There is no mistaking which mailbox is yours with these customized creations--they are built to be an exact replica of your home (albeit on a smaller scale).
Designed from photos, each mailbox is handmade and the resemblance is remarkable. According to Dave DiFronzo of Dave’s Custom Built Mailboxes, building a home replica mailbox is very labor-intensive and can take several months--especially since some customers choose to get very elaborate and want their mailboxes to reflect their homes down to the tiniest detail. Therefore, each mailbox is individually priced based on the home style and complexity.
While many people purchase these mailboxes for their own homes, Dave says the mailboxes are also popular as gifts, due to their uniqueness.
The number of talented woodworkers who build these custom masterpieces is sparse. In addition to Dave, another notable craftsman is Denny Gottschalk of Artistic Mailbox Creations, who has been making home replica mailboxes for over 10 years. Denny frequently creates mailboxes that duplicate not only the front of the home, but the sides as well. He says the purple Victorian home pictured in the gallery took him 11 weeks to build.
While Dave sells his work directly from his website, Denny chooses to sell mainly through distributors like the Mailbox Ranch.
These distinctive mailboxes are designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Postal Service. The craftsmen also say they are solidly constructed to withstand the elements for many years.
Ah, home sweet...mailbox.
Mini McMansion Mailboxes
Personalized Mailboxes Look Just Like Your Home
Trend Themes
1. Customized Mailboxes - Opportunity for businesses to provide personalized mailboxes that resemble customers' homes, offering a unique and distinguishable mailbox experience.
2. Labor-intensive Craftsmanship - Chance for innovative solutions or technologies that streamline the process of building home replica mailboxes, reducing the labor and time required.
3. Rise of Unique Gifts - Growing market for personalized mailboxes as unique and thoughtful gifts, creating opportunities for businesses to cater to this demand.
Industry Implications
1. Woodworking - Woodworkers specializing in building customized mailboxes can capitalize on the demand for personalized and high-quality mailboxes.
2. E-commerce - Online retail platforms can provide a convenient and accessible channel for customers to purchase customized mailboxes.
3. Gifts and Crafts - Businesses in the gifts and crafts industry can tap into the market for personalized mailboxes, offering unique and customizable options for customers.