Massachusetts man selling autumn foliage for $19.99

A Massachusetts man has launched a business called Ship Foliage. For $19.99 US, he'll send people a bundle of autumn leaves. 

"Hundreds of thousands of people come to visit New England every year to view the incredible foliage. So, it just seemed like a no-brainer to me," Waring tells As it Happens host Carol Off.

Each order contains three leaves -- one red, one yellow, and an orange one. The leaves are packaged in an envelope that is tied with string.

Since launching his business Oct.6, Waring says he has received more than 200 orders.

"Most of the orders are going to the south to California, Texas and Arizona.  But, I have had some orders to New York, strangely enough, even though they do have foliage there as well."

Waring collects the leaves himself. He then performs a preservation process that takes about a week. He says he soaks the leaves in glycerin and water. Then, he uses a small quantity of ammonia to kill any microbes. After drying the leaves, he flattens them in a book.

"I do take them through a pretty exhaustive process," he says. "These leaves actually last for years."

Waring also has a business where he ships snow called ShipSnowYo. This past winter, he says he shipped approximately 700 pounds of snow.

But, he says he's not planning to monetize spring or summer: "I'm thinking of taking it off. It's a lot to handle."