FAQ's & Policies for Black Hills Bulk Foods
Have a question that you are looking to have answered? Hopefully these FAQs about us will help you out! If you have a question that is not answered here, please email us at sales@blackhillsbulkfoods.com.
How does this work?
Think of Black Hills Bulk Food like a co-op. There are a bunch of us putting our money together to be able to purchase items in a bulk quantity for a discounted price. Instead of going through multiple middle men, the savings get passed right on to you!
When ordering is open, you can order as much as you'd like from what's available. When ordering is open you will see all of the details including the pick up days, locations, and times. You will want to write that down when you order so you don't forget to come and meet the Black Hills Bulk Food truck when your order arrives!
There is a delivery fee of four dollars on orders totaling eighty dollars or less, six percent on orders eighty dollars and above.
Although we do rent a building in Hot Springs, all products are picked up and immediately scheduled for delivery by our Black Hills Bulk Food trucks so they can come straight to you in the freshest, fastest way possible.
Why Bulk?
We love bulk foods because we love finding a great price on things we need! We also love buying in bulk because it typically means we are able to support the farmer or grower more directly than if we were to buy regular store packaged items that have gone through multiple middle men.
One of our other favorite parts of buying in bulk is less packaging and less plastic. We are not zero waste, but to produce as little waste as possible from the products we are buying adds up. We are also able to totally avoid styofoam that most meat is packaged in.
How will I know that the products are good?
We are personally testing each product before it is for sale.
Are all the foods local?
The foods are as fresh as we can possibly get them, but due to the fact that it's difficult (if not impossible) to find local farmers that can produce on a large scale wholesale level, not all of the foods are local. Most of our produce is regional based on the growing season. That being said, we do love to find local farmers to work with whenever we are able and already have several local items that we will be able to offer throughout the year. If you are a local farmer producing on the wholesale level, please contact us about working with us!
Why do I have to prepay?
In order to secure the discounts on the meat and produce we have to make the payment up front which means we need to collect a payment from you upon ordering. Pre-paying also helps us know that you are going to come and pick it up when the order comes in like you have promised.
Why does the price change sometimes?
Almost all the foods we carry are commodity foods which means the prices change weekly with the markets. We still will always try and get the best pricing available.
What if the trucks don't come in?
Although this has never happened, if for some reason we are completely unable to get the meat or produce that you ordered and we are unable to reschedule the drop, you will be given a refund in full. Refunds will not be given to no-shows, all produce or meats from no-show sales will be donated to Hot Springs and other close food banks at 2pm on Saturdays of delivery weekend.
What if I don't pick up my order?
After an order has been placed, refunds are not offered. We order products in advance or order products immediately after the ordering ends. If you do not pick up your order it will be donated. It is your responsibility to pick up your order, or send your order number with someone you trust. *** BE SURE TO CALL 605-219-1100 ASAP ON DROP DAY SO WE KNOW AND CAN MAKE ARRAGNEMENTS IF POSSIBLE! **
What does a pick up day look like?
On the pickup day, you will arrive to meet the truck at the specified time and location. You can line up with your car and wait until you reach the truck to tell us your name and order number. Once we confirm your order we will load everything up in your vehicle for you.
Once you've picked up your food you will need to take it home and put it away. You need to be aware of the temperature as vehicles will warm or cool the items quickly depending on season. We recommend repackaging all of the meat into family serving sizes and either canning or using the produce. Remember that all meat and all produce has been refrigerated so it will need to be kept cool to help it last as long as possible once it is put in your care.
What if I can't come to the pick up day?
Just let us know in the notes of your order (or by email) who will be picking up your order for you!
Where are the current drop locations?
We currently have drop sites in Spearfish, Sturgis, Rapid City, Piedmont, Custer, Hot Springs, Chadron NE, Alliance NE, Crawford NE, Scottsbluff NE, Newcastle WY, Gillette WY, Moorcroft WY, and Sundance WY.
How do I find out about when ordering opens?
Be sure and sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about any sales. Some products will sell out very quickly so this is the best way to stay informed! You can also follow us on our Facebook page to learn about new sales or just check the website frequently.
How often do you deliver?
Normally we delivery every 4 weeks for the Black Hills Route and every 4 weeks for the Nebraska/ Wyoming Route. Holidays affect this schedule.
How much meat/produce does one event have?
Supplies are based on space in our trucks and can be limited. Be sure and get your order in as soon as possible to secure your meat or produce. Once we are sold out we are at the maximum our trucks can carry and you will have to wait until the next event. Some products will only be available once a year so again, get your order in asap!
What are the discounts on the food?
Meat and produce could be discounted up to 40% from grocery store prices and since you are buying foods as directly as possible, they are always fresher and never sit around in a warehouse waiting to be put on a shelf.
Where does the chicken come from and what are the details on it?
All the chicken that we carry is cage free, US hatched/grown/processed, hormone free, and is antibiotics free. More details on the individual product listings.
Where does the produce come from?
Our bulk produce all comes from various farms and orchards around the US with the exception of some of the produce in the mixed produce boxes. Of course tropical fruit comes from the tropics. More details can be found on the individual product listings.
What if there is a problem with my order?
If there is an issue with your order you must contact us within 24 hours. Call 605-219-1100. We as a standard practice do not go through every case of food, there could be issues we do not know of. We need to get pictures within 24 hours of delivery and we will arrange to recover the issue items. Our suppliers do not always help with issues, and never after 24 hours. We will do the best we can to remedy the problem.
I have a suggestion. Where do I put it?
Please send all suggestions to sales@blackhillsbulkfoods.com. We are happy to know what kind of products you want to see us carry and also suggestions for future drop sites!