery universe and develop recurring revenue.
- Expand digital products, increase repeat purchases, scale profitable physical products, and explore licensing opportunities.
Planning document only. All revenue projections are hypothetical; prices, budgets, and launch milestones remain targets to validate.
03 / Begin the investigation
Build the first strange thing.
Start with the first case. Refine the costs. Follow the 30-day launch plan from prototype to a tested idea.