Fresh Bet Bits, Claire Burke Original Memories, Home Fragrance Product Updates and Commentary

As we all do more shopping on the internet, you realize what a wonderful convenience it can become with high gas prices and personal time at such a premium. Plus, the other night as we were watching the news, I realized how much safer it is to shop from home vs. driving to the Mall these days. Criminals seem to frequent the malls during the Holiday season preying on distracted shoppers…it’s simply awful.

Anyway, this is just a quick post to let you know that all orders received by December 13th can be shipped via regular UPS or FedEx ground and arrive in time for Christmas. If you live on the West Coast, after the 14th you will need to chose UPS 3-Day Select to be sure your shipment arrives on time.

After Tuesday the 18th, if you live on the East Coast, you should choose UPS 3-day Select. Or, if it’s easier, just call us and we’ll be happy to make sure your package arrives on time.

Remember we are not allowed to air freight any pressurized sprays like TC Aerosols or Claire Burke Vapourri. This DOT restriction also applies to flammables like Lampourri or Greenleaf Diffuser Oils.

TC is a wonderful company to represent. They are constantly creating new products and fragrances to retain their innovative edge. This week they sent us their new Sugar Cookie T-Cell refill, so I am testing it in my kitchen now.

Jerry and Sarah tell me they have now released the following new air freshener refills:

750362 (Microburst 3000), and 750365 (Microburst 9000) Raspberry Green Tea

750363 (Microburst 3000), and 750366 (Microburst 9000) Cucumber Melon

750364 (Microburst 3000), and 750367 (Microburst 9000) Herbal Garden

I will be ordering these soon along with the new Sugar Cookie T-Cell refill. We should have these available on our website for order within the next one to two weeks.

Well, it’s been a real roller coaster ride for the past few months with Claire Burke and Vitabath availability. The Factory has been through a tough 4 months this year; however, things ARE getting better!

This week I called Mark to get the official lowdown on shortages and here is what he tells me:

* Vitabath Gelee gallons are arriving today at the warehouse. We should receive our orders by December 14th.
* Claire Burke Original and Apple Jack Warmer Refills are due this week. We expect to receive our stock by December 17th.
* Original Lampourri Oil will not be available until late January 2008 at best. Apparently there was a crop problem with Patchouli that has caused this delay.
* Apple Jack Simmer Oil will not be available until sometime in January.

In case you missed a previous blog, Claire Burke has discontinued production of all Refresher Oil Sprays. For 2008, standard refresher oil (non-spray format) will now be included only in bagged potpourri. The Factory is already out of Original refresher oil sprays, as are we at Freshbet.

The factory warehouse will be relocating during the last half of December. This means after December 18th, we will not be receiving any shipments until the first week of January. We are looking forward to receiving plug-in warmer refills in Christmas Memories and Oh Christmas Tree scents in early January.

Original and Apple Jack Vapourri 2-pack specials WILL once again be offered this year. Typically these are available in early January; however, this year they should arrive by late January. This is your once a year chance to stock up on Original Vapourri because you get 2 cans for $15.00 - a savings of $5.00. Freshbet has already placed a large order for these so you can be assured we will have them FIRST!

I am also working with Mark regarding Original refresher oils, so stay tuned and cross your fingers!

As always, if you have questions, please be sure to email Bet. I want to once again thank everyone for their incredible patience and graciousness as we all muddle along through these shortages. Personally, I am just grateful that someone bought this fine old company and will be keeping it alive for all of us to enjoy for years to come!

Please know we will be shipping all of your backorders just as soon as our stock arrives. We will be including a FREE sachet for your patience.

The Fresh Bet ladies wish everyone a very wonderful Christmas this year with health, prosperity and safety for all!