Guest guest Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 Hello all, I was at the health food store yesterday, and I have to say that I truley get so offended by the prices. Really puts a bee in my bonnet. They were selling farm fresh eggs (I usually sell mine for a $1.00/doz) from the menanite lady that I have butcher my meat birds, for $4.00/doz. I had to laugh out loud. I know this woman, how they live, etc. That is just an obscene price! I feel that way about their other stuff too. Example, the Food for Life Ezekiel Bread, $4.76 per loaf! I know that it's really only about $2 something from the wholesaler. A lot of this stuff I could buy from the distributers with my 52 number, but you have to have huge minimum orders. So there is the problem. I don't need $700. worth of bread stuffs from Food for Life. Does anyone have a mail-order source for organic/natural foods/products etc. (not necessarily produce) that I can buy at wholesale prices? I don't know enough people (anyone really) that would go in with me to buy large quantities. Hey I think I have a new great idea for Doc - hint hint. Debra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Go to www.ozarkcoop.com some of the prices are better see if there is a coop group in your area. I belong to this one. Kim in FL - Debra Savage herbal remedies Thursday, January 12, 2006 5:15 PM Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Hello all, I was at the health food store yesterday, and I have to say that I truley get so offended by the prices. Really puts a bee in my bonnet. They were selling farm fresh eggs (I usually sell mine for a $1.00/doz) from the menanite lady that I have butcher my meat birds, for $4.00/doz. I had to laugh out loud. I know this woman, how they live, etc. That is just an obscene price! I feel that way about their other stuff too. Example, the Food for Life Ezekiel Bread, $4.76 per loaf! I know that it's really only about $2 something from the wholesaler. A lot of this stuff I could buy from the distributers with my 52 number, but you have to have huge minimum orders. So there is the problem. I don't need $700. worth of bread stuffs from Food for Life. Does anyone have a mail-order source for organic/natural foods/products etc. (not necessarily produce) that I can buy at wholesale prices? I don't know enough people (anyone really) that would go in with me to buy large quantities. Hey I think I have a new great idea for Doc - hint hint. Debra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 There is one based out of Tuscon, they service Arizona, NM and part of Utah. I can find out the name but not until tomorrow, there is another one in Oregon azurestandard.com they service Washington, Montana, Idaho and a small part of Utah. Some of their stuff is pricey too, bread included, so I just watch what I buy, most is better than you find around here! fft herbal remedies , " Debra Savage " <gdwmn65@v...> wrote: > > Hello all, > > I was at the health food store yesterday, and I have to say that I truley get so offended by the prices. Really puts a bee in my bonnet. > > They were selling farm fresh eggs (I usually sell mine for a $1.00/doz) from the menanite lady that I have butcher my meat birds, for $4.00/doz. I had to laugh out loud. I know this woman, how they live, etc. That is just an obscene price! > > I feel that way about their other stuff too. Example, the Food for Life Ezekiel Bread, $4.76 per loaf! I know that it's really only about $2 something from the wholesaler. > > A lot of this stuff I could buy from the distributers with my 52 number, but you have to have huge minimum orders. So there is the problem. I don't need $700. worth of bread stuffs from Food for Life. > > Does anyone have a mail-order source for organic/natural foods/products etc. (not necessarily produce) that I can buy at wholesale prices? > > I don't know enough people (anyone really) that would go in with me to buy large quantities. > > Hey I think I have a new great idea for Doc - hint hint. > > Debra > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Hi Debra, If health foods are like other retail items, there is a 40-50% mark-up from the wholesale price. Of course this doesn't only cover the cost of the item, but also pays the business' bills and expenses, and pays any employees + the owner. It's really a neccessary "evil" to ensure that you have an outlet to purchase the items in the first place, otherwise the overhead alone would put any business under (and don't even get me started on taxes!). -Raine, small retail business owner Debra Savage wrote: Hello all, I was at the health food store yesterday, and I have to say that I truley get so offended by the prices. Really puts a bee in my bonnet. <snip> -- Swap Your Paperback Books - PaperBackSwap.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Before you take health food store prices personally and get offended, please let me add my opinion. You say you could use your business license to purchase items at wholesale cost, but the minimums are just huge. EXACTLY. A small independent store not only has to purchase items in large volume, they also have MANY other costs involved--overhead--paying employees, rent, utilities, and so much more. Also take into consideration that most health food stores do NOT set those retail prices. They are determined by the distributor, based on what that particular store pays wholesale. Grocery items are usually only given about a 30-33% markup. Not much profit there. The smaller the store, the smaller their buying power is, the higher the wholesale=higher retail price (so, places like trader joe's, whole foods, etc., buy in huge volume and suppliers give them huge price breaks--so they can sell stuff a LOT cheaper than a small store, I've seen some things that their retail price is lower than a small store's wholesale cost!) And like I said, most stores don't go around deciding themselves which prices to stick on an item. They come into the store with the price already set by the supplier, based on a percentage markup and/or what the manufacturer lists as " suggested retail price " . Then, let me say, I also know the Menonite woman you speak of who supplies those eggs ($3.29 a dozen at the store, not $4. And the family who supplies those eggs charges the store $2 a dozen--they do not give a wholesale price break) And I also happen to have a copy of an invoice in front of me that shows exactly what this store paid for that loaf of Food for Life bread ($4.35 a loaf, not $4.76 retail) and it was $3.20 a loaf wholesale, not $2 something. I know very well how much these things cost, I not only order them for the store I buy them at retail for myself. So I know and agree and COMPLETELY sympathize-- natural/organic products ARE expensive. After all, the paychecks I get from working at the health food store aren't all that much. Maybe if we really were ripping people off and marking up the products an obscene amount they'd be bigger? I understand it's frustrating when things are expensive. But please, before you say that it's offensive, think of how offensive it is that you believe we are ripping people off or unfairly marking up prices. If we COULD charge less, WE WOULD! Like I said, I'm not making millions here. I am in this business because natural and organic are my lifestyle, my passion, and I love my job and the people I work with. I also truly enjoy our customers and want to share this great food and products with them. It's not all about making money, but at the same time, the store has to make money pay the bills and the employees in order to stay in business? You don't have to be a math genius to understand that if we only charged wholesale, we wouldn't be here at all. And I don't think you are suggesting that we charge wholesale; but I also don't think you really know what this particular store's wholesale costs are. They are not as low as you think! So I have a very hard time wrapping my brain around why selling items at a nominal retail markup above wholesale is offensive or would make you angry? And, to answer your original question: If you are truly offended by the store, there is a co-op in your area, where you can buy this stuff at near wholesale prices. Do a search online for Frankferd Farms. Through them you can probably find the local contact. And, you don't have to buy large quantities. There you go, the answer to your troubles. So, please, next time you think your local health food store is being unfair, remember that we gave you the information to find the things you were looking for with absolutely no benefit to ourselves. Sorry if I have rambled, and if I seem a bit bitter--I'm not, just a little hurt. We truly like what we do here, and try to be fair. It hurts us personally when someone has an issue with the store. We're not perfect, but we really want to give people the best service we can. It's not only how we make a living but how we live our lives, as corny as that might sound! I'll add one more thing, on another note--This is a great list, with a lot of helpful information and people. I'm addicted to my groups and was happy to find this one! herbal remedies , " Debra Savage " <gdwmn65@v...> wrote: > > Hello all, > > I was at the health food store yesterday, and I have to say that I truley get so offended by the prices. Really puts a bee in my bonnet. > > They were selling farm fresh eggs (I usually sell mine for a $1.00/doz) from the menanite lady that I have butcher my meat birds, for $4.00/doz. I had to laugh out loud. I know this woman, how they live, etc. That is just an obscene price! > > I feel that way about their other stuff too. Example, the Food for Life Ezekiel Bread, $4.76 per loaf! I know that it's really only about $2 something from the wholesaler. > > A lot of this stuff I could buy from the distributers with my 52 number, but you have to have huge minimum orders. So there is the problem. I don't need $700. worth of bread stuffs from Food for Life. > > Does anyone have a mail-order source for organic/natural foods/products etc. (not necessarily produce) that I can buy at wholesale prices? > > I don't know enough people (anyone really) that would go in with me to buy large quantities. > > Hey I think I have a new great idea for Doc - hint hint. > > Debra > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Fallonml So how do you know what store I go to? If you recognize my name, why not sign your own? Seems now, your inappropriate tyrade makes it just about impossible for me to go back in there, now doesn't it. I don't need to feel uncomfortable and feel your eyes rolling at me, knowing that you've shared this with your co-worker. You know, sometimes, as a matter of grace, it's best to keep some information to yourself. You could have shared your knowledge about first hand experience in a healthfood store with out the rest. Debra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 Debra, My name is my " ID " --my last name's Fallon. I wasn't trying to hide anything. My picture with my name right underneath in the caption was on the front page of the local paper yesterday. Couldn't hide if I wanted to. I do ramble, but I don't see my rambling explanation as a " tyrade " . If it were a " tyrade " the whole thing would have been combative. I wasn't attacking, I was defending; or rather, just trying to explain my side. I also don't think that it was inappropriate. You being personally offended is personally hurtful to me. Why would I not speak up to correct misinformation, especially if it were something that made me and my co-workers/friends out to be bad people? You're right, I could have just shared my knowledge of this business w/out the rest. But I couldn't set the facts that you exaggerated straight without telling you who I was/where I was from. I felt I was being as upfront and honest as I could be. That's just the way I am, be it flaw or not--I just tell it straight. I am truly sorry you feel you will be uncomfortable in the store now, but did you think about how uncomfortable you made me feel with your stinging post ( " innapropriate tyrade " ?) ?? I'm NOT sorry that I defended myself and the store. You don't know me or my co-workers personally; can you defend yourself against the fact that you say our mark-ups are " obscene " ; that we are " gouging " customers; can you expect me to keep to myself when you say that our " huge profit margin " (HA!) is " disgusting " to you? We RARELY see a 33% profit (as another poster pointed out, a lot of retail mark-up is at least 40-50%) on grocery items. If you truly know retail, then you know we are NOT making a " huge profit margin " . You know your business, but you quite obviously know nothing of ours; all I ask is you please don't attack us without a correct, factual basis. I might know something about Harley's, but I wouldn't be so caustic and rude as to attack you about your profit margins and markups (especially if I were treated politely and respectfully in your store, as you have been in ours). So, just because you shop in health food stores and have some knowledge as to what some distributors may be charging, does not give you sufficient factual knowledge to attack us in the demeaning, rude, and downright horrible way you did. If you actually had ever seen our books, you would know firsthand that we are nothing close to " gouging " anybody! It is simply NOT TRUE. I could have went on a " tyrade " , as upset as I was when I read your post; I didn't. I just wanted you to see our side of it. I'll leave this alone now, as I really don't intend for this to slide downhill into an argument. I am not the kind of person that attacks people. I just wanted you to think about your strong and hurtfull language you used towards us, and I wanted to correct the information you gave with truthful information. Maria Fallon herbal remedies , " Debra Savage " <gdwmn65@v...> wrote: > > Fallonml > > So how do you know what store I go to? If you recognize my name, why not sign your own? > > Seems now, your inappropriate tyrade makes it just about impossible for me to go back in there, now doesn't it. I don't need to feel uncomfortable and feel your eyes rolling at me, knowing that you've shared this with your co-worker. You know, sometimes, as a matter of grace, it's best to keep some information to yourself. > > You could have shared your knowledge about first hand experience in a healthfood store with out the rest. > > Debra > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 Hi all, I just wanted to add one other angle to this. Major retailers make their $$ off of selling shelf space vs. actually selling any given product. The real $$ for a retail outlet (brick and mortar) is the sale of a shelf slot. When you support a small independant business or an independant web based business you are truly supporting the merchant. A reasonable mark-up should be factored in your buying decision. Remember, if we don't support them, your alternative is far worse. On a side note I would like to ask a favor of those of you who read this and are located in the new england area to send me a quick email with your general geograpic area (nothing too specific) since I am considering purchasing some acreage and am interested in becoming an organic farmer/herb supplier.' Thanks jl Please keep > Re: > > Before you take health food store prices personally > and get > offended, please let me add my opinion. > > You say you could use your business license to > purchase items at > wholesale cost, but the minimums are just huge. > EXACTLY. A small > independent store not only has to purchase items in > large volume, > they also have MANY other costs > involved--overhead--paying > employees, rent, utilities, and so much more. > > Also take into consideration that most health food > stores do NOT set > those retail prices. They are determined by the > distributor, based > on what that particular store pays wholesale. > Grocery items are > usually only given about a 30-33% markup. Not much > profit there. > The smaller the store, the smaller their buying > power is, the higher > the wholesale=higher retail price (so, places like > trader joe's, > whole foods, etc., buy in huge volume and suppliers > give them huge > price breaks--so they can sell stuff a LOT cheaper > than a small > store, I've seen some things that their retail price > is lower than a > small store's wholesale cost!) And like I said, > most stores don't > go around deciding themselves which prices to stick > on an item. > They come into the store with the price already set > by the supplier, > based on a percentage markup and/or what the > manufacturer lists > as " suggested retail price " . > > Then, let me say, I also know the Menonite woman you > speak of who > supplies those eggs ($3.29 a dozen at the store, not > $4. And the > family who supplies those eggs charges the store $2 > a dozen--they do > not give a wholesale price break) And I also happen > to have a copy > of an invoice in front of me that shows exactly what > this store paid > for that loaf of Food for Life bread ($4.35 a loaf, > not $4.76 > retail) and it was > $3.20 a loaf wholesale, not $2 something. > > I know very well how much these things cost, I not > only order them > for the store I buy them at retail for myself. So I > know and agree > and COMPLETELY sympathize-- natural/organic products > ARE expensive. > After all, the paychecks I get from working at the > health food store > aren't all that much. Maybe if we really were > ripping people off and > marking up the products an obscene amount they'd be > bigger? I > understand it's frustrating when things are > expensive. But please, > before you say that it's offensive, think of how > offensive it is > that you believe we are ripping people off or > unfairly marking up > prices. If we COULD charge less, WE WOULD! Like I > said, I'm not > making millions here. I am in this business because > natural and > organic are my lifestyle, my passion, and I love my > job and the > people I work with. I also truly enjoy our > customers and want to > share this great food and products with them. It's > not all about > making money, but at the same time, the store has to > make money pay > the bills and the employees in order to stay in > business? > > You don't have to be a math genius to understand > that if we only > charged wholesale, we wouldn't be here at all. And I > don't think you > are suggesting that we charge wholesale; but I also > don't think you > really know what this particular store's wholesale > costs are. They > are not as low as you think! So I have a very > hard time wrapping my brain around why selling items > at a nominal > retail markup above wholesale is offensive or would > make you angry? > > And, to answer your original question: If you are > truly offended by > the store, there is a co-op in your area, where you > can buy this > stuff at near wholesale prices. Do a search online > for Frankferd > Farms. > Through them you can probably find the local > contact. And, you don't > have to buy large quantities. There you go, the > answer to your > troubles. So, please, next time you think your local > health food > store is being unfair, remember that we gave you the > information to > find the things you were looking for with absolutely > no benefit to > ourselves. > > Sorry if I have rambled, and if I seem a bit > bitter--I'm not, just a > little hurt. We truly like what we do here, and try > to be fair. It > hurts us personally when someone has an issue with > the store. We're > not perfect, but we really want to give people the > best service we > can. It's not only how we make a living but how we > live our lives, > as corny as that might sound! > > I'll add one more thing, on another note--This is a > great list, with > a lot of helpful information and people. I'm > addicted to my > groups and was happy to find this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Good points Amigo. One of the things I'm trying to encourage everyone to do is to start their own garden, even if it's a small one that is inside the house in the window of an apartment. In Health and Love, Doc Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc - fallonml herbal remedies Friday, January 13, 2006 4:01 PM Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Before you take health food store prices personally and get offended, please let me add my opinion.You say you could use your business license to purchase items at wholesale cost, but the minimums are just huge. EXACTLY. A small independent store not only has to purchase items in large volume, they also have MANY other costs involved--overhead--paying employees, rent, utilities, and so much more. Also take into consideration that most health food stores do NOT set those retail prices. They are determined by the distributor, based on what that particular store pays wholesale. Grocery items are usually only given about a 30-33% markup. Not much profit there. The smaller the store, the smaller their buying power is, the higher the wholesale=higher retail price (so, places like trader joe's, whole foods, etc., buy in huge volume and suppliers give them huge price breaks--so they can sell stuff a LOT cheaper than a small store, I've seen some things that their retail price is lower than a small store's wholesale cost!) And like I said, most stores don't go around deciding themselves which prices to stick on an item. They come into the store with the price already set by the supplier, based on a percentage markup and/or what the manufacturer lists as "suggested retail price". Then, let me say, I also know the Menonite woman you speak of who supplies those eggs ($3.29 a dozen at the store, not $4. And the family who supplies those eggs charges the store $2 a dozen--they do not give a wholesale price break) And I also happen to have a copy of an invoice in front of me that shows exactly what this store paid for that loaf of Food for Life bread ($4.35 a loaf, not $4.76 retail) and it was $3.20 a loaf wholesale, not $2 something. I know very well how much these things cost, I not only order them for the store I buy them at retail for myself. So I know and agree and COMPLETELY sympathize-- natural/organic products ARE expensive. After all, the paychecks I get from working at the health food store aren't all that much. Maybe if we really were ripping people off and marking up the products an obscene amount they'd be bigger? I understand it's frustrating when things are expensive. But please, before you say that it's offensive, think of how offensive it is that you believe we are ripping people off or unfairly marking up prices. If we COULD charge less, WE WOULD! Like I said, I'm not making millions here. I am in this business because natural and organic are my lifestyle, my passion, and I love my job and the people I work with. I also truly enjoy our customers and want to share this great food and products with them. It's not all about making money, but at the same time, the store has to make money pay the bills and the employees in order to stay in business? You don't have to be a math genius to understand that if we only charged wholesale, we wouldn't be here at all. And I don't think you are suggesting that we charge wholesale; but I also don't think you really know what this particular store's wholesale costs are. They are not as low as you think! So I have a very hard time wrapping my brain around why selling items at a nominal retail markup above wholesale is offensive or would make you angry?And, to answer your original question: If you are truly offended by the store, there is a co-op in your area, where you can buy this stuff at near wholesale prices. Do a search online for Frankferd Farms. Through them you can probably find the local contact. And, you don't have to buy large quantities. There you go, the answer to your troubles. So, please, next time you think your local health food store is being unfair, remember that we gave you the information to find the things you were looking for with absolutely no benefit to ourselves. Sorry if I have rambled, and if I seem a bit bitter--I'm not, just a little hurt. We truly like what we do here, and try to be fair. It hurts us personally when someone has an issue with the store. We're not perfect, but we really want to give people the best service we can. It's not only how we make a living but how we live our lives, as corny as that might sound!I'll add one more thing, on another note--This is a great list, with a lot of helpful information and people. I'm addicted to my and was happy to find this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Is there any good websites that help with a garden? I am often teased for having a "black" thumb. Thanks, Kim - Dr. Ian Shillington herbal remedies Thursday, February 16, 2006 12:53 PM Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Good points Amigo. One of the things I'm trying to encourage everyone to do is to start their own garden, even if it's a small one that is inside the house in the window of an apartment. In Health and Love, Doc Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc - fallonml herbal remedies Friday, January 13, 2006 4:01 PM Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Before you take health food store prices personally and get offended, please let me add my opinion.You say you could use your business license to purchase items at wholesale cost, but the minimums are just huge. EXACTLY. A small independent store not only has to purchase items in large volume, they also have MANY other costs involved--overhead--paying employees, rent, utilities, and so much more. Also take into consideration that most health food stores do NOT set those retail prices. They are determined by the distributor, based on what that particular store pays wholesale. Grocery items are usually only given about a 30-33% markup. Not much profit there. The smaller the store, the smaller their buying power is, the higher the wholesale=higher retail price (so, places like trader joe's, whole foods, etc., buy in huge volume and suppliers give them huge price breaks--so they can sell stuff a LOT cheaper than a small store, I've seen some things that their retail price is lower than a small store's wholesale cost!) And like I said, most stores don't go around deciding themselves which prices to stick on an item. They come into the store with the price already set by the supplier, based on a percentage markup and/or what the manufacturer lists as "suggested retail price". Then, let me say, I also know the Menonite woman you speak of who supplies those eggs ($3.29 a dozen at the store, not $4. And the family who supplies those eggs charges the store $2 a dozen--they do not give a wholesale price break) And I also happen to have a copy of an invoice in front of me that shows exactly what this store paid for that loaf of Food for Life bread ($4.35 a loaf, not $4.76 retail) and it was $3.20 a loaf wholesale, not $2 something. I know very well how much these things cost, I not only order them for the store I buy them at retail for myself. So I know and agree and COMPLETELY sympathize-- natural/organic products ARE expensive. After all, the paychecks I get from working at the health food store aren't all that much. Maybe if we really were ripping people off and marking up the products an obscene amount they'd be bigger? I understand it's frustrating when things are expensive. But please, before you say that it's offensive, think of how offensive it is that you believe we are ripping people off or unfairly marking up prices. If we COULD charge less, WE WOULD! Like I said, I'm not making millions here. I am in this business because natural and organic are my lifestyle, my passion, and I love my job and the people I work with. I also truly enjoy our customers and want to share this great food and products with them. It's not all about making money, but at the same time, the store has to make money pay the bills and the employees in order to stay in business? You don't have to be a math genius to understand that if we only charged wholesale, we wouldn't be here at all. And I don't think you are suggesting that we charge wholesale; but I also don't think you really know what this particular store's wholesale costs are. They are not as low as you think! So I have a very hard time wrapping my brain around why selling items at a nominal retail markup above wholesale is offensive or would make you angry?And, to answer your original question: If you are truly offended by the store, there is a co-op in your area, where you can buy this stuff at near wholesale prices. Do a search online for Frankferd Farms. Through them you can probably find the local contact. And, you don't have to buy large quantities. There you go, the answer to your troubles. So, please, next time you think your local health food store is being unfair, remember that we gave you the information to find the things you were looking for with absolutely no benefit to ourselves. Sorry if I have rambled, and if I seem a bit bitter--I'm not, just a little hurt. We truly like what we do here, and try to be fair. It hurts us personally when someone has an issue with the store. We're not perfect, but we really want to give people the best service we can. It's not only how we make a living but how we live our lives, as corny as that might sound!I'll add one more thing, on another note--This is a great list, with a lot of helpful information and people. I'm addicted to my and was happy to find this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Go to a used book store site like "Powells" and see if you can get an old WW1 first edition of "Gardens Victorious" = Victory Gardens. It has all kinds of great data in it. Doc Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc - Kim herbal remedies Thursday, February 16, 2006 2:26 PM Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Is there any good websites that help with a garden? I am often teased for having a "black" thumb. Thanks, Kim - Dr. Ian Shillington herbal remedies Thursday, February 16, 2006 12:53 PM Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Good points Amigo. One of the things I'm trying to encourage everyone to do is to start their own garden, even if it's a small one that is inside the house in the window of an apartment. In Health and Love, Doc Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc - fallonml herbal remedies Friday, January 13, 2006 4:01 PM Herbal Remedies - Re: WANTED-Organic/wholesaleer/co-op Before you take health food store prices personally and get offended, please let me add my opinion.You say you could use your business license to purchase items at wholesale cost, but the minimums are just huge. EXACTLY. A small independent store not only has to purchase items in large volume, they also have MANY other costs involved--overhead--paying employees, rent, utilities, and so much more. Also take into consideration that most health food stores do NOT set those retail prices. They are determined by the distributor, based on what that particular store pays wholesale. Grocery items are usually only given about a 30-33% markup. Not much profit there. The smaller the store, the smaller their buying power is, the higher the wholesale=higher retail price (so, places like trader joe's, whole foods, etc., buy in huge volume and suppliers give them huge price breaks--so they can sell stuff a LOT cheaper than a small store, I've seen some things that their retail price is lower than a small store's wholesale cost!) And like I said, most stores don't go around deciding themselves which prices to stick on an item. They come into the store with the price already set by the supplier, based on a percentage markup and/or what the manufacturer lists as "suggested retail price". Then, let me say, I also know the Menonite woman you speak of who supplies those eggs ($3.29 a dozen at the store, not $4. And the family who supplies those eggs charges the store $2 a dozen--they do not give a wholesale price break) And I also happen to have a copy of an invoice in front of me that shows exactly what this store paid for that loaf of Food for Life bread ($4.35 a loaf, not $4.76 retail) and it was $3.20 a loaf wholesale, not $2 something. I know very well how much these things cost, I not only order them for the store I buy them at retail for myself. So I know and agree and COMPLETELY sympathize-- natural/organic products ARE expensive. After all, the paychecks I get from working at the health food store aren't all that much. Maybe if we really were ripping people off and marking up the products an obscene amount they'd be bigger? I understand it's frustrating when things are expensive. But please, before you say that it's offensive, think of how offensive it is that you believe we are ripping people off or unfairly marking up prices. If we COULD charge less, WE WOULD! Like I said, I'm not making millions here. I am in this business because natural and organic are my lifestyle, my passion, and I love my job and the people I work with. I also truly enjoy our customers and want to share this great food and products with them. It's not all about making money, but at the same time, the store has to make money pay the bills and the employees in order to stay in business? You don't have to be a math genius to understand that if we only charged wholesale, we wouldn't be here at all. And I don't think you are suggesting that we charge wholesale; but I also don't think you really know what this particular store's wholesale costs are. They are not as low as you think! So I have a very hard time wrapping my brain around why selling items at a nominal retail markup above wholesale is offensive or would make you angry?And, to answer your original question: If you are truly offended by the store, there is a co-op in your area, where you can buy this stuff at near wholesale prices. Do a search online for Frankferd Farms. Through them you can probably find the local contact. And, you don't have to buy large quantities. There you go, the answer to your troubles. So, please, next time you think your local health food store is being unfair, remember that we gave you the information to find the things you were looking for with absolutely no benefit to ourselves. Sorry if I have rambled, and if I seem a bit bitter--I'm not, just a little hurt. We truly like what we do here, and try to be fair. It hurts us personally when someone has an issue with the store. We're not perfect, but we really want to give people the best service we can. It's not only how we make a living but how we live our lives, as corny as that might sound!I'll add one more thing, on another note--This is a great list, with a lot of helpful information and people. I'm addicted to my and was happy to find this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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