It has been noted on this forum that there was a slow down in Y2K preps. But there may (will)come a time when its to late. Not yet!

At "Fleet Farm" (midwest, at least)I counted 22 generators of various sizes in just the one store! The sales clerk wouldn't say how may they sold previously, but says they are now canceling orders - they can't get rid of the ones they have! (even some high quality models)

Also at Menards (midwest stores again) they have a new cast iron wood stove for $150. They are great (but heavy): simple to use and install with a lot of useable surface area. The clerk there said they have only sold 1 in the last two weeks!

The point: Those not prepared yet have an almost unbelievable chance to prepare, still. Use this gift wisely --- it won't last forever. If you have even minimal concerns and don't take advantage of this time ....... (no words to descibe it) ............

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), July 04, 1999

Answers

Hmmm, whom to believe? Many say its too late to prepare, but some say there is still a little time.

-- Is it too late? (Yes@no.maybe?), July 04, 1999.

Never too late to do something, but increasingly important that you prioritize your efforts.

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), July 04, 1999.

Our Menard's has 3 types of wood stoves for sale at this time. Plus strike anywhere matches, 2 boxes of 250 for $.49 per packet.

Home Depot had/has quite a few generators.

I'm getting my pygmy goats and starter rabbits this week.

Adding to my grazing area by expanding my electric fence.

-- Jon Williamson (pssomerville@sprintmail.com), July 04, 1999.

Happy Birthday America!! On this most important date it might be wise to think about what our lives will be like on 7/4/2000. As the subject of this thread relates to preparedness I would like to share some important information regarding product availability. I will post this anonymously due to the fact our company is in the preparedness business and we do not wish to commercialize on this forum. For the most part, the various supply items that have become hot sellers during the recent preparedness movement, were always available and will continue to be so. Solar radios/flashlights, wood stoves, generators, water storage drums, purifiers, and long-term storage food became demand items in the early part of 1998. As this market demand escalated vertically, manufacturers of these products started ramping-up to meet the incoming orders. This required major capital expenditures along with long term purchasing agreements with suppliers of raw materials and components. For most companies it was necessary to secure substantial bank funding (long and short term) in addition to adding employees. Just as the pipelines were starting to flow a switch was thrown on April of this year that brought the consumer purchasing to a screeching halt. Manufacturers were forced to cancel supplier orders, lay-off employees, and in many instances default on loans. With a scant six months left to rollover there is no way that any renewed demand for product will be accommodated in a timely manor. Keep in mind that a handful of manufacturers are supplying a large number of re-sellers. I predict that anyone looking for supplies after the middle of September will be hard pressed to take delivery.

-- Plan (for@the.worst), July 04, 1999.

Jon:

The only lag in my Y2K preparations is money. I have all these ideas and plans but must wait paycheck by paycheck. I wish I would have gotten it in 1997, so as to have made major purchases earlier.

I've noticed there aren't as many good food specials at the local stores. Junk food specials abound for Summer celebrations.

Yes, the window of opportunity is still open. Don't fritter it away in front of the television or in cyberspace.

-- Randolph (dinosaur@williams-net.com), July 04, 1999.

Home Depot still has plenty of generators at a store near here (Maryland). I became a true GI about August 1998, and am a Y2K programmer (our favorite "fluff" phrase is "staged implementation" as to our compliance status). Anyway, I went through the usual emotions as a GI and panicked (sp?) about the early Y2K dates and the panic, etc., but now am convinced there will _never_ be a panic (denial, etc.) until at least after Christmas or even New Year's, _unless_ there is a demonstrated, public, widespread impact before then. I feel this is unlikely, even Fiscal Years, GPS rollover, 9/9/99, etc. I am still experimenting with rotation plans and unit testing of goods and procedures, but am not planning on making a lot of purchases until Sept/Oct. Is this a good idea?? This is also partially to "getting" different aspects on a monthly basis and waiting for money (as someone else posted), as well as deterioration, storage, etc. Any ideas?

-- Jim (x@x.x), July 04, 1999.

think tampons

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), July 04, 1999.

Jim, personaly I think most people cant afford not to prepare. If you are really a GI, you start thinking twice about everything. We live with so many plush items that we really dont NEED. If you really want to prepare for y2k then sell your $35,000 car and pay cash for a $2,000 car. Make a few sacrafices, you wont be sorry. If next year comes and goes and nothing happens.... then sell your $2,000. car and go out and buy a brand new car and you can have a newer car. Get my point? I may be wrong but I wont be cought unprepared.

-- bulldog (sniffin@around.com), July 04, 1999.

Jim...base your food purchases on the shelf life of the food and start now....not October....best to you

-- rb (ronbanks_2000@yahoo.com), July 04, 1999.