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Selling a pen is said to be the ultimate test of salesmanship, and three Mahurangi College students are taking the test in Warkworth this month, selling their own brand of pens which they say has an edge over the market.
Year 13 students Jordan Curin, Kris Middleton and Ashleigh Dick have formed the business, JAK Eco, to sell the pens as part of their business studies course.
The dual-function pens are made from recycled plastic and cardboard, and have a highlighter on one end and a blue ballpoint on the other. Twenty per cent of the proceeds will go towards environmental group Tossi.
Ashleigh, who wants to study natural resources engineering, says they wanted to transform the every day product into something that both supported and embodied sustainable thinking.
“We use pens every day, but they are mostly just made of plastic. We thought ‘what if every pen used was also helping protect the environment’ and was made from recycled material’.
“Our plan is to sell these pens within our local community to promote eco friendly behaviour and environmental awareness, and also encourage support of Tossi.”
The pens are designed and produced by a New Zealand company and are imprinted with a logo designed by JAK Eco.
They plan to sell 2000 pens at $4 each, raising about $1600 for T2000.
There are four teams in the class who have each started their own small business. The other groups are producing a solar powered iPhone charger, a business creating mirrors from recycled windowpanes, and a line of pillows for tourists.
The students have more at stake than just their marks – each invests their own money to start up their business. Jordan, Kris and Ashleigh are putting in $200 each to get their pens manufactured.
Local business mentors Dr Simon Barclay and Graeme Beals have been working with the class to help them improve their products and business plans.
Business studies teacher Peter Hill says he has no problem motivating the students.
“If I ever have a relief teacher, they are stunned that the students get into their groups and are off running their businesses. They are so focused they barely notice the bell has gone when the class has finished.”
The course was first offered to Year 11 students three years ago and this is the first time it has been expanded to Level 3.
