Three Questions to the Management

An Update: Effects of the Coronavirus on the Economy

Individuals and companies from various professions and industries are currently facing a major challenge, which for some even carries existential consequences. Maintaining economic performance is perhaps the most crucial test we are currently undergoing. There is widespread uncertainty about how to assess the situation and how it will develop in the future. 

We too are confronted with new challenges that need to be tackled more than ever. A key concern up front: we would first like to thank our customers who remain loyal to us during this difficult time and contribute outstandingly to the protection of the entire system. By now, it should be firmly ingrained in all of us how important social cohesion and responsible action are. Thank you for your support and solidarity. 

Retailers, companies, and businesses, providers of goods and services - regardless of their size - are particularly dependent on you during this crisis. This also includes our family business. Our top priority remains ensuring your supply. However, the economic effects of the Corona crisis are becoming increasingly noticeable, for example in the form of rising raw material prices, cross-border delivery difficulties with our partners, and an increase in package returns. 

We, like anyone else, cannot predict exactly how this journey will continue, but we have taken some precautions to ensure our ability to deliver. The shipment of our packages via DHL within Germany is not affected by any restrictions. For international shipments, there may be occasional delays or delivery restrictions in special cases. Current information for you as a parcel recipient or sender can be found here. Amazon customers will be affected by a prioritization of shipments until April 5, 2020. Priority is given to essential items from categories such as baby products, cleaning and household goods, personal care (including dietary supplements), groceries, pet supplies, and industrial and scientific supplies. Fortunately, dietary supplements are included in this prioritization, so we as a manufacturer are not disadvantaged in any way. For orders of products that do not fall into these categories, significantly longer delivery times are to be expected.

You're probably wondering how the Corona crisis is affecting our business and what consequences to expect? Our management has answered some questions for you.

Three Questions for the Management - answered by Dennis Devooght

Why was the Spring Promotion 2020 extended by a week?

„We were surprised by the surge in demand for immune system supplements triggered by the Corona crisis. Natural prevention is always appropriate and sensible, but this sudden, collective awareness is new. The increased order volume also coincided with our simultaneous spring promotion and led to temporary shortages of some of our products. Although reproduction was already in full swing, we had to decide whether to shorten the promotion or remove products from the special offer. This would have resulted in many of our regular customers being unable to purchase their usual spring products, which we found unfair and unsupportive, so we extended the spring promotion by a week at short notice. This has never happened before and will likely remain a one-time adjustment.“

Why isn't the promotion being extended further?

„The answer is simple: because the calculation doesn't allow it. The discounted promotion prices serve both as a means of attracting new customers and as a thank-you to our loyal customers who want to stock up on their favorite products for several months. Unfortunately, these low prices cannot be maintained in the long term given the high production costs of natural supplements.“

What are the consequences for the company and our customers? Are price increases to be expected?

„That's a good question that no one can answer with certainty. At this point, we are very well prepared for the long term and can continue to offer our products at the same price. However, we are already feeling the effects of the crisis, which are reflected in increased transportation costs and thus higher raw material prices. In addition, everything takes much longer, as borders have been closed, and certain transport routes have been completely shut down.

On the other hand, our advantage is that we can also draw on a large stock of raw materials in addition to finished packaged goods. Therefore, we will try to keep our prices stable for as long as possible for our customers.

In any case, we find it inappropriate to make price adjustments at this time. I understand our partners who are directly confronted with the increased prices, but our warehouses have been well stocked since the beginning of the year, so the impact on our customers, if any, will likely not be felt until much later in the year. With our current extraordinary reproduction, which is expected to be completed in April, we are well-prepared for the increased demand and remain optimistic for the future."

So, what can you do to actively support us in managing the crisis? We consider panic buying unnecessary, as there is no reason for it at present. Take care of yourself by boosting your immune system and maintaining your health, and you will be helping us too! Check your supplies: Which supplements do you have enough of for your daily needs? Which products will you likely need again in the coming weeks? Take the opportunity to stock up early, so you don't get caught up in longer delivery times or other delays. We advise against arbitrary hoarding of products and food, but we encourage sensible stockpiling. After all, it affects everyone, it affects us, and it affects you.