Ever since that lovely day in February when I found my coat with a good, I've had a renewed faith that anything is possible. This was reinforced by my discovery of the Snuggie. You could say that I wear my rose-colored glasses more often these days (only if they match my outfit, of course). I'm not the type to write letters to my congressman or stand on the street corner by the downtown Nordstrom's soliciting signatures for a petition. Occasionally, however, something will compel me to take action for change. I recently encountered a small problem with the packaging of a favorite snack food. We all know it is never a good idea to come between me and my food. I made a choice to quit buying this snack food because I simply couldn't open the package. Then, I remembered my beautiful coat-plus-hood and sent the following email to the snack food company:
Dear Primal Spirit Foods,
I discovered your yummy Primal Strips about one year ago when I was introduced to them by a friend. I am a law student and am in class for hours at a time. Your Primal Strips were the perfect snack for me to eat in the car, on the way to class, and during class. I have shared my love of Primal Strips with others as well and now there are quite a few of us who have relied on the meatless jerky to get us through hours of boring lectures and endless nights studying in the library.
A recent trip to the grocery store (Market of Choice in Portland, OR) surprised me with a new look for the Primal Strips. I was impressed by a new, bright, and eye-catching package. I arrived at class the other day with my books and Primal Strips in tow. The professor went off on some tangent, my stomach growled, and I reached for some meatless jerky. I opened the first layer of packaging like an old pro, but something happened when I attempted to penetrate the final layer of plastic. I tugged and yanked, used my teeth and all my strength, but I could not open the Primal Strip. There, between me and my jerky, was a thick impermeable layer of biodegradable plastic. I tried everything I could think of, but eventually accepted that nothing short of a sharp pair of scissors could unite me and my Primal Strip. Gone was my quick, easy, protein-filled snack.
I think your new package is quite visually appealing. However, I beg you to please reconsider the security of the packaging and find a solution that allows me to enjoy my meatless jerky like I once did. Sadly, my law school peers and I must find another hunger solution. We will hold out hope that someday our Primal Strips will once again be easily accessible. I request a packaging modification on behalf of all Primal Strips lovers without ready access to sharp scissors.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Kimberly
I was impressed when I received the following response only 12 hours later. It read:
Hi Kimberly
Sorry about your bad experiences with our packaging....the main idea of switching to our new packaging system was to make to the opening process much easier.....
So far, our manufacture has not been able to accomplish the results that they had promised.....we are hoping to have a workable solution before the end of the year. Thanks for taking the time to communicate your experience. Thanks for your support.
We are making plans to have an "easy to open" single package available later this year....because we do not use preservatives we must package the jerky when it is very hot and bacteria free...these requirements have give us many difficulties.
Please accept our sincere apology.
Best wishes
John T West
Pres/CEO
Primal spirit Foods, Inc.
I've gotta say, whether or not the company actually makes a change, at least they made me feel like I matter as a customer. It almost makes me want to carry around a pair of sharp scissors (to open the meatless jerky, of course). As much as I want my easily accessible Primal Strips, I want you all to know that you too can make a difference. Sign a petition, write your local politician, send an email to your favorite snack food CEO. Meatless jerky today, world peace tomorrow.
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