So it happened—the thing we feared might happen. We have to move our summer shutdown date up.
Wednesday, June 10 is now the last day you can place butter orders with us before we close for the summer (until September 1). That’s a week and a half earlier than our previous deadline.
It’s getting warmer around the country. Many areas that were typically in the mid-80s at this point in previous years are now reaching the mid-90s.
Unfortunately, our insulated shipping begins to lose effectiveness once temperatures climb above 90°F.
Because we’re shipping so many insulated orders, our freezer is currently backed up. (If you’ve received a tracking number that hasn’t started moving yet, this is why. Your package is waiting its turn to be frozen before shipment.)
Earlier this year, I mentioned that there would be some trial and error with our first summer shutdown, including determining the right timing. One thing has become very clear: next year’s shutdown will begin on May 31. June has simply become too warm for us to operate safely.
Here is the guideline we’ve been using:
If temperatures in your area are still below 90°F, this is your last chance to stock up before the summer hiatus begins.
If temperatures in your area are already above 90°F, unfortunately it’s too late for us to safely ship whipped butters. We recommend waiting until cooler weather returns this fall.
(Please take this seriously. We are not refusing orders, but we continue to see customers in places like Phoenix and Tucson—where temperatures are already well above 100°F—place orders and then become upset when products arrive melted. We’re asking customers to use good judgment. If your forecast is above 95°F, it’s simply too late for us to ship whipped butter with a reasonable expectation that it will arrive intact.)
Only subscribers will continue receiving butter deliveries during the summer. However…
If you have an active subscription and regularly experience temperatures above 90°F, consider pausing your subscription now and restarting it in the fall.
If you live in a milder climate and would like continued access to our butters this summer, now is the time to start or maintain a subscription.
Remember, our body oils and African black soap are not temperature-sensitive and will remain available year-round.
One other thing: we’re experiencing a surge of customer service requests as we approach the shutdown.
We’re currently training a new customer service representative, Nadine, who will be supporting customers throughout the summer. Please be patient with us as we balance training a new team member while working through a high volume of inquiries.
I apologize for this bumpy end to our winter and spring season.
And thank you, as always, for your support.
~Leila
