Shea Butter Deal????

[DonC]

Hi everyone,

I know absolutely nothing about Shea butter, but I answered an ad this evening from some guy selling his inventory. I told him I might be interested but that I needed more information. Below is his response to my email. Could someone tell me what they think??? I would really appreciate it:o

Hi Don,

The shea that you can get varies in quality, and it can go rancid as it gets older, especially poorer quality products. All of the shea that I currently have is about 14 months old, and still smells fresh. It has a light nutty aroma that it should have. There is also a 10 lb sealed block of refined shea butter, which is the white stuff. That has never been unwrapped. I also toyed with the candles, I have some made up that combine shea, soy wax, and peppermint. There is also a few bottles of pure peppermint oil, and I believe I still have candle tins, and possibly, but no promises, some soy wax. There is also some of the liquid black soap made from the shea, and some shea/ grapeseed massage oil in very sharp looking spun aluminum bottles. To be honest I do not have a total inventory of everything that I have as it has been a while since I last worked it. I believe packaged there is enough to take about 10K retail, not including the unpackaged raw product and jars. There are many small 1/2oz jars that were sold as lip balms as well. Probably the best thing for you to do if you are serious would be to come by and take a look at the stock. I would like to get somewhere in the neighborhood of 1K for what is left, I think my cost on all of it is around $2500, and like I said, at the prices we were working it there is roughly 10K retail, plus the unpackaged stock as well as high end clear bags, the packaging vat, signage, etc. Let me know if you are interested and thanks.

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[Jami]

I personally can't see where he has even close to 1K worth of products he is asking for. He is pretty vague on what he has. It is over a year old. I would personally spend that 1k on all new fresh supplies, you can then buy what you want and need; not to mention, you will know the date you buy it.

It definitely doesn't hurt to at least go check out his other supplies, just make sure you take someone with you;)

[DonC]

Thank You Jami.....

I sort of thought that was probably the case.:smiley2:

Thanks for your time!

[ChrisR]

I have to agree with Jami.........don't waste your money on any supplies that are over a year old. He may tell you these are still ok to use, but I sure wouldn't trust any of them to not be rancid. Save your hard earned money for fresh supplies!!

[CareBear]

agree - first of the things he mentions I don't see anything appraching $1K. second - I believe his shea is not rancid, but since the general shelf life is about a year (extended in proper storage) it is near the end, which means it will likely go rancid soon after someone acquires it.

third - before buying anything like this stuff, find out where it came from - his information is ambiguous at best

stick with a reputable supplier - $1K can get a lot of stuff!