What's New at Wood-Tex Products

We currently have a project we're undergoing at our manufacturing facility in Himrod, NY.

Thank goodness I have a very capable gentleman who is overseeing the proceedings. Everything seems to be flowing as well as can be expected however there are instances, rather scenarios, that give me pause and wonder; What?! Really?!

Today, I encountered such a scenario.
We have need for about $18,000 worth of concrete in 3 days from now as I write this. After price shopping about 2-3 local companies we decided who we would like to buy this concrete from. Their sales rep was nice enough to make the 25 mile trip from his office to ours to check out our project. Keep in mind we've been here at this exact same location for over 28 years and they've been up the road 25 miles for as long as I can remember as well.

Turns out their company policy requires anyone buying more than $15,000 worth of concrete from them to pay with a certified check. Keep in mind we've been buying (and paying for) train car loads and truckloads of stone from them for this same project since about the first of this year. No exceptions we're told, not even for us.

So now I have to leave my cozy office, brave the spring chill, navigate the increasingly eager traffic and smile at my wonderful bank's teller as I request a $15,000 certified check for the well-meaning concrete company. See, they're going to let me pay the remaining $3,000 with my normal business check. That was thoughtful I must admit.

Am I slightly annoyed with this necessity? You bet. Do I blame this company for sticking to their policy? Not one bit! That's right, I even respect them for holding their ground. Think with me please...every rule has a reason right? Am I correct in thinking a fairly large stone & concrete company such as this would sell to quite a number of contractors? I believe I am. Allow me to speculate and surmise that this established business has probably been ripped off and hung out to dry one too many times by some local contractor wanna-be who somehow forgets his obligation to pay his bills, a.k.a deliver on his word, after his product is delivered.
It reminded me again how absolutely essential it is to seek out those of integrity and honesty to conduct business with. To find that vendor or customer that will treat me as he would like to be treated. To treat others as I would like to be treated. Funny how it all comes back to the basics. This would be a great place to interject something about the importance of researching the company you're considering doing business with, especially if your purchase is potentially substantial, such as a Recreational Cabin, Modular Barn, Garage or Storage Shed, however I will resist the urge to do so as I believe that may sound a bit salesy and besides, I have a bank run to make.

This blog post brought to you by Kent Lapp
Feel free to contact me at kent@woodtex.com