About Us
In case you were wondering.... Answers to your frequently asked questions...
Q. Are you on FaceBook or other social media?
A. We are on facebook at www.facebook.com/FirMeadowLLC . We occassionally post alternative information as well as educational posts as well as farm happenings, product stories or information, etc. Once in awhile just something cute. Facebook however is NOT a timely way to contact us as you will find it can be weeks I'm not on there. For contacts please use our contact form on this website or email firmdw at gmail dot com.
Q. Why does your packing material change from time to time?
A. We are into reuse / reduce / recycle as a lifestyle choice. So rather than throw away the clean only used once packing materials we receive in shipments of bottles, containers, office supplies, etc. we will reuse them as we pack boxes. This keeps those terrible styrofoam things out of the landfill at least one cycle longer as well as helps keep our costs lower which reduces product costs for you. We see it as win / win! Win one more time and reuse them somehow yourself or give them to someone who can :) . We receive and reuse styrofoam peanuts, biodegradeable potato starch based peanuts (compost or reuse), packing paper, paper shred, air pillows and bubble wrap.
Q. Do you ship overnight?
A. Overnight shipping is not available to us due to our rural location (hours from an airport of any size). On a 12 x 12 x 12 box to the midwest we were quoted (July 2016) around $125 for overnight and $70 for second day. We also need that type of order in before we process orders for the day or we won't meet cutoff times here. It is MUCH CHEAPER AND EXPEDIENT to keep products that you don't want to run out of on hand. If you pay the expedited shipping the products are still not there for you right now when the emergency needs it the most. Through our regular shipping rate our products go most places US usually in 2 to 3 mail days.
Q. How do you ship?
A. We ship with the United States Postal Service using their priority flat rate service which gets products anywhere US in usually two to three days. We have found over the years that they are almost always the least expensive, the quickest and the most likely service to get your products to you without damaging the packaging or contents. They also offer free insurance for the first $50 of your order.
Q. If my package is damaged how should I handle that?
A. Contact the shipping business that delivered your order. Keep your entire order together including all shipping packaging. They will need to inspect the package and you will file your claim there.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. Because of biosecurity issues with bacterial diseases in creatures, we do not offer a return policy because we can't risk bringing in and reshipping out potentially contagious pet and livestock health issues. I think you will greatly appreciate that level of consideration for the wellness of your creatures! However, it's likely you will be able to find another person that will give you a donation for your product. We have an extremely high customer retention rate, so it is quite possible that you will continue to order from us after using your first product or products from us.
Q. Why don't we see your business advertised in wellness or livestock or pet publications, etc?
A. Certainly we could do that, but in order to draw up an advertising budget there will be a cost and that cost will have to be passed on as increased product cost to you. We rely very heavily on Word of Mouth - that is, customers sharing about our site and products with others. This is very much a grass roots business and allows us to keep product costs down for you. Thank-YOU for spreading the word!
Q. Why don't you have sales?
A. Sales are just a marketing ploy. They are also used to clear out old inventory. With most companies sale pricing is the price that the companies actually hope to get for a product, and any non sale pricing is merely additional profit. For me to offer sales, I would need to artificially inflate my pricing, and then offer a 'sale' to make you think you are getting a great deal. I personally prefer to offer products at the prices we need to have them at for our business, rather than offer a fake sale. Also, we DO offer Doctor Christopher products at a discount every day of the year for you instead of having special sales on those. As to clearing out old inventory, we are blessed that that is an extremely rare situation for us.
Q. What is the difference between customer service and a paid consultation?
A. Customer service is offered if you would like help selecting a product for x situation. Dosages and herbs used are on product labels for any capsules, blends and tinctures and those are a great starting place to follow for regular general system support. If you have a situation and you would like me to go over your situation and build a cause oriented program for you including products (including using what you already may have at home growing or in your cabinet) dosaging, possibly diet and other things one can do, to encourage your, a family member, or your creature's body to heal itself, this is a consultation. These are similar to the difference between going to a grocery store or health food store to pick up products (customer service) and spending time with a medical or wellness professional (professional consultation).
A. We are on facebook at www.facebook.com/FirMeadowLLC . We occassionally post alternative information as well as educational posts as well as farm happenings, product stories or information, etc. Once in awhile just something cute. Facebook however is NOT a timely way to contact us as you will find it can be weeks I'm not on there. For contacts please use our contact form on this website or email firmdw at gmail dot com.
Q. Why does your packing material change from time to time?
A. We are into reuse / reduce / recycle as a lifestyle choice. So rather than throw away the clean only used once packing materials we receive in shipments of bottles, containers, office supplies, etc. we will reuse them as we pack boxes. This keeps those terrible styrofoam things out of the landfill at least one cycle longer as well as helps keep our costs lower which reduces product costs for you. We see it as win / win! Win one more time and reuse them somehow yourself or give them to someone who can :) . We receive and reuse styrofoam peanuts, biodegradeable potato starch based peanuts (compost or reuse), packing paper, paper shred, air pillows and bubble wrap.
Q. Do you ship overnight?
A. Overnight shipping is not available to us due to our rural location (hours from an airport of any size). On a 12 x 12 x 12 box to the midwest we were quoted (July 2016) around $125 for overnight and $70 for second day. We also need that type of order in before we process orders for the day or we won't meet cutoff times here. It is MUCH CHEAPER AND EXPEDIENT to keep products that you don't want to run out of on hand. If you pay the expedited shipping the products are still not there for you right now when the emergency needs it the most. Through our regular shipping rate our products go most places US usually in 2 to 3 mail days.
Q. How do you ship?
A. We ship with the United States Postal Service using their priority flat rate service which gets products anywhere US in usually two to three days. We have found over the years that they are almost always the least expensive, the quickest and the most likely service to get your products to you without damaging the packaging or contents. They also offer free insurance for the first $50 of your order.
Q. If my package is damaged how should I handle that?
A. Contact the shipping business that delivered your order. Keep your entire order together including all shipping packaging. They will need to inspect the package and you will file your claim there.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. Because of biosecurity issues with bacterial diseases in creatures, we do not offer a return policy because we can't risk bringing in and reshipping out potentially contagious pet and livestock health issues. I think you will greatly appreciate that level of consideration for the wellness of your creatures! However, it's likely you will be able to find another person that will give you a donation for your product. We have an extremely high customer retention rate, so it is quite possible that you will continue to order from us after using your first product or products from us.
Q. Why don't we see your business advertised in wellness or livestock or pet publications, etc?
A. Certainly we could do that, but in order to draw up an advertising budget there will be a cost and that cost will have to be passed on as increased product cost to you. We rely very heavily on Word of Mouth - that is, customers sharing about our site and products with others. This is very much a grass roots business and allows us to keep product costs down for you. Thank-YOU for spreading the word!
Q. Why don't you have sales?
A. Sales are just a marketing ploy. They are also used to clear out old inventory. With most companies sale pricing is the price that the companies actually hope to get for a product, and any non sale pricing is merely additional profit. For me to offer sales, I would need to artificially inflate my pricing, and then offer a 'sale' to make you think you are getting a great deal. I personally prefer to offer products at the prices we need to have them at for our business, rather than offer a fake sale. Also, we DO offer Doctor Christopher products at a discount every day of the year for you instead of having special sales on those. As to clearing out old inventory, we are blessed that that is an extremely rare situation for us.
Q. What is the difference between customer service and a paid consultation?
A. Customer service is offered if you would like help selecting a product for x situation. Dosages and herbs used are on product labels for any capsules, blends and tinctures and those are a great starting place to follow for regular general system support. If you have a situation and you would like me to go over your situation and build a cause oriented program for you including products (including using what you already may have at home growing or in your cabinet) dosaging, possibly diet and other things one can do, to encourage your, a family member, or your creature's body to heal itself, this is a consultation. These are similar to the difference between going to a grocery store or health food store to pick up products (customer service) and spending time with a medical or wellness professional (professional consultation).