THE UNCARVED BLOCK
Exquisite Insect Art & Specimens
1302 W Ajo Way, Unit 310, Tucson, AZ 85715
707.922.6331 | pustuff@gmail.com
Executive Summary
The Uncarved Block bridges the gap between scientific curiosity and high-end interior design. By leveraging direct international sourcing relationships, we bring museum-quality, ethically sourced insect specimens to the US market. Our competitive advantage lies in our direct supply chain, eliminating middlemen and ensuring quality control from the source to the gallery wall.
Featured Specimens Gallery (Non-CITES)
Exotic Beetles ($85 – $250 Retail)
Blue Morpho (High Volume)
Statement Moths ($400+ Retail)
These species are commonly sourced from sustainable farming operations and are not listed under CITES or the US Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Market Opportunity
Growing interest in “Oddities” and “Biophilic Design” (2020-2025 Projected)
The Model: Finished vs. Raw
The core strategic decision is importing finished (framed) product versus raw specimens.
-
✓
Finished Product: Higher shipping volume, but “Speed to Market” is instant. Zero domestic labor required for mounting. Ideal for immediate cash flow.
-
✓
Raw Specimens: Extremely low shipping cost (thousands fit in a box). Requires skilled domestic labor (spreading, pinning, framing). Higher margin potential long-term.
Growth Trajectory & Benchmarks
Year 1: Foundation & Compliance
The primary focus is mastering the import process, establishing the e-commerce presence, and proving unit economics using the finished product model.
Key Steps:
- Secure Import/Export License (Form 3-200-3).
- Execute 4-6 successful pilot shipments via eDecs.
- Launch dedicated e-commerce platform (Shopify/Etsy).
- Consolidate sourcing to 2 reliable, high-volume suppliers.
Goals & Benchmarks:
- **Revenue:** Achieve $75k in sales.
- **Margin:** Maintain Gross Margin of 60% on finished goods.
- **SKUs:** Establish a core catalog of 30 unique SKUs.
- **Compliance:** 100% successful customs clearance (zero seizures/fines).
Potential Exit Strategies
A well-defined exit strategy maximizes enterprise value and ensures investor returns. Our primary focus shifts based on market maturity and revenue scale.
| Strategy | Timeline | Valuation Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Acquisition | Year 5 – 7 | Proprietary Sourcing Network & B2B Contracts |
| Financial Buyer (PE) | Year 7 – 10 | High Gross Margin (70%+) & Recurring Revenue |
| Succession/MBO | Year 10+ | Established Management Team |
Action Required: Meeting suppliers this week? Use the 72-Hour Checklist and Import Tables below.
72-Hour Supplier Checklist
Importer Data Profile
Key codes and data points for Customs and USFWS forms.
HTS Code (Insects): 9705.21
Duty Rate: 0% (NTR Countries)
Purpose Code (3-177): T (Commercial)
CBP Broker Threshold: >$2,500 Shipment Value
Notification (3-177): 48-72hrs prior to arrival
Master Logistics Protocol
1. Required Documentation (From Supplier)
| Document | Purpose | Critical Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | CBP Duty Assessment | Must list HTS Code 9705.21, Scientific Names, and Values. |
| Ethical Declaration | USDA/APHIS Clearance | Must state: “Contents are dead, preserved insects, not pathogenic to livestock.” |
| Export Permit | Origin Compliance | Required ONLY if species is protected in origin country (ask supplier). |
2. Importer Actions (Your Responsibility)
| Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File Form 3-177 | Prior to Arrival | Mandatory. File via USFWS eDecs. |
| Port Notification | 48-72 Hrs Prior | Email/Call the USFWS Inspector at entry port. |
| Pay Inspection Fee | At Clearance | $93.00 Base Fee per commercial shipment. |
3. Packaging & Logistics
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Crating | Fragile/Glass. Use layered cushioning. |
| Wood Packaging | Must be ISPM-15 Heat Treated (Stamped) if using wood crates. Cardboard is safer. |
| Ports | Must use Designated Port (LAX, SFO, Nogales, etc) or have Exception Permit. |
Risk & Compliance Mitigation Matrix
| Risk Scenario | Mitigation Strategy | Impact to Business (if not mitigated) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Detainment (Paperwork) | Use Customs Broker for first 3 shipments. Double-check HTS code, values, and 3-177 filing receipt prior to departure. | $500 – $1,000 in storage/re-inspection fees; 1-2 week delay in inventory. |
| USDA Contamination (Pests) | Require Supplier Ethical Declaration proving chemical preservation/fumigation. Use non-wood packaging (cardboard). | Total shipment destruction/seizure; permanent import ban risk. |
| Species Misclassification (CITES) | Pre-vet all species scientific names against CITES appendix 1-3 list. Build supply chain only with proven, farmed species. | Criminal penalties; massive fines; total forfeiture of business license. |
Designated USFWS Port Finder
Select a region to see contact info.
Unit Economics Calculator
Cost Structure Analysis
Pre-Filled Document Generator
Select a document type below. The system will pre-fill it with your company details.