Simon Lee had been working for his father’s business for 7 years, and he and his family planned for him to eventually run the business. Things changed however, when Lee had the same dream 30 nights in a row. He dreamed a neon sign flashing the number 50. After much prayer and reflection, Lee eventually realized that God was calling him to start a company that gives 50 percent of the profit to charities. With his parent’s eventual support, and a check from his father for $50,000, Lee started his business selling office supplies, Buy On Purpose.
Lee’s approach to reaching out to customers sums up how he views his business. When calling potential customers, Lee opens with something along the lines of “Hey, we’re a Houston company, and we’re passionate about giving back our profits to local charities. We want to have a meeting with you to talk about it. We happen to sell office supplies, and maybe that’s something you need.”
Buy On Purpose has the ambitious vision to “Donate millions of dollars to our non-profit partners by becoming one of the largest independent retailers in the U.S.” as well as the clear mission to “Advance God’s kingdom by donating 50% of corporate profits to change lives while providing world class service to our customers.”
Buy On Purpose has a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, such as never using an answering machine but always having a real person ready to answer any questions, as well as delivery drivers that always deliver with friendliness and a smile. Buy On Purpose participates in two Net Promoter Score surveys every year. The survey asks questions about customer satisfaction and if customers would recommend the business to others. While the industry average for the survey is 42, Buy On Purpose’s staggeringly high donations, and excellent customer service has them rated at 88.
Simon Lee’s business is a prime example of redemptive entrepreneurship at work.
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How this business came to be is very interesting. Also, I love how he chose to use such a simple item of office supplies and created great value by investing in charities. I liked the little added touch of intentionality by having a real person answer each phone call. This in itself creates great value.
This is quite a unique start-up. Imagine God giving you such a clear sign of what He wants you to do for his purpose. Just such a great opportunity to give their proceeds to people in need outside of their immediate business. I just think that it's inspiring to be able to have a direct direction from God and to capitalize on it with something as simple as office supplies. The Lord can for sure work in mysterious ways to bring his kingdom impact to our daily lives.
I love the embracing of the mysterious and mystic nature of God. He took a risk in starting a redemptive business, and God has been faithful. I can imagine the funny looks he must get from people interested in the company. It is such a simple idea, yet God is doing so much through this redemptive business.
This story really exemplifies the sacrificial dimension of redemptive entrepreneurship. I really admire that Lee made his goals very specific from the beginning and did not compromise them. I have a feeling that this commitment to such a noble goal gives confidence to potential donors, encouraging large and frequent contributions.
Wow! This is such an interesting story for a start-up. I love how when Lee approaches customers he begins saying that his company is passionate about giving back and they just happen to sell office supplies. His business is ultimately to support people and advance the kingdom of God. This is an awesome and inspiring story for a redemptive business!