Contacting companies is worth it!

mmandjsmom · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 10:40 PM

I'm not sure If I should have started a new thread or not. If not merge or delete this thread.

So many of you have been so helpful & supportive as I've been preparing & exploring to go organic & natural. Most of you know that I am hosting a "party" for some friends that are looking at the possiblity of being more enviornmentally sound, eating organic/ natural foods, etc.

I went to a local natural foods store and wrote down a bunch of companies names. I took it home & emailed a bunch of them. I'm reaping the rewards. It feels like Christmas.

I know I don't get to keep all the coupons & goodies, but maybe I can keep those that are leftovers.

Here is who I've gotten things from so far.

EO - case of 24 sanitizer wipes
Weleda - 50 booklets with coupons
Immaculate Baking Company - 5 Frees & 20 $.50/1 cookies
Earthbound Farms - 15 Frees
Wyndemere - catalogs & samples of hand creams & lavendar essential oil
(I'm missing something)

kristen.c · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 10:46 PM

WOW!!!! How cool is that?! Your friends are gonna love you!

jujubee · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 05:07 AM

Holy moley! That is impressive!!

How great for those companies to respond so positively to your house party. Can I come??

ocean_brez · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Yah really! Can I come too? Great job!!!

queenofthehivemomof5 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 07:14 PM

That is just too awesome. It really does pay off to contact those companies. Since there are few organic lines carried locally I may need to get on the ball about contacting directly those that are carried here. I have written to both Albertsons and Smiths to let them know that I would like to see more organic products carried in thier stores.

mmandjsmom · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 08:55 PM

Saturdays' mail brought 20 brochures & coupons for Stretch Fruit ($1/1), brochures from Organic Valley, and $4.50 worth of Organic Valley coupons.

jujubee · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 09:01 PM

Um, not be pushy, but you still didn't say if we were invited or not.

OHeather · #8 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 09:06 PM

Yeah, I wanna come too! That's a great idea. Maybe I can get a bunch of friends together to do something similar. Maybe after the holidays would be better though.

I'm impressed with all of your efforts! How many companies did you contact, and how many have responded favorably?

mmandjsmom · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jujubee

Um, not be pushy, but you still didn't say if we were invited or not.

I'm sorry. You must not know me yet. If you know about the party, you must be invited, so stop on over.

It's Party Time soon.

After I get my kids off to school, I'll count how many companies I contacted & will give you all the stats.

mmandjsmom · #10 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 03:11 PM

[quote=OHeather;29596)

I'm impressed with all of your efforts! How many companies did you contact, and how many have responded favorably?[/quote]

I contacted about 42 companies....a couple websites get me off on a tangent & I ended up contacting some that I didn't write down. I got lots of emails saying that they didn't have the resources to mail out coupons/ samples. A few others said my request was too large & I'd have to contact them about sponsorship (6-12 weeks in advance). I think I have about 3 more companies (that I know of) sending me things. One is a local organic soap company (Bryn Mawr Soap). The owner has emailed a couple times and been really nice. She did say that she usually charges for samples, but made an exception since I am local.

Let me know if any of you do decide to have a get together also....I'd love to hear about it.

jujubee · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmandjsmom

I'm sorry. You must not know me yet. If you know about the party, you must be invited, so stop on over.

It's Party Time soon.

After I get my kids off to school, I'll count how many companies I contacted & will give you all the stats.

Party!

You guys are going to have a lot of fun!

mmandjsmom · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 10:38 PM

Today's mail brought:

32 coupons for $.50/1 Bolthouse Farms carrots or beverage

and

I got am email from UPS saying that I have a 17 lb package coming from Natural Value! I wonder what is in it. It's like a package under the Christmas tree, but it's not Christmas yet!!!!

mmandjsmom · #13 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 04:13 AM

The mail keeps coming!!!

Today, my son went outside to get his pumpkin and carve it. He found a big box on the front step. It was a 22 lb package from Amy's Kitchen!!! Amy's didn't even tell me they were sending me anything!

It had 2 jars of salsa, a jar of pasta sauce, 4 cans of soup, 2 cans of chili, a can of refried beans, 4 coupons for any product FREE, 20 coupons for $1/1 frozen product, 20 $.75/1 product, 20 $.50/1 product, a bunch of magnets & lots of brochures! We were dancing around the house in shock!

:carr ot1:

I also got the soap samples from Bryn Mahr Soap Company. There were 17 cute little bags. Each had 5 different soap samples inside. And brochures for everyone.

:straw berry1:

Contacting companies has been so successful that my husband, who couldn't care less about what he eats, has started surfing the net to find places to contact. He found a local micro-brewery that makes organic beer. I'll let you know what they say.

The best part, I know that 5-6 of these moms that are coming won't care a bit about the coupons, so I'll get to keep them! I'll actually have some to trade on here!

The UPS tracking site says my package from Natural Value will be delivered tomorrow! Stay posted!

janarie8 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 05:08 AM

Hi: Thanks so much for your posts, repped ya!.

Any chance of your sharing the names and addresses of the companies that you contacted? I imagine others would like to contact them too. TIA

BLESSINGS JANARIE8

ocean_brez · #15 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 04:59 PM

Awesome! Just awesome!!! When you have the time, could you please post the companies that you contacted? A lot of us here have contacted a few companies as well, but I am sure there are ones that we have missed. TIA!!!

mmandjsmom · #16 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 03:52 AM

I've tried 3 times. These will not list in a column. Sorry!Here is a partial list of all the companies that I contacted. I know I contacted more than this. I also tried to keep track of who I heard back from & if they could send anything.
Bolthouse Farms -YES
Earthbound Farm -YES
Organic Valley - Coupons on line
Green & Black
CordilleraDagoba
RW Knudsen
Reed's
Izze - NO
Honest Tea/ Honest Kids - NO
Vruit
Switch
Santa Cruz
Ciao Bella - NO
Sharon's Sorbet
Frontier Spices
Hain
Immaculate Baking Co -YES
Seventh Generation
Green Forest
Natural Value -YES
Eden Organic - NO
Amy's Organic- YES
Muir Glen
Mountain Rose Herbs
AlatifaWyndemere-YES
Burt's Bees - NO
Weleda -YES
Aubrey Organics
Desert Essence
Earth Science
Hugo Natural
Answers from Nature
JASONEnviro Products
AlbaNo
MissEcco
BellaLogona

Are there any companies that you would recommend? I wrote down & emailed companies that produce products that were fun & helped set a party atmosphere (beauty products, yummy products & a few staples). I thought I'd maybe get a few coupons to put towards food for the party & a couple door prizes (I found a "how green are you?" quiz). Today, I got my package from Natrual Value!!! It had a huge catalog, a bunch of coupon sheets,10 bags of pasta, 3 boxes of kitchen garbage bags, and 5 boxes of wax paper bags!

OHeather · #17 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 04:37 AM

Wax paper bags...I was just thinking of these today! Wow, it's funny how things happen. How big are they? I wanted to make some dry mixes for Xmas presents and wanted something other than the cello bags that most people use.

mmandjsmom · #18 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 01:11 AM

You could not fit very much dry mix in these. They are sandwich size. I think I'll put a few goodies in them for the kids coming to the party & tie them with raffia. Some companies sent magnets or temporary tatoos, plus I'll put a Stretch Fruit snack in them. My daughter brimgs her lunch to school each day & my son brings his 3 x per week, so I invested in several reusable containers for sandwiches, fruit & such....I actually don't use that many baggies, but I'll probably keep a box of them.

OHeather · #19 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 01:47 AM

Thanks.

kristen.c · #20 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 01:59 AM

I use those bags you got- they're great for DH's lunch sandwiches! He actually tears them open down the center and they make a nice little plate so he doesn't get stuff all over the desk or table.

Prizm99 · #21 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OHeather

Wax paper bags...I was just thinking of these today! Wow, it's funny how things happen. How big are they? I wanted to make some dry mixes for Xmas presents and wanted something other than the cello bags that most people use.

I do dry mixes in mason jars for gifts. It's a good way to reuse the jars if you already have them.

mmandjsmom · #22 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 12:11 AM

Today, I finally took the time to email thank yous to most of the companies that sent me stuff. I already got a couple replies. Here's the one I got from Amy's Foods:

"Thank you for your email. I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying our
products.

This company was started 20 years ago with one Vegetable Pot Pie.
Today, we offer more than 170 products, all healthy and delicious. I'm
happy to send you some coupons as well as our newest product brochure so
that you can try something new.

Thanks again for taking the time to contact us and for your
enthusiastic support. We appreciate it."

They are sending me MORE coupons!!!

P.S. Most of the other moms didn't want any coupons, so I have them on my havelist to trade.

OHeather · #23 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 02:32 AM

We need an update! How did the party go? What was the consensus? Did any convert right then and there? Did you tell them to check OGD out? Details, details, DETAILS! (Please).

mmandjsmom · #24 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OHeather

We need an update! How did the party go? What was the consensus? Did any convert right then and there? Did you tell them to check OGD out? Details, details, DETAILS! (Please).

Sorry, with all the support you all have been I should have posted about my party/ gathering sooner. Thanks for asking.

It went fairly well. I always have high hopes & dreams & get a little sad when no one agrees. That's basically what happened.
Everyone enjoyed the food I served. People couldn't believe that it was pretty much all organic or natural (Immaculate Baking Co cookies are only 70% organic & I made banana bread with organic flour & bananas but the spices weren't, for example).

Only one person took 2 coupons....oh well, more for me. But most people said that organics are way more expensive, so they probably won't buy many. No one really had much to contribute but to complain about the prices and how much work it would be to cook without all the convienent mixes....I pointed out how 2 of our largest grocery chains here have great organic/ natural convienence foods too. About 10 of the moms kept changing the conversation to what's going on in their lives (side conversations) or the election.

When we talked about buying used items, like at Goodwill & consignment stores, more people were interested. It also saves money, so that helps. I also pointed out some of the resources (like compost bins & yard mulch) available through the county which several moms liked knowing.

About 5-6 of us had a decent conversation, I thought. I did tell everyone about OGD & whsat nice people are on here. I guess I was most disappointed because I felt like I did a fair bit of research and had lots to add to the conversation & they just let me "present" and feed them. I spent over $100 and about 20 hours reading stuff, contacting companies, putting goodie bags together, etc and they just showed up.

Two moms have asked me since (maybe they were embarrassed) a couple questions....what was the cookie brand?, what were the names of the cleaners? Where is the food co-op?

Looking at the brighter side, no one was brave enough to take many coupons or the free samples that Amy's and Natural Value sent me to share, so I still have them (or used them at the party).

There is my party wrap up....

for asking.

kristen.c · #25 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 02:45 PM

I know you touched on this a little bit in chat, I'm sorry that it didn't live up to your expectations. I personally think it was a fantastic idea and would have loved to go to something like that. But yea, my friends and family don't really get it either, so I kind of understand the feeling. It's one of the reasons I love OGD, I don't feel like the oddball.

ocean_brez · #26 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 04:08 PM

I think it's fantastic that you went through all that to try to make a difference in someone else's life. Kudos to you!

Other than my immediate family, very few people (except my youngest brother) understand my reasoning for going organic/natural, much less using coupons. You would think I have 2 heads or something because I also get the weird looks and changes of conversation when I bring up these subjects. What is that saying? "You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." That's why I love OGD... everyone here can relate, the constant support system is awesome, and I learn something new almost every day! Can't beat that!

morneau_grl27 · #27 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 03:02 AM

I really like this idea! I think I may have a party of my own to introduce my family to a whole new line of cleaners, beauty products, and food! Thanks for sharing, I know you said your party didn't go as well as planned, but hey, if you get any of them to start using anything organic, that's at least better than them using nothing!

kristen.c · #28 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 03:14 AM

I had to chuckle earlier this week. About 2 weeks ago I contacted Natural Value to see if they would be making pet waste pickup bags in the future. When they emailed me back they said that they do and that they would actually mail me a sample. I got the box last week and inside were indeed biodegradable waste bags but they were the 13 gallon size! DH and I joked that they must think we have a really big dog.

I'm sure what happened is they read "waste bags" and didn't see the pet part.

In any event I thought it was really nice of them to send a sample and to take the time to respond to my email. And we have some garbage bags to try out now, too!

alaskajamaica · #29 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmandjsmom

I'm not sure If I should have started a new thread or not. If not merge or delete this thread.

So many of you have been so helpful & supportive as I've been preparing & exploring to go organic & natural. Most of you know that I am hosting a "party" for some friends that are looking at the possiblity of being more enviornmentally sound, eating organic/ natural foods, etc.

I went to a local natural foods store and wrote down a bunch of companies names. I took it home & emailed a bunch of them. I'm reaping the rewards. It feels like Christmas.

I know I don't get to keep all the coupons & goodies, but maybe I can keep those that are leftovers.

Here is who I've gotten things from so far.

EO - case of 24 sanitizer wipes
Weleda - 50 booklets with coupons
Immaculate Baking Company - 5 Frees & 20 $.50/1 cookies
Earthbound Farms - 15 Frees
Wyndemere - catalogs & samples of hand creams & lavendar essential oil
(I'm missing something)

I just want to say thanks for this suggestion.

I contacted probably 50 companies so far for my son's 1st eco friendly/earth day b-day party. It sure does feel like Christmas................ I can't tell you how many samples and coupons I have received and am still getting! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still contacting companies and they have been more than generous. Now of course you have some that say no and rightly so, but some companies that I never thought would even send me anything have surely pitched in generously and I am asking for about 20-25 samples/coupons etc. THANKS for this post

alaskajamaica · #30 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 09:14 PM

I contacted another 25 and it's beyond Christmas at my house. I get shipments almost daily now. I just got a huge shipment from Apple and Eve. I am amazed.

I am going to take pictures of the party and the organic table I set up and send pics to all of the companies that have sent stuff. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OHeather · #31 (**permalink**) 03-18-2009, 02:02 AM

That is a great idea. I was just thinking that I should make a goal to contact at least 3 companies a week. I probably wouldn't even cover some of them in that amount of time.

kristinbaby · #32 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 11:33 PM

Wow this sounds like such a good idea!!! I think I might do this too! My SIL and MIL and mom love organic stuff so I know they'll come and be happy to be here. I'll invite my MOMS club too but I'm betting the only ones that come will be the ones that already buy mostly organic.

OHeather · #33 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristinbaby

Wow this sounds like such a good idea!!! I think I might do this too! My SIL and MIL and mom love organic stuff so I know they'll come and be happy to be here. I'll invite my MOMS club too but I'm betting the only ones that come will be the ones that already buy mostly organic.

It's still worth a shot! Maybe you can let them know that you'll have food samples and possibly free coupons from companies so they can try some new food products.

alaskajamaica · #34 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristinbaby

Wow this sounds like such a good idea!!! I think I might do this too! My SIL and MIL and mom love organic stuff so I know they'll come and be happy to be here. I'll invite my MOMS club too but I'm betting the only ones that come will be the ones that already buy mostly organic.

I think the moms group is a good idea. Today is my son's rescheduled b-day party and there was a box that I forgot about from a company that already sent me 2 boxes of FREE STUFF- not brochures, but actuals. Anyhoo- I looked in the box only to find loads of canned good including olives, peanut soy butter etc. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! This company has sent me so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My party goers are going to love all the samples I have to give out. I am giving everyone a white empty gift bag, they will write their last name on it and go around to all the tables and take what they want. I have samples of juice boxes etc., for people to actually taste on the spot also. I have toothpaste, soap, the list is endless.

mmandjsmom · #35 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaskajamaica

I think the moms group is a good idea. Today is my son's rescheduled b-day party and there was a box that I forgot about from a company that already sent me 2 boxes of FREE STUFF- not brochures, but actuals.

How did the party go? I hope your son, his guests and you had a fun time. Selfishly, which company sent you so many great actuals? I need to do another round of contacting companies to refill my personal stock of organic coupons.