I try to support local businesses whenever possible. I like that I can get to know them and their history in the area. I also like that they are a part of the community and often support it in various ways. As an extension of this kind of thinking, I like to find out about the sites on the Internet that I do business with as well. Because the Internet can make things feel more impersonal, I often research potential companies before I spend my money there.
I do the same for companies that would like me to advertise their site or give a discount to the Preparedness Club. I’m not saying I have to know them well, but I try to find out if they’re shady and how they treat their customers. Because of this, I have decided that I would give companies who advertise on the site or support the Preparedness Club the chance to let you get to know them a little better. To do this, I will make a post from time to time, giving them the chance to do a little question and answer session with me.
The first company I will highlight is Best Prices Storable Foods
1. How did your company get started and what was its main goal?
The only real goal at first was to get prepared considering Clinton was in office. We were a couple of presidents too early. Friends of Bruce’s all agreed about Clinton so Bruce decided to become a distributor and help everyone out. They all changed their minds and he was the last man standing. He went to a show in Mesquite and sold quite a bit so he decided it would be a nice side income and he could help others too.
2. What major changes have you seen since then?
That was all in 1994. At first it was done all mail order through catalogs but in 1996 he went online with a website and has been at it ever since. The possibility of problems with computer dates in 98 and 99 brought an onslaught of orders from people who were concerned. The fact that it seemed to be a non-issue is not true. We had computer programmers order several years’ worth of food because they weren’t convinced everyone would be ready. We have been fairly steady until the last year and a half. Considering what is happening the whole industry is confused about why we aren’t experiencing another Y2K in business. There are pockets of spending but even the biggies are not seeing business where it should be. It is like everyone is holding their breath. Very Strange.
3. What would you like people to know about your company?
We have been around since 1994 as I said so we have a lot of experience in what works and what doesn’t. We brought the canned meat, cheese and butter to this market first. We have been in this for a long time and were the original designers of the 1yr for 4 unit which we split for a 1yr for 2. It was created with a dietitian, not just us throwing stuff together. It was designed for ease of use. No grain mills or extra equipment to buy. Ours was designed with a little over 2000 calories and has had a few changes due to product availability. We made sure the calorie content was the same or higher in the products we now have. Others have jumped on the 1yr for 2-4 unit band wagon and not necessarily with the same consideration for the people who will use the food as we have. Cheap doesn’t always mean good.
Bruce was a pastor at one time and he truly believes we are here to help others, not just make money. We are a family owned and run company
4. How can your company help people to be better prepared?
We take the time to answer questions. There is a lot of info on the net and not all of it is correct. Most companies have order takers on the phone and no one who knows anything about their products. Our units are a start but some would rather do their own thing and we have helped countless people with that. We are as honest as we can possibly be. If you read what our customers are saying Bruce even puts up the negative comments. There aren’t many but there will always be someone who gets angry whether justified or not. Our customer service will stand above almost anyone. A customer called because she had gotten a bunch of super pails that were bursting in her garage. We discovered we hadn’t sold them to her and would never have told her to store anything in a hot garage. We would have suggested she buy in cans because opening pails of some things unless you are feeding an army will end up being wasted by having to throw them out. We tried to help her out until she figured out who she had bought them from. We give out the benefit of our experience and quite often make no money at all. God blesses us and we hope our business is a blessing to others.
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