Newsletter | February 2009

Welcome to SaveYourChurchMoney.com

This month we’ll discuss the challenge of furnishing churches in tough economic times. After you read our feature article, you may want to consider using the forward feature at the bottom of this newsletter to send a copy to churches you know going through a building project where furnishings are a necessity and dollars are tight. We are passionate about helping churches save dollars during times like these and our strategy makes it possible to genuinely do so! We also have a few special February savings opportunities to share with you below. As always, thanks, and enjoy.

Furnishing Your Church in Tough Financial Times

“We were just about to order chairs for our new building when another church told us about SaveYourChurchMoney.com. With the economic conditions we’re experiencing, we really need to watch every dollar. Can you help us?”

Those types of phone calls have become all too common over the past three months. In this case, before the week was over, we had received an order from the church for 350 chairs and were able to save them over $3000. Here are some things to be aware of if you’re purchasing church furnishings during these tough times.

1. Major “players” need major profit margins! You have received those catalogs for years from the same, recognizable companies. They carry a wide assortment of products from various manufacturers. And they tell you repeatedly that they will save you money. But do they? While I wish it wasn’t the case, the answer is rarely if ever! Read on to learn why.
   
   
2. Low overhead by the manufacturer and dealer provides the real savings for you! Those catalogs, ecommerce websites, buildings, employees, advertising, etc. all cost dollars that have to be recovered. Since you (the customer) are their only source of income, you pay for those expenses. By purchasing from someone you trust, but who does not have all those expenses, real savings are truly available!
   
   
3. Buying “direct” rarely saves you money! A number of manufacturers sell direct to churches and also through dealers. They often will claim that you can buy direct and save! What they don’t tell you is that they will not sell below a certain price point when selling direct. The reality is if they want dealers to sell their products, they cannot at the same time “undersell” those same dealers. For example, one chair company sells a particular model of chair for $39.95 to churches direct. We can buy the same chair for seven dollars less than a “direct” customer and then pass real savings on to you!
   
   
4. Knowing the best values for churches makes the difference! Ten years ago I did not understand there really were manufacturers partial to churches. Ten years ago I also did not understand the various brand-names some products are sold under for vastly different prices. Now I do! I recently observed a church buy 20 tables for $239 each under one brand-name. We sell the exact same table under another brand-name for $129 each. The information to prevent this is not difficult to obtain in our day. Matching the best product values to the needs of churches can provide a tremendous cost savings!
   
   
5. You’re in the driver’s seat in tough times – use your clout! There are scores of manufacturers and dealers going through these same tough economic times. Most of them desire whatever business they can attract, including yours. Your goal is to save money for your church! Don’t forget you are in the driver’s seat as you seek to do so!

Oak Street Adds All-Wood Dining Chairs and Barstools to Product Lines!

Long a great source for metal frame dining chairs and barstools, Oak Street Manufacturing has now added a solid wood line of dining chairs and barstools. These European Beech chairs and barstools are available both in ladder-back and vertical-back styles in an assortment of finishes. Best of all, we’re offering introductory pricing for these chairs of $59 each for dining chairs and $79 each for barstools. Again, these are solid wood chairs! Compare and you’ll see the substantial savings available during this introductory period. Please contact us for more information.

Great Discounts on the SS-661 from Comfortek Seating!

Comfortek Seating’s hybrid chair for the church market, the SS-661 has become a best value for churches over the past year. The SS-661 is able to be used in multiple settings. Not as wide as a worship style chair, yet far more comfortable than a banquet chair, it is flexible enough to be used in either application. Boasting a 25 year frame warranty and a 10 year fabric warranty, this level chair from other manufacturers can cost ten dollars more than the $29 each price we offer it for. Please contact us for more information.

Early Childhood Furniture from Steffywood!

Since we started providing Steffywood Products to churches five years ago, we have consistently found churches to be pleased with the variety, quality and pricing Steffywood provides. For the month of February, we’re able to provide a larger discount than normal and we’re passing that on to you! For more information, please contact us.