How Universal Yums Turned $2K into a Snack Empire

Universal Yums: Crafting a Global Snack Adventure

When Monique Bernstein and Eli Zauner launched Universal Yums in October 2014, they had a simple idea: ship curated snacks from around the world to subscribers each month. They used $2,000 from their savings to build a lean operation and test the concept. Using WooCommerce Subscriptions on WordPress, they crafted a site capable of handling recurring payments and tidy front-end control.

Bootstrapping with Focus and Flair

Instead of hiring early, they handled every task in-house. From writing PHP and JavaScript to designing the site layout and creating a custom box stamp, they kept overhead low. Pre-orders began in October, and the first boxes shipped in December 2014. After seeing growing interest, both founders left their jobs to run the venture full-time.

Building the Snack Experience

Each month brings a new country theme. Monique sources products through trusted contacts and orders samples for taste tests. The team picks the best items that represent a country’s flavors. Along with six or twelve snack selections, subscribers receive an informative booklet that Monique writes and designs. It covers fun facts, snack descriptions, and cultural trivia.

Scaling Up and Handling Surprises

A viral reddit post in 2014 drove 200 orders almost instantly. In late 2016, a live AMA on reddit drew thousands of visitors and caused the site to crash in 30 minutes. Hosting on WP Engine proved a lifesaver with an emergency migration. As revenue crossed $1 million annually, the company moved operations from Cincinnati to New Jersey and added more team members to keep up with demand.

Key Differentiators

• Unique country themes that rotate monthly keep subscribers curious.
• Informative booklets add a learning element to the tasting journey.
• Handpicked snacks not available in North America offer exclusive treats.
• A DIY approach at launch saved cash and clarified processes before hiring.

Behind the Scenes Tech Stack

The site runs on WordPress with WooCommerce and the Subscriptions extension. For code edits, Eli wrote PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to shape the shop. Hosting on WP Engine handles traffic spikes, and Google Analytics tracks user behavior. Team communication happens over Slack. Shippo integrates with WooCommerce to automate shipping labels and rate comparisons.

Lessons for First-Timers

Starting with a clear twist on a familiar model, testing everything yourself, and keeping costs in check can lead to steady growth. Hosting readiness and a plan for scaling tech on short notice are essential. Finally, small details like custom packaging and hand-crafted booklets help build a dedicated audience.