You Can Count On Math

You Can Count On Math was Originally Posted on November 6, 2014 by lavarock

I have never been known for excelling at math. In fact, I am also a bit lacking on history, science, grammar and a host of other skills (but that’s another story).

So I get a coffee order for 20 pounds of freshly roasted Kona Coffee in whole bean format. It is paid for and to be shipped to New York state to be held at an extended suite-type hotel. This is because the buyer lives in Canada and shipping to Canada is pretty expensive. This family often comes to New York and has some purchased items shipped there and they take them back across the border in their car.

Well, I sell coffee in 2oz bags that I promote as stocking-stuffers. I also have standup pouches (zip-lock type seal) with a clear front that I use when I want to show off coffee as to whether it is dark or light roast or whole bean or ground; perfect for store displays. Then I also have 8oz, 16oz and bags big enough to hold up t o2.5 pounds.

So I filled the large bags with 2 pounds each, packed them into 2 Flat Rate boxes (different sizes so 3 bags fit in one and 2 bags fir in the other) and shipped them to New York.

My customer received the two boxes and upon getting back to Canada found the problem. Five 2 pound bags equals 10 pounds, not 20. So as soon as I heard there was a problem I packed up 5 more 2 pound bags and they are on their way.

Now you might  think this is a simple problem that just involves math. You buy 20 pounds and that is 10 bags of 2 pounds each. HOWEVER, the actual website product is actually 5 pounds and is usually two 2 pound bags and a 1 pound bag. This is because although the  large bag MAY hold up to 2 and a half pound, they won’t fit easily in the boxes I use.

So in my defense, after all the conversions and packing I missed shipping the correct amount. That mistake cost me another $30 for shipping that I would not have had to pay.

The customer is getting some just roasted coffee and I am happy she like it enough to buy lots.