Buy On Purpose

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.

https://www.buyonpurpose.com/