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Andy and Susanne, you've owned and operated Books on the Path now since October 2006. How's it going? We're still smiling! See?
What type of business is Books on the Path? More than a business, Books on the Path is a ministry. Many of the books we offer are life-changing, written to help individuals and families draw closer to each other and closer to God. These are the books that have impacted us—the gems we have discovered on our path that we want to share with others. We are thankful to have a ministry that our whole family can participate in, that also draws us closer together as a family.
What else do you enjoy about Books on the Path? Wow—there is so much! It is a huge privilege for our family to be surrounded by such outstanding literature. We always have great books right at our fingertips, and we are very excited about sharing these with others. We also think it's a treat whenever we get to meet the authors, many of whom are keynote speakers at homeschool conferences. Attending these conferences has been wonderful; we have learned so much and been greatly encouraged as we meet others who are walking this path with us. Owning Books on the Path has opened new doors of fellowship and blessing for us—thank you, God!
What do your customers like about Books on the Path? Our books and our service. Once people check out our selection of books, they quickly see the value of what we have to offer. When folks contact us, we take time to communicate. We reply to most emails immediately, and try to go the extra mile when people make special requests. We treat every customer with care and respect—the same way we treat their orders.
What do you mean—about the orders? We wrap every book in paper, and then encase it in sturdy cardboard to make sure each book arrives in new condition. We personally deliver each order to the Post Office instead of using carrier pickup—an extra step which further ensures nothing gets "lost in the mail." Also, we try to ship orders the same day we receive them. We want to be known for our speed.
What other services do you offer? We are currently offering free gift wrapping and free handmade gift cards. If you would like this free service, write us a note in the "Comment Box" on the checkout page, and write a message in the "Message Box" for the gift card. Feel free to send yourself a gift—you're special!
Why do customers shop at Books on the Path? We sell some of the finest Christian literature that can be found anywhere. Since we can't carry every title, our goal is to offer our customers the best of the best. We purchase our products from a variety of publishers and individuals, always looking for the lowest prices so we can pass our savings on to our customers.
What are your goals for this business/ministry? Our goal is to operate a God-honoring bookstore where people can find refreshing, uplifting, and inspiring books that will touch their hearts. We want every customer to feel valued and to be treated like royalty. Our primary goal will always be to serve God and glorify Him by serving our customers in a personal and professional way.
What does the name, Books on the Path, mean to you? As we journey through life, we occasionally find sprinkled along the path some truly inspiring books which give us fresh insight into God's Word and His ways. Excellent books written by Godly men and women give us opportunity to apply Proverbs 13:20,
"He who walks with the wise grows wise." Relaxing with a book offers us a time of quiet rest and reflection, helping us keep perspective in the midst of our busy lives. Quality books engage our imaginations with wholesome thoughts and tug at our heart strings. We have also enjoyed the family closeness that occurs when we read to our children or have family devotions. We hope our books will greatly encourage others on their walk.
What keeps book shoppers coming back to you when they could drive to a local Christian bookstore? When we check the shelves at our local Christian bookstores, we find that they do not stock many of the excellent products we carry. Our selection of books is unique and is for a select audience. Also, when you consider the rising cost of gas, it's often cheaper to shop online, and it's certainly faster and more convenient than fighting the traffic.
What is your background? Andy graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1984, did mission work with Operation Mobilization and Wycliffe Bible Translators, and then has taught at a private Christian school for almost 20 years. Andy and Susanne married in 1988, and Susanne worked part-time as a home-health nurse until God began blessing them with children. Susanne loves being a wife and homeschool mom!
Besides your ministry with Books on the Path, what activities does your family enjoy? Living in the Pacific Northwest, there's plenty to do each season. Summertime brings huckleberry picking, swimming, camping and bicycle trips. In the spring and fall, our children like going with Dad to the woods to build forts and collect firewood. Winter brings a snowy wonderland with sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Music is also an important part of our family life, with our older children taking piano and violin lessons and the younger ones making a joyful noise unto the LORD. Getting together with other families for fellowship is always a highlight. Perhaps nothing is sweeter than simply snuggling up to Mom in the evenings for storytime!
Do you have a business philosophy? In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that each of them should conduct his own business in such a way that he "wins the respect of outsiders." (1 Thes. 4:12) He also wrote to Timothy about the importance of "having a good reputation with outsiders, and not falling into disgrace." (1 Tim. 3:7) To apply these principles, we are committed to upholding the highest personal and professional standards in the way we treat customers and handle orders.
How secure is your Web site? How safe is it for customers to use credit cards? Our Web site is secured by GeoTrust QuickSSL, "utilizing 128-bit SSL certificates thereby offering the highest level of encryption or security possible." (To learn more, click on the GeoTrust icon in the left column.) Also, we have no employees outside our family, and we do not ever sell or disclose customers' private information to anyone else—period. Customer security and privacy are of extreme importance to us—in fact, our two highest priorities.
How else may customers order your books? Customers who prefer not to use a credit card or place an order online may simply send us an email listing the books they want or call us and place an order over the phone. We're available to help place orders, answer questions, and help in any way we can.
Will you hire help? No. We have a tremendous support team—a network of skilled professionals who stand behind us and help in various ways. However, the operation of our business is handled entirely by our family. When customers call, they talk directly to the owners, Andy or Susanne Osborn. Our children are "learning the ropes", and provide us with constant feedback and recommendations concerning children's literature. We are 100% "family owned and operated".
What changes will you make over time? We are committed to regularly evaluate our service and our products so that we can be quick to adjust and improve. We listen to customer feedback. For example, we have twice lowered shipping and handling costs and provided a faster shipping service for our customers. We do minimal advertising and rely more on word-of-mouth referrals from our customers. Also, we are making our Web site more user-friendly and will be offering new products we have carefully previewed. Keep checking our site!
What kind of feedback are you looking for? All kinds! We want to hear from you. Please give us your feedback in the "Comment Box" on the checkout page, or click on "Contact Us" on the top navigation bar. We would like suggestions for new products and improvements we can make to our Web site and our service. Also, please let us know whether you are completely satisfied with our packaging, shipping, giftwrapping, etc. Did we treat you royally?
How may customers contact Books on the Path? You may email us at service@booksonthepath.com, or call us at 208-762-3939. Please realize that we are a homeschooling family and there might be some background noise and even an occasional interruption or three.
Any final words? We want to thank you for visiting Books on the Path. We pray that the books you order from us will be a blessing in your life. May God draw you closer to Him this coming year. And to all our exuberant customers—big thanks to you! We have been so blessed by your compliments and encouragements. We feel like we have a cheering section out there!
If you are a first-time shopper to Books on the Path, you may receive 10% off your first purchase. Simply type the word "First" as a coupon code when you go to check out. Blessings to you! |
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