If You Deliver, They Will Come!

Greetings Critter People!
    David and I barely had time to catch our breath from January before we had to re-stock for February and reorganize some delivery routes.  We are trying to be as accommodative as possible with the plethora of requests we have had for delivery, but also mindful to stay within our 'limits'.  Growth is good but controlled growth is great!  Michigan is exploding with new RPI members.  On average, we are getting 3-4 new members each day.  This really makes me smile.
    Well, the time has come when RPI is going to have to see an increase in prices across-the-board.  This has nothing to do with our delivery program.  It is just a fact of life.  We have not experienced any noticeable price increases in over 2.5 years, so it is time.  As always, I will limit any price increases to those absolutely necessary.  Providing affordable raw products is the focal point of RPI's mission statement.  I will never forget that.  Just keep in mind, I do my best, but I can't work miracles.  Meat is simply just more expensive, especially in the winter.
   Here are some tidbits of information to keep your toes warm (not!)...
     1.  Due to complications regarding tracking stock (paperwork can be hell!), special orders will no longer be offered.  ALL stock will be posted in the store as it becomes available.  I will keep you appraised of new meats & goodies and we will continue to offer monthly specials.
     2.  For all those folks who need to shop in-between D-Days, we will be adding an 'At The House' category.  This will allow members to see what is currently available for drive-by shopping sprees!  While I like to keep a variety of product at my home, additional trips to the warehouse will be few and far between.  Last month, the only thing missing in the warehouse was a sleeping bag!  I simply cannot continue.... we just got too big!!!  Members are welcome to stop by and purchase from the D-Day overage, but I highly recommend calling ahead of time to make sure the store is open.  Translated, this means call to makes sure David or I are home to open the garage door for you!
     3.  New Products for February - 
            * Lamb - packaged hearts and quartered necks 
            * Goat - spleen, neck trim (yummy!), and lungs
            * 30# Pork Heart - Feb. 'Meat-of-the-Month' (snicker, snicker)
            * Duck - hearts, necks, and feet (another yummy!)
            * Pork Neck Pieces - 3" or 6" meaty sections
     4.  Fees, fees, fees!  
            * Delivery fees -  don't forget to add the appropriate delivery fee to your order before you check out.  We have placed a reminder on the check-out page to help you remember, so look for it!
            * CoOp monthly fees - we are struggling with how to handle this issue.  It is a little more complicated than it appears now that we have members in four states, but I am confident we will solve this issue some day... but definitely NOT this month.  We currently have no way of adding the 3.5% monthly CoOp fee onto each order so I am asking members to 'donate' their 3.5%.  Missing this month won't kill us, but we have to recoup somehow!
            * Donations - every bit helps.  Please note that in order to offer monthly specials or 'Meat-of-the-Month', I may have to purchase between 500-1,000 lbs!  Translation - RPI needed to rent more freezer space!  Like I said, every bit helps!
      5.  Product News - 
            * Turkey Chunks won't be available for awhile.  Plan accordingly.
            * BRB Ground Venison is on sale this month and may not be available again until the fall.  It is hard to tell right now, but it is probable.
            * Looking for Homes - Fish, Deer Neck, Boneless Beef, and Bully Stix.  Can you take some home with you???
      6.  We had a great meeting in December.  Problem is... I didn't write anything down that night!  Please HELP!  If you volunteered to do something, please do it and let me know you are doing it.  Does this sound very leader-like to you?????




I LOVE this CoOp. The members make it worth it!
leslie
         
          

January Specials

This month we are offering two specials - 
    1.  10# Venison Neck Pieces (~3") - $7.00.  Limit 1.
    2.  10# BONELESS Beef Chunks - $13.50 (two 5# bags).  Limit 2.


I am working with our suppliers to offer these extraordinarily good deals. Please note, it is particularly important to take advantage of these wonderful monthly specials if we want our suppliers to keep providing them!