Hello all,

2008 is now a not-so-distant memory and so now it is time to concentrate of 2009.  Whether or not that is a good thing remains to be seen.  Yet, we’re more than ready for the challenge.

During the previous year, we at Bel-Air Cases have really tried to intensify our focus on our specialty: “made to order” cases.  By constantly trying to differentiate our products and mission from the “commodity” case solutions, we have further established our niche and reputation as a full service case company that will do what others won’t or can’t.  As a result, 2008 was our strongest year ever, and many sales records were set.  Yippee!

Since you, our case resellers, are a majority of our sales volume, I want to say, “thank you” for all your support and opportunities.  We could not achieve anything without you.  I hope we are contributing to your successes as you are to ours.  Again, thanks!

While we do not claim to offer solutions to every packaging need, there are many times when offering a “made to order” case will impress your client more than an “off the shelf” model.  This additional service not only results in greater customer satisfaction, but additional profit for you.  The easiest, cheapest case may result in a quick sale, but by offering choice, quality, and value you will earn clients for life.

Okay, that’s enough of the hard sell.  Let’s move on to the news and changes for 2009.

2008 was definitely the year of the price increase.  As petroleum prices went up, so did plastic and foam costs.  So, it is with great pleasure I finally get to announce NEW LOWER PRICING!  That’s right, the decreasing oil prices have finally been passed on to our industry and our plastic costs have decreased.  The result is passed on to you! 

Strangely, though, we have not seen the same decreases with foam costs.  Therefore, I decided it would be best to stop offering “instant quotes” for foam interiors.  The unpredictable and constantly changing costs of foam make it difficult to create formulas that are fair to the both of us.  On the plus side, though, we believe that job-specific-quotes will be of greater benefit to you and your clients.  Rather than offering just slabs or “pick-and-pluck” foam, the opportunity to offer a custom fabricated or die-cut interior could be less expensive and more valuable.  It is certainly more professional in appearance, effective in function, and profitable in service.

In addition to the lower prices and absence of foam interiors in the 2009 Quote-a-matics, you may also notice additional quantity price breaks.  I’ve changed the formulas to treat an order of 42 cases more like 50, and less like 25.  I hope this excites you like it does me.  Woohoo!

Thanks again for all your support and here’s to continued prosperity. If there is anything I can do to assist your quoting and resale efforts, please do not hesitate to ask.

Erik Calcott

Bel-Air Cases