Smiling woman standing behind playground communication board

As small business owners, we understand how crucial it is to remain transparent, compassionate, and customer-focused in everything we do. Today, we want to share our thoughts on an often-overlooked aspect of business ethics: the importance of passing along production cost decreases to our customers. While some businesses might see lower costs as an opportunity to boost profits, we firmly believe that when you prioritize your customers—especially when your mission centers on improving lives—sharing those savings is not only the right thing to do but also a powerful message of commitment.

Our company’s vision has always been rooted in providing affordable communication boards and therapeutic resources to enhance the lives of individuals with communication differences. Every decision we make is filtered through this lens. So when the cost of production decreases, we view it as an opportunity to give back to the very people who trust us to support their communication journeys.

Why Passing Along Savings Matters

1. Fostering Trust and Loyalty

In any business relationship, trust is paramount. Customers are more likely to stay loyal to a company that demonstrates transparency and genuine care for their well-being. By sharing cost savings, we show that our commitment isn’t just about selling a product but about ensuring accessibility and affordability.

When customers see that a company is willing to reduce prices when possible, it reinforces the belief that they are valued. This builds trust that goes beyond a single transaction—it fosters a long-term relationship. For families and organizations working with tight budgets, knowing they’re partnering with a company that prioritizes them makes a world of difference.

 2. Making Products More Accessible

Affordability is a cornerstone of accessibility. Communication boards and therapeutic resources are vital tools for individuals with communication differences, but they’re only impactful if people can afford to use them. Lowering prices when production costs drop directly aligns with our mission of helping as many people as possible.

In many cases, our products aren’t just tools; they’re lifelines. They help children express their needs, enable adults to engage with their communities, and empower individuals to share their voices. By reducing prices, we remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent someone from accessing these essential resources. This simple act of passing along savings can profoundly impact lives.

3. Demonstrating Ethical Leadership

In a competitive market, businesses are often under pressure to maximize profits. However, we believe that true leadership involves making choices that benefit the greater good, even if it means forgoing short-term gains. Passing along production cost decreases sends a clear message: our priority is people, not profits.

This commitment to ethics and integrity sets an example for others in the industry. It shows that it’s possible to balance financial sustainability with compassion and responsibility. When businesses act in this way, they inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

Aligning with Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with communication differences through affordable and effective resources. This vision is more than a statement; it’s a promise. Every decision we make—from product design to pricing—is guided by our dedication to this purpose.

Lowering prices when costs decrease is a tangible way to honor this mission. It’s about staying true to our values and ensuring that our actions consistently align with our words. For us, it’s not just about delivering a product; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers.

The Bigger Picture: Strengthening Communities

Our products don’t exist in isolation. They’re tools that empower individuals, families, educators, and therapists to build stronger, more inclusive communities. When we make these tools more affordable, we contribute to a positive cycle of accessibility and empowerment.

For Families: Reduced prices mean less financial stress, allowing families to focus on their loved ones’ growth and development.
For Educators: Affordable resources enable schools to provide better support for students with communication differences, fostering inclusive learning environments.
For Therapists: Lower costs mean that more clients can access the tools they need to succeed, enhancing the overall effectiveness of therapy.

By passing along savings, we’re not just supporting individuals; we’re uplifting entire networks of care and support.

A Message of Commitment

At its core, lowering prices when production costs decrease is about sending a message of unwavering commitment. It tells our customers:

    • We care about you. Your needs and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.
    • We’re here for the long haul. Our goal is to be a reliable partner in your journey, not just today but for years to come.
    • We value integrity. Our actions reflect our values, and we’re dedicated to doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching.

This message resonates deeply with our customers because it’s genuine. It’s not a marketing tactic; it’s a reflection of who we are as a company.

The Impact of Affordable Communication Boards

To truly appreciate the importance of affordability, it’s essential to understand the impact that communication boards and therapeutic resources have on individuals with communication differences. These tools:

    • Facilitate Expression: They give individuals the means to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions, fostering independence and confidence.
    • Enhance Relationships: By improving communication, they strengthen connections between individuals and their families, friends, and communities.
    • Support Development: They play a critical role in educational and therapeutic settings, helping individuals achieve their full potential.

Every time we lower prices, we make these life-changing benefits more accessible. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the initial purchase.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, we’re filled with optimism about the future. Advances in technology and production methods will continue to create opportunities for cost savings, and we’re committed to passing those savings along to our customers.

Our goal is to ensure that every individual with communication differences has access to the tools they need to thrive. We’re excited to explore new ways to enhance our products, streamline our processes, and strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve.

A Final Word

 To our customers: Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. Your support inspires us to keep pushing forward, to innovate, and to find new ways to serve you better. Passing along production cost decreases is just one of the many ways we’re working to honor your trust and commitment.

Let’s continue building a future where communication is accessible to all, where no one is left behind, and where every voice has the opportunity to be heard. Together, we can make this vision a reality.

-VernaAnn and Ellen

VernaAnn and Ellen at the OPRA 2024 conference

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