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South Hill, Virginia

Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy. I've temporarily shut down SeedOutlet so I can catch up on the last few orders and then think a little more about whether I can continue. I know everyone is busy so I'm not going to complain about that. It's just that I underestimated how popular this would be and now instead of planting pumpkins I'm filling orders. I'm not much of a businessman either and the best I've been able to do is minimize losses.

Of course there are family and work obligations that are pulling at me as well.

At the very least I will still run the VWO so don't worry about that. Of course if I do shut down any seeds remaining in inventory will be returned to the growers.

5/7/2004 12:36:19 PM

Webster, NY

Sorry to hear that Brent. I know it's a big job, but you did a good job keeping up with it. Good luch this year and get those pumpkins planted.

5/7/2004 1:00:31 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

Does it mean that You stop running seedoutlet forever ? Or just till next fall / winter ?

5/7/2004 1:14:27 PM

Independence, MO

Talk to me.
I operate a hosting company and I have some free time on my hands

5/7/2004 1:35:10 PM

C N Y

gee, i'd be sorry to hear such a great idea/operation was out of service for any reason! perhaps if that happened,
we could have a message board on here for those of us who have a ton of our own seeds and would accept orders for them, sort of like what Brent does, but on an individual basis, and enabling us to accept or decline sending them
to anyone depending on time available, seed supply, etc.

so, a grower's name and email and such would be available,
on here, you would contact the grower and if all went well
you would send the grower a SASBP for the return of said requested seeds. YES, i know that's exactly what we do now!
but in a more compact, more centralized fashion, and the grower could remove his or her name from the list of availables once he or she had had enough of it. just my thoughts at the moment---i hope SeedOutlet.com can stay up and running, for it is a GREAT service to us ALL! 'pal2

5/7/2004 2:14:35 PM

Bummer. In a business, you have to continually assess where you are and the risk to continuing. Is the main issue just that you do not have time? Or not making money?

@ $4.95 you must get ~$2.50-$3 for your time. That is not much and I have to assume your time is more valuable than that. Just minimizing losses is no fun.

So, what can you legally charge today? and what can you charge next month (I threw that in for Matt F.)?

If you discontinue will you still honor gift certificates?

I hope you catch up on life soon so you can reopen!

5/7/2004 3:45:13 PM

[email protected]

Brent,

Let me know what I can do.

call me cell.

Steve

5/7/2004 4:48:13 PM

Indiana

If your not even breaking even, up your prices a buck here and a buck there. Turn the kids into slaves also. If you enjoy doing it, not making money isnt so bad, but if your losing money, something has to change, and if people dont understand that thats their problem. For some reason, this pumpkin business just isnt the market to get in if you want to get rich. Havent figured that out yet......LOL They always seem to cost more than they can sell for...haha. Email me Brent, I have a few business classes under my belt and a family background. Currently a triple major in Accounting, Finance, and Management with a minor in Mathematics..........

Tom

5/7/2004 6:56:13 PM

Puyallup, WA

Thank you, Brent, for your dedication to this arduous task.
It sounds as though your "labor of love" has turned into a "real job" and that it is no longer "fun". Working day after day with other stresses of home life can get "old" pretty fast. Perhaps, you can get some help from others.

5/7/2004 7:16:38 PM

Ohio

I would hate to see a great idea like seedoutlet go....

5/7/2004 7:25:01 PM

Deer Park WA

Up your prices alot, and hire some help!

5/8/2004 12:41:13 AM

valparaiso, in

i just ordered some seeds from the outlet, and i'd like to say thanks and it's a shame u have to close down. i'm not experienced in that type of area, but if i can help in any way please feel free to email me. thanks again.

5/8/2004 3:14:55 AM

Md/ Usa

brentw(2) postage and handling.

5/8/2004 6:07:11 AM

Md/ Usa

next month what ever you want

5/8/2004 6:07:40 AM

Independence, MO

Next month (carry on the tradition that has been the same for years, don't think greed)

5/8/2004 12:14:10 PM

Montoursville, PA

Take advise if you can select advise that you feel is worthy. You have a number of products selling under the average money. Minimising the losses should not be the issue. Profit is not a dirty word. Sell proudly for more and then if rejected close it. There are quality customers and there are the price hunters. They will always help the next one go out of business and never help a quality business succeed.

I would like to see you succeed. I will also respect your decision if you can not see that word profit nicely imprinted with your name on it.

5/8/2004 8:30:59 PM

Independence, MO

Bummer...
Down she goes...

5/10/2004 11:37:19 AM