200 subscriptions are $8.75 each for a year. A typical box in a high traffic location may give away 100 magazines a month. The boxes themselves cost $299, and Pacific Press is doing a buy one, get one free, deal on the boxes.
David says it is better to put the magazines in the box on a weekly basis instead of only once a month. He also says that a long term commitment should be made to stocking the box. If you stick with the commitment, it will generate baptisms.
If a box gives away 100 magazines a month, it will cost about $875 for a year to stock the rack. If in a year you can generate enough leads to sell three or four book sets, the box will pay for itself. Of course, if you can then get some referal sales from those leads, you'll make a good profit.
The magazines will also generate Bible study requests. Nationwide, the number of Bible study requests has doubled since September 11, 2001. Of course responses for Bible study will be good prospects to sell books to.
Each month, choose a reply card that ties into the theme of the magazine. And pray regularly for your boxes and their locations.
If you try this, let me know how it works for you. I am personally sponsoring at least four boxes for my area, and I will share my experiences with you. As a colporteur, you can write off the cost of this as advertising expense against your colporteur income.
Remember to keep a long term perspective, and call on the Lord to bless your ministry. Even if it doesn't seem like the boxes are profit makers, call on the Lord to bless you. Be open to the possibility that your blessings may come to you from unexpected sources.
More information about David Sturm's ministry: