Lock Paper Scissors
Lock Paper Scissors is a US-based bootstrapped company that designs and sells printable DIY escape room kits as digital downloads, serving consumer party planners, families, educators, and corporate team-building buyers with themed games, bundles, and classroom resources delivered instantly via email.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- Headquarters—
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Lock Paper Scissors does
Lock Paper Scissors Publishing (DBA Lock Paper Scissors) is a US-based, privately held, bootstrapped direct-to-consumer company that designs, sells, and delivers printable DIY escape room kits as digital downloads. Its catalog spans six themed core games (Lost Mummy, Envy Murder Mystery, Rebel Revolt Spy Mission, Escape Room Z, Magical Frost Box, Time Travel Escape Quest) targeting age bands from 6 through adult, plus bundles (Kids Box, Big Box, VIP Box at $49-$99), seasonal packs, educational classroom bundles (Math Box, History Box), and DIY design resources (Masterclass, Designer's Blueprint). The product technology is a print-and-play PDF kit system with puzzle templates, themed decorations, invitations, and music, designed for approximately 20-minute setup and scalable for groups of 4 to 200+ players by printing one kit per four players.
The business model is a one-time digital purchase model with no subscription, no physical inventory, and instant delivery within 15 minutes via email. Pricing is $29 per individual kit and $49-$99 for bundles, with an average transaction value of approximately $36 and a refund rate below 4%. Go-to-market combines content-led SEO (100+ blog articles), a 21% commission ShareASale affiliate program, email marketing, and organic social proof on Facebook where the brand holds a 4.8-star rating. Customer segments are split across consumer party planners and families (primary), educators and schools (primary), corporate team building buyers (secondary), and DIY enthusiasts (secondary). The company has sold 82,496+ kits cumulatively and serves markets in the US, France, and Brazil through English, French, and Portuguese localized storefronts.
Operationally, Lock Paper Scissors appears to be a small founder-led business with Shirley Watson identified as the Puzzle Master and founder; no external venture funding, no M&A activity, no app or API surface, no AI capabilities, and no disclosed headcount are identified in the available data. The company competes against commercial escape room venues primarily on price (claimed savings of over $250 for an 8-person group) and convenience (at-home, no venue booking).
Lock Paper Scissors firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lock Paper Scissors
- Legal name
- Lock Paper Scissors Publishing
- Website
- https://lockpaperscissors.co
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Lock Paper Scissors is a US-based bootstrapped company that designs and sells printable DIY escape room kits as digital downloads, serving consumer party planners, families, educators, and corporate team-building buyers with themed games, bundles, and classroom resources delivered instantly via email.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lock Paper Scissors industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Printable DIY Escape Room Kits
- NAICS
- Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing (339930), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (459120)
- SIC
- Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Escape Room Games & Mystery Puzzle Boxes Retail (CRALALAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Crafts & DIY (Paper, Fiber, Wood, Resin, DIY Projects) (EDAAAGAB)
Keywords
Lock Paper Scissors business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Escape Room Kit Sales: One-time purchase of individual printable escape room kits delivered digitally. Customers pay $29 per kit plus printing costs. Includes puzzles, decorations, invites, and themed music.
- Bundle Package Sales: Bundled escape room collections at discounted prices: Kids Box ($49, 4 kits, 60% savings), Big Box ($49, 4 kits, 60% savings), VIP Box ($99, 6 kits + educational games + holiday packs, 65%+ savings)
- Affiliate Program Revenue: Partners earn 21% commission on referred sales through ShareASale affiliate network. Average sale value approximately $36. Company maintains less than 4% refund rate.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Escape Room Kit - $29 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kids Box - $49 (Save 60%) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Big Box - $49 (Save 60%) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | VIP Box - $99 (Save 65%+) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Classroom Kits - $29-39 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Lock Paper Scissors product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lock Paper Scissors designs and sells downloadable, print-and-play DIY escape room kits that customers print at home and assemble in approximately 20 minutes. Each kit includes themed puzzles, props, decorations, invitations, and music designed for groups of 4 to 200+ players. The company also offers bundled collections, seasonal packs, classroom educational bundles, and DIY design resources sold exclusively through its direct-to-consumer website with instant digital delivery.
Product overview
Lock Paper Scissors is a print-and-play DIY escape room kit company offering a portfolio of themed physical/digital products delivered as downloadable PDFs. The core lineup consists of six distinct escape room games: Envy Murder Mystery (adults 16+), Lost Mummy (ages 10-16), Rebel Revolt Spy Mission (teens 14+), Escape Room Z (zombie thriller), Magical Frost Box (ages 8-12), and Time Travel Escape Quest (ages 6-9). These are sold individually ($29 each plus printing costs) or bundled into the Kids Box (4 kids kits at $49), Big Box (4 kits at $49), and VIP Box (all 6 kits plus 5 edu-venture games, holiday packs, and lifetime future games at $99). The company also offers classroom educational bundles (Math Box, History Box) and DIY design resources (Escape Room Masterclass, Designer's Blueprint) for teachers and families wanting to create custom escape rooms. All products are delivered digitally via email within 15 minutes of purchase and designed to be printed and played at home in approximately 20 minutes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Envy Murder Mystery A 1920s Gatsby-style murder mystery escape room kit for adults ages 16+. Players investigate a debaucherous luxury setting with deadly feuds; 40-60 minute playtime. Sold as a digital download.
- Lost Mummy Egyptian-themed escape room kit where players brave dark tombs to unearth ancient secrets. Suitable for ages 10-16 with 30-60 minute playtime. Sold as a digital download.
- Rebel Revolt Spy Mission Treasonous spy mission escape room where players infiltrate an evil government's W.A.R. facility. Rated for ages 14+. Sold as a digital download.
- Escape Room Z A comical zombie thriller escape room with an infectious z-virus storyline. Features 60 minutes of playtime for ages 16+. Sold as a digital download.
- Magical Frost Box A magical quest escape room where kids help the magical forest Wisp. Designed for ages 8-12 with enchanting adventure themes and 30-60 minute playtime. Sold as a digital download.
- Time Travel Escape Quest A time travel adventure escape room where players fix a T.I.M.E. machine using relics from each era while avoiding dinosaurs. Designed for ages 6-9. Sold as a digital download.
- Kids Box Bundle of 4 kids escape room kits (Lost Mummy, Rebel Revolt, Escape Quest, Frost) plus bonus Treasure Map Pack at $49, offering 60% savings. Sold as a digital download.
- Big Box Bundle of 4 escape room kits at $49 with bonus Skulls Card Game, offering 60% savings versus purchasing individually. Sold as a digital download.
- VIP Box Premium bundle including all 6 escape room kits, 5 kids edu-venture games, holiday packs (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's), Skulls Card Game, Treasure Map pack, and lifetime free copies of all future games at $99. Sold as a digital download.
- Escape Room Masterclass A DIY design class teaching families how to create their own escape rooms from scratch with printable templates, puzzles, and props. Sold as a digital download.
- Math Box Classroom math activity bundle with 50% savings, including Adventure Egypt Math, BingoCraft Math, Million to Mars Math, and Birthday Planner Math worksheets. Sold as a digital download.
- History Box Classroom history activity bundle with 50% savings, featuring Tutankhamun History and other ancient Egypt worksheet games. Sold as a digital download.
- Halloween Box Seasonal bundle featuring Envy and Escape Room Z Halloween variants plus bonus Halloween posters and extra games and puzzles at $49. Sold as a digital download.
- Designer's Blueprint Step-by-step guide for designing escape rooms from scratch, including puzzle ideas, theme selection, and advanced design secrets. Sold as a digital download.
- Free Builder's Kit A free escape room design kit for kids to become escape room designers, engaging children creatively. Sold as a digital download.
Quantifiable outcome
- 82,496+ kits sold globally
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Lock Paper Scissors
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Lock Paper Scissors technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Lock Paper Scissors partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- ShareASalecoreShareASale is the affiliate network platform that powers Lock Paper Scissors' affiliate program. Affiliates sign up through ShareASale to promote products and earn 21% commission on referred sales. ShareASale handles tracking, reporting, and monthly commission payments. The company reports less than 4% refund rate and average sale value of approximately $36.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Lock Paper Scissors competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Asmodee: One of the largest board and party game publishers globally, owning Unlock!, Mysterium, and Exit-adjacent titles. Relevant as a broad incumbent whose catalog overlaps Lock Paper Scissors' core escape room and mystery categories at retail and online.
- Ravensburger: A major games and puzzles manufacturer with an established escape room and party game line. Comparable as a broadly distributed incumbent in the at-home puzzle and game space, though focused on physical rather than digital delivery.
Others
- The Game Crafter: A platform enabling creators to design, print, and sell custom games and puzzles. Adjacent infrastructure relevant to Lock Paper Scissors as an alternative production and distribution channel if it ever expanded into physical kits.
- Teachers Pay Teachers: An online marketplace where educators buy and sell printable teaching resources. Comparable as the dominant channel for the educator customer segment Lock Paper Scissors targets with its Math Box and History Box offerings.
Direct peers
- Hunt A Killer: A subscription-based at-home mystery/detective game. Overlaps with Lock Paper Scissors on adult-themed narrative-driven puzzles played at home, though distributed episodically rather than as standalone kits.
- Mysterium: A cooperative mystery board game by Asmodee in which players solve a murder. Comparable as a one-time purchase, at-home mystery/puzzle entertainment product targeting the same adult party and family game night segment.
- Exit: The Game: An award-winning escape room board game series by Kosmos. Highly comparable as a one-time-purchase, at-home escape room product that customers set up and play without a venue, competing directly for the same consumer party and family entertainment wallet.
- Escape Tales: A narrative-driven escape room game series published by Dreamquest Games. Closely comparable in form factor (single-box purchase, self-contained story, puzzles to solve at home) and price point to Lock Paper Scissors kits.
- Unlock!: A cooperative card-based escape room game series published by Space Cowboys (an Asmodee studio). Directly comparable as a print-and-play escape room experience purchased once and played in a single sitting, targeting the same hobbyist and family audience as Lock Paper Scissors.
Emerging players
- Breakout EDU: An educational platform offering kit-based and digital escape room experiences for K-12 classrooms. Directly comparable in the education segment, intersecting with Lock Paper Scissors' Math Box and History Box products for teachers.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Lock Paper Scissors social profiles
Digital presenceLock Paper Scissors financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lock Paper Scissors leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Lock Paper Scissors funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lock Paper Scissors M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lock Paper Scissors
What does Lock Paper Scissors do?
Lock Paper Scissors designs and sells downloadable, print-and-play DIY escape room kits that customers print at home and assemble in approximately 20 minutes. Each kit includes themed puzzles, props, decorations, invitations, and music designed for groups of 4 to 200+ players. The company also offers bundled collections, seasonal packs, classroom educational bundles, and DIY design resources sold exclusively through its direct-to-consumer website with instant digital delivery.
Is Lock Paper Scissors a public or private company?
Lock Paper Scissors is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Lock Paper Scissors founded?
Lock Paper Scissors was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
How does Lock Paper Scissors make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Individual Escape Room Kit Sales are the primary driver. The others are bundle Package Sales and affiliate Program Revenue.
Who are Lock Paper Scissors's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Asmodee and Ravensburger. Others are The Game Crafter and Teachers Pay Teachers. Direct peers are Hunt A Killer, Mysterium, Exit: The Game, Escape Tales and Unlock!. Breakout EDU is listed as an emerging player.
Does Lock Paper Scissors have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lock Paper Scissors.
What industry is Lock Paper Scissors in?
Lock Paper Scissors's product category is Printable DIY Escape Room Kits. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALALAM, Escape Room Games & Mystery Puzzle Boxes Retail, with a secondary code of EDAAAGAB, Crafts & DIY (Paper, Fiber, Wood, Resin, DIY Projects). Its NAICS code is 339930 and its SIC code is 3944.