So, anybody that knows me, or our business will know we are always busy. Not busy in the sense most of Britain at work is busy. I don’t consider 2 hours work followed by three hours of needless paperwork to be busy. We have one of the lowest outputs per head of working population in the developed world but don’t even get me started…. So we ARE busy, in the sweating my arse off sense. Myself and Richard literally move about 1-4 tons of stuff a day each. Moving between our warehouse and getting stuff packed is HARD work and for a fat middle aged bloke that likes a stogie and a beer that’s exhausting.
Add to that the stress of running a business means I only sleep about three nights a week. That nearly killed me a few years ago and I was rushed to hospital apparently 3/4 dead. Now it’s happening all over again and this current shut down of most everything is not helping. Since the governments actions our order volume has increased about 100%. Soon we too may have to shut down for the simple reason we cannot get any more boxes. All our usual suppliers are shut and there is an EU wide shortage, believe it or not. I’m wondering if I might not get a taste for loafing about and make it permanent. What do you think?
Anyway, sick of people bitching about not getting their goods fast enough. Kaizen Bonsai consists of aforesaid middle aged fat bloke, a pension aged wife, a strapping young son in law and a daughter going on maternity leave next week who looks like she was blown up with a tyre pump. This ragtag little family get out between 60 and 90 parcels in an 8 hour day. My accountant reckons it’s physically impossible for four people to turn over what we do but we HAVE done it for over 15 years now and so I reckon he’s wrong. So to all the complainers, government advice is that you go jump off a bridge and I say amen to that.
Just so you know I am not bullshitting here is our collection at 4pm today. We started work at 9am. That’s 67 parcels and about half as many (small ones) again that already went by post. If anyone would like to send me a medal I will happily send a signed photo of me wearing it by return.
G.
That’s social distancing in action.
I appreciate the effort Graham. You and the team deserve a break. People need to get their heads out of there arses.
If it’s proving difficult to source new box’s/ cartons from suppliers, have you had a word with any of the supermarkets that are trading within your local area. They may allow you to pick up some of their collection of cardboard waste designated for recycling. That usually consists of broken down cartons or boxes some of which only need to be reshaped and new tape added to support the sides. Just a thought. After all, people have been doing this for years on ebay. Stay safe Graham and all your family.
Although I don’t order from you I do appreciate your heartfelt work during this in the epidemic please stay careful stay well and and stay cheerful. Your work is always appreciated along with your email words of wisdom.
blimey graham i bet you cant wait for a break at easter , if i lived closer id come and give you a hand for free , but cant do that sort of mileage , hopefully after a few days after easter , other than the box shortage things may calm down
best wishes
ian graham
Hi Graham
Would love to hear about the old truck one day?
JC
Nice old truck!!!!
Would seem to me it’s not a great thing for your customers to be just a little understanding during these unusual times. Doesn’t take a great deal of effort to be an adult, if a person has the years.
Most of our customers are absolutely brilliant. Sadly it only takes one selfish so and so to ruin everyones day. After all these years we do spot them early and try to bounce them out and of course that makes people annoyed and then they become vindictive. 99% are wonderful folk though 🙂
Sounds like an enforced break will be needed due to the box situation, it’s a crazy situation we find ourselves in at the moment and a lot of good people and business’s are going to suffer.
The important thing is that you all stay healthy. The world will be a different place when this is all over – just make sure we still have a ranting Potter in it!
Best wishes as always to you, Cath and the team.
Take care,
Nigel
Just a thought and it’s probably impractical but could you ask people to return boxes?
By the way, I’ve had 3 orders in the past couple of months, all arrived ahead of schedule and I’m north of Aberdeen, so thanks for the great work guys..
Graham,
What is that epic truck? I love it. My 51 Chevy is still in pieces. I bet that truck would make a great support vehicle for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Fantastic. People need to relax on their immediate satisfaction addiction and think about times like that old truck knew. Thanks from the USA for everything you do.
That ’42 Chevy keeps me rooted in better times when people were different and things moved slowly. Much to the annoyance of those that have to follow it when we are on the road.
I don’t have a medal for you and the team Graham, only a big thanks – just like the rest of us who appreciate what you guys are doing. Don’t forget that for every one bitchin’ and moanin’ sad individual are hundreds of customers hugely grateful for your effort, and in times of WFH when boredom strikes to be able to head over to YouTube and recap on your excellent videos – a much appreciated balancer in these crazy times.
Thank you!
Well Graham, at least it sounds like the work-force may be increasing! And as far as order whingers go; isn’t it strange that people who like trees could ever be in a rush for stuff?
This isn’t the Spring anyone would want and certainly not the one I was looking forward to. However on the upside, this week I’ve had more time to poke at the English Elm stump you sent me. Removing the rotten dead wood has given me some mindful work in the Sun to do – so thank you for that. Thanks to you guys and your hard work, I have a really interesting project to tuck into during these turgid times.
And don’t worry – I won’t place an order for dead wood preserver etc. until you’ve all had your well deserved rest!!! There’s no hurry, after all…………
I know we should not let the haters get too us but it’s really hard because we do actually care about what we do. Dealing with nasty folk is part of the job but giving them money really sticks in my craw. The bonsai guy in a hurry is in the wrong hobby but most actually are impatient and have the dead trees to prove it.
I ordered just before your enforced shut down, my box may well be in that picture! I got it quickly and very well packed. Thanks for your hard work, it’s appreciated. I’m new to bonsai and will be ordering more to keep you busy 😉
I just received an order in double-quick time considering the lockdown. Many thanks and keep up the great work..
Garry.
Goods received today – only 4 days after placing the order (on a Sunday). Really well packaged. Fantastic service at any time – never mind with all the problems at the moment ! You are the best by far. Thanks guys.