Survival shop reports jump in sales...

[MustangGal]

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/11/23/survival-shop-reports-jump-in-sales-to-people-preparing-for-possible-collapse/

Yup.

[Lowdown3]

It's definitely up from a couple years ago, but this 2012 thing is not going to be anywhere near Y2K IMO.

However, just like with the run up to Y2K, we are seeing a boatload of new johnny come lately preparedness companies coming into the marketplace thinking they will capitalize on "2012 sales." Most will be gone on Jan 1, 2013 just like most of the "y2kbuckets" type companies were gone on Jan 1, 2000.

It's an ebb and flow market. Feast for a year or so, starve for 5. I'd be willing to trade all the "rushes" for just a steady, regular flow that one could predict. It's hard to predict sales in this industry. In 20 years I've learned to contract where necessary and expand when necessary. You gotta roll with the times or they roll over you. LOL

[brokedownbiker]

LD3, in your business I'm guessing you see the trends before the rest of us. Which is driving the frenzy- Do you think it is the 2012 thing or is it the looming fear of economic collapse/ major depression?

I'd guess that the 2012 doomsayers are running out of steam and the real possibility of a "downturn" in the economy is pushing more people to try and get prepared.

Your thoughts?

[1Admin]

Actually I hear "2012" very very little as a reason. Now a days most people order online so the verbal interaction with the customer is much less than it was a decade or more back.

I think it's a combination of economic uncertainty, a liberal being in the White House, the middle east, the growing socialism, racial tensions and probably lastly the 2012 thing.

Like most of us here on the forums, there are some that keep preparing no matter what. That's the type of customer I really enjoy. They "get it" more than the ones that are just preparing because of a certain date, certain event, etc.

I expect the industry will probably take a good downturn in 2013 after the 2012 scare peters out and HOPEFULLY we will have Barack HUSSEIN Obama out of office then. :)

[brokedownbiker]

You're probably right, the combination of things you listed pretty well cover my concerns (except 2012- a bunch of hooey IMHO). My prepping has reached the point where it is a lifestyle now, it is so ingrained that I rarely think about it, I just naturally do it; I'm not saying that I have all my ducks in a row yet but the process has become natural now.

I sure hope you are right about Obummer!!

[WiseOwl]

On December 15th 2012, you should run a "Mayan Prophecy Special"........you will rake it in sir.

[MustangGal]

Some of the comments on the thread are pretty "interesting". Since it has been linked by the Drudge Report, there are definitely more friendlies that foes.

[SCinPNW]

Interesting article MG. The comments are definitely interesting and a lot of them, over 350 now.

Brokedown, I am there with you as far as this being a lifestyle. I think about preparedness all of the time, and when I am shopping I evaluate items on whether or not they fit my requirements for being useful. Plus I am always re-evaluating what I am doing trying to learn and determine if it is the best way or not. What frustrates me is the people who either don't get it or do not care. Like my brother for example. Yesterday while here for Thanksgiving Dinner we were talking, and really the only topics that are of interest to me are religion, politics, guns and preppring--LOL, I guess you could say I am narrow minded. Anyway, his plan for being prepared was to go home to Jesus rather than prepping. Unfortunately, I was busy in the kitchen so I was unable to challenge him on his plan, because what if it was not in God's plan to bring him home yet, well then he and his family would be hurting in a big way. My thinking is that if it is God's will to bring me home, I am all for it, but if not I would much rather be as prepared as I possible can. But then I am just preaching to the choir here. ;-)

LD3, I sure hope you are right about Obama. I really do not think this country can survive another term with him running the ship.

SC

[monkeybird]

In my mind there is no artificial date to prep for. Anyone who reads the newspaper, watches the news and follows the financial markets has to realize the the world is in peril. It's not just economic, the political landscape of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have become so unstable that the world outcome of these events have yet to be felt.

Compounding this is the utter and complete lack of LEADERSHIP. Obama's policy of bending over and kissing our enemies behind is making us appear weak and indecisive. The current policy of gutting the military budget (which has let to the Obama appointed Panetta, Sec. of Defense, to cry foul. http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/...se_581957.html

As Betty Davis said, "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night."

[Klayton]

@mb; if for some reason he stills the re-election it is going to get much worse. Hannity and Rush think he will go all out with Executive Orders and spending double what he has already spent this term...

America is very near the breaking point when we won't be able to even pay our interest payments to China, BECAUSE they won't accept US currency soon, so we will no longer be able to "PRINT" our interest payment.

[MustangGal]

I started out prepping for something specific (EMP), but that has certainly evolved since last April. While I still consider it an important threat, the possible economic collapse is casting long shadows. :(

[Silas Longshot]

Yeah, the rush is on, freeze dried foods were way behind because of government purchases. Other suppliers say 'don't know when or if' some items will be back.
Link to my johnny come lately survival spamming site

https://www.survivalandpreparednessforum.com/showthread.php?3410-New-but-not-new&p=30508#post30508

This guy was UNBELIEVABLE, literally the epitome of survival spammers!