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Honor system fails at produce stand
Published Saturday, July 12, 2008
Photo by Zak Holtan
Diane Boen mans the Bluebird Gardens vegetable stand in the Kmart parking lot this week after a recent surge in thefts prompted owners to abandon the honor payment system.
It was a sign of all things wholesome in Fergus Falls.
For the past eight years, Mark Boen and his wife, Diane, have sold their home-grown vegetables at self serve food stands in the parking lots of Kmart and BJs.
The honor system worked well for the couple, who trusted that the town would respect their livelihoods. And while Boen does have his faithful followers, he began to notice this year that the number of people who abused the system outweighed those that cherished it.
“I’m saddened and times have changed,” Boen said.
After noticing a decline in revenue, Boen and his wife began to take inventory. They discovered that an increased number of items were leaving the stands with no payments to show for.
The last straw for the couple came in the beginning of July, when they noticed that the Kmart stand had only 46 percent of the payments needed to make up for items that were taken off the shelves.
“We found out it was pretty grim,” Boen said.
On July 3, the couple took a stand and replaced the metal box payment system with a real live teller.
The metal boxes attached to the stand, where customers previously placed payments, are still present and serve as reminders of the way things once were.
“It was a statement of goodness in the Fergus Falls area,” Boen said.
Customers are having a hard time adjusting to the switch, Boen said. Out of habit, many are still going to the box to deposit cash. For some, it was a shock to see an employee at the stand. Faithful customers were initially confused with the switch, and worried that they were no longer trusted, Boen said.
“That is my biggest heartache in switching,” Boen said. “A bulk of customers are honest and pay.”
Boen has managed to keep prices the same over the past few years, despite increases in overhead charges.
He attributes the increases in theft to the declining state of the economy, and says although he has tried to help people out, he just simply cannot afford to give his food away.
On the flip side, Boen is looking forward to providing customers with an employee who will have the chance to answer questions and provide change if necessary.
The stands, which were previously open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., are now limited to the hours between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and are manned at all times.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by antiquesforsale (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well - this is just another example of "the end of the world as we know it"....a few bad apples spoiling the barrel for others.
For years now, the intellectuals have been asking what is causing America to go down the tubes? There have been many thesis on this subject....I for one just think stealing is stealing. These people do not care about anyone else but themselves.....they do not have a conscience to think how much work/care/money it takes to produce a crop to be sold at food stands. If they did, they wouldn't steal the food - they would pay for it like others.
Furthermore, if they are down on their luck, there are food shelves that will help - so that is no excuse.
Posted by Elaine (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi, Mark--I graduated with you--didn't know it was your stand though. I shopped at your stand near K-Mart on July 3rd while visiting my Dad (I live in S.C.) and purchased several items (green beans/cucumber/salad greens--all great quality and value) for a family reunion. I heard wonderful comments from "good" customers (we all put the right amount of money in the slot) who said they thought this was a wonderful system and were thrilled to have it. It's a shame over half of your customers were dishonest. I'm not sure if it is a sign of the economic times, but you would probably discover that many people who didn't pay, could have paid.
Posted by edrule3 (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Were people taking produce and not paying for it, or is it possible someone was taking cash from the boxes? I doubt nearly half the customers were theives.
Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think some of you are confused about statistics. 46% of the items taken were paid for. That doesn't mean over half the people who came stole or didn't pay enough. It could be that a few people stole large amounts, while the rest of the people paid for their produce.
As an aside, while I am disappointed in the people who have been stealing, they sometimes have a reason to steal. It doesn't make it right, but it should be noted. Times are tougher now for many people than they have been in decades. Last, some of the signs at the BJ's stand were very rude and unprofessional. Telling someone who steals that they deserve a "wretched life" (quoted from sign) isn't great business practice. Why not just praise the customers who pay, which is likely the vast majority? Complaining and name-calling isn't going to get you anywhere.
Posted by FFHSStudent08 (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, this is really sad. I thought people in our town were better than that. Even though I know it wasn't everybody stealing from them, I do have a real shame for this whole entire town. I completely understand what Diane and Mark have decided to do, I work with Diane and I know that this is their lively hood. This is just too bad.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"It was a sign of all things wholesome in Fergus Falls".
I know a few people who can't read in this fair city as well as mentally disabled folks.
how did they fit into this "wholesome" atmosphere?
I've even seen people have trouble understanding how to use a soda machine.
I know I overpaid because I didn't have correct change, when I bought produce, and I wasn't the only one.
I never heard any complaints in the paper then, just around the produce stand.
in the end, sure, its too bad the naivety system has failed, but maybe a few jobs have been created?
I doubt the "thefts" if we can call it that, were related to economics as much as opportunity and lack of a sales staff.
is this more about honor or negligence?
Posted by richan (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello; We have purchased produce from the Bluebird Garden stands since the beginning. Our friends from other areas were quite often dumbfounded by the honor system stands. commenting that all that food would have been stolen in their home cities long before the end of the day. and envying our chance to live in such a stable community. it would seem that the big world is staking a claim on this community it is sad.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I do have a real shame for this whole entire town." - FFHSStudent08
You have no right shaming my entire city because your friends assume Fergus falls residents have wronged them.
first of all, who is to say anyone from Fergus took anything without paying?
these stands were tossed around gas stations and busy roads.
for all I or anyone else knows the culprits could have easily been people from just about any location, and that's just assuming the bookkeeping is correct.
I think it's about time they start taking care of their business!, this isn't a negative reflection on our community as much as finger pointing and lack of personal responsibility.
should I shame you now because there are drug addicts and child molesters in Fergus falls too?
Does that reflect on any of us personally?
Posted by liteshine (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe the rudeness of some of the comments here!! Mark and Diane have worked extremely hard, and have done a wonderful service for the community of Fergus Falls for many, many years! It has worked out very well, until the past few years. How dare any of you speak with such indignant remarks toward them!!! Thank you for those of you who have been supportive of their efforts by either purchasing, or by your supportive comments here. For those of you who have not walked one day in their shoes, and find it necessary to critize them....you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
indignant?, rudeness?
you better take a look in the mirror!
how dare YOU!, come on here and criticize my entire community because your friends thought it was a good idea to peddle their wares unsupervised and then point fingers in my direction because there are dishonest people in the world.
would you feel sorry for me if I tossed a bunch of pop in a cooler and left it outside gas stations unsupervised, then got upset when someone took a can without paying?
better yet, would I then have the right to shame an entire community?
for stupid!
a poor business model doesn't make my community, criminals or less than honorable.
What this really says is that Fergus falls is full of decent people or a poorly thought out business model like this would have never even made it a year!
I don't understand how you feel you have the right to "critize", as you say?, but then fly off the handle when obvious haphazard business flaws are pointed out!
I have nothing to be ashamed of in regards to any of this!
I wish the bluebird garden folks all the best, but I will not accept blame for their errors, nor allow you to shame and bully my entire community on their behalf!
a little commonsense may have went a long way here!
and I honestly don't feel sorry for merchants having to actually deal with their own customers face to face.
Posted by airbear (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I too am a FF native, and had the privledge of having Mr. Boen for a 3rd grade teacher! I have enjoyed eating their fresh veggies for years and for that I thank you!
I do think because the Boen's are so well known and respected in our community is the very reason we are all feeling so bad about the changes they were forced to make.
However, being from a small midwest town we sometimes forget how lucky we really are! How many other cities in 2008 can say for 10 years the honor system actually profited for a small business owner? We should be proud to live in a community who's merchants were able to use this type of sales for as long as they did. Can you imagine what would happen if Boen's veggie stand was put in some of our neighboring towns unattended? The entire stand including the coolers and tents would be looted within 5 minutes!
Boen's.....keep up the hard work so we can continue to enjoy the wonderful produce you provide for our community!
Posted by tomsmom (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I stopped by the stand just to see what was in season and was accosted by signs that read things such as "you have earned yor wretched existence" for stealing veggies and such. I turned on my heel and left. I did not steal from their stand and don't feel that this harassment was warranted or very professional. If the profit margin was that tight I agree that their business plan should have been revised. I understand that dishonest folks did you wrong, but don't preach to me about my wretched existence.
Posted by PreciousKittyKat (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was blessed to have had Mr. Boen teach my son for two years. I have never met a more honorable, decent and trustworthy individual. He helped my son learn values, morals and respect and how can I thank him enough for that? I am so disappointed for them... it is a shame that it came to this. I do not believe the honor system is possible in this day & age. Reading some of the comments...makes me so mad. Mr. and Mrs. Boen are the VICTIMS here! There is no excuse for stealing from them.
Posted by liteshine (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the sign is meant to make the people who come to steal actually THINK about what they are doing. If you don't have a guilty conscience, then there is no reason for you to get so upset, knowing why the sign was posted.
Also, in my previous entry, I did NOT criticize the entire community!! Read again!!! I even THANKED some members of the community! What I wrote was geared to those who can do nothing but find fault with some people who were trying to do something NICE for the community! As for the Boen's, they are not pointing their fingers at you....if you are one of the honest ones.
Often times, it is those who are guilty who make the most noise. If the shoe fits, wear it. If not, then put your energy into making things better for everyone rather than being so angry. That doesn't help the situation at all.
Posted by momofthree (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with LiteShine. The Boen's have been running a great service to our local communities for many years. Fresh products grown right here in Otter Tail County. They put in hard work year round just to profit for only 3 or 4 months. All this while each of them work other full time jobs and raising their family.
I work with Diane, and for 3 months every year, she takes time off from a steady paying job to help on the farm, deliver quality food to Fergus Falls and other communities such as; Battle Lake, Pelican Rapids, and even last year, to Detroit Lakes. It is upsetting to see that all this hard work is being treated like a rag you blow your nose on.
Some of you would know, that this is not the first year that The Boen's have had troubles with stealing. Last year I remember a number of times listening to Mark on the radio talk about this very problem.
How does anyone expect this hard working family to make any income in the summer months when they are getting short changed? They will be lucky this year to make any profit, with the price of gas, paying AND feeding their workers, and their utility bills that, I am sure, are higher because of an increase in the use of electricity in itself. How would anyone feel if this were happening to them?
Mark and Diane, I appreciate the hard work you and your workers put in everyday during the year to bring us quality, locally grown produce. I wish that some other people could appreciate it also.
Good Luck the rest of the Summer, and Diane...Can't wait to have you back at "your other job".
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
liteshine
it sure sounds like you are trying to point fingers? by suggesting that anyone offended by your rant must have guilt!
and PreciousKittyKat
I don't think anyone has been trying to make excuses for whatever thefts the Boens may have experienced.
I say "may" simply because I have ran many business' and the books don't always add up.
there has always been theft. even back when the 10 Commandments were written!
I feel they were willfully negligent!
I will not accept your condemning tone.
I was a paying customer of one of their produce stands myself.
I overpaid on many occasions because there was noone to make change.
My Family members have also overpaid at these stands.
as I am sure many others have as well, no big deal for decent produce.
but over time I can see how this kind of chatter could create an atmosphere in which theft could appear.
to read that "all things wholesome in Fergus Falls" have now ended because the Boens now need to actually work at their produce stands, and have now posted signs saying "you have earned yor wretched existence" is just plain intolerable.
I can't help but to feel it's a bit overdo that "the Boens" grew up and face the reality that there are people in this world that might steal.
it's not a new development!
it's wrong to blame this on the Fergus falls community
and how stupid are they to now post negative signs in the stands because they actually have to have a live attendant?
I feel like a sign like that is targeting Me because it uses the word "You" when I read it! it suggests I/You have done something to deserve a wretched existence.
I don't feel I deserve to basically have a merchant shaking his fist at me because he has to have his business attended and someone has stolen from him.
and quite frankly I won't tolerate it!
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
momofthree "How would anyone feel if this were happening to them?"
This is Happening to all of Us and has been for a long time!
The only difference is now it's one of your friends, and you are finally a little upset!
Well it's about time!
What are you going to do differently?
what's the lesson here?
Posted by whostruth (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ditto,to metasonics
Posted by FFHSStudent08 (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Go ahead METASONCIS and shame me all you want. I don't care if you say I am a bad child for all the others who do drugs or drink, etc. It is the exact same thing as insurance companies do to me, I have to pay higher rates when I am a strait A student with no accidents under my belt because of all the idiotic young men out there that can't drive good, or when I am at work and have to do something new for safety because some idiot can't follow safety precautions. They should, by the way, be able to leave there stands unsupervised on the honor system. They do it so that we can all get the stuff thats good for us at an extremely reasonable price, unlike the grocery stores and their highly processed foods. They had cut out the middle man so we could get cheap vegetables. They now have to bring back the middle man because of some thieves who do deserve a wretched existence. The commit themselves to this, to bringing fresh, unprocessed food to us all. They deserve better than this. All you veggie thieves deserve a wretched existence. One last comment, if I cannot be ashamed of this community, I am ashamed over our entire "country of whiners"! ~~ENJOY~~
Posted by FFHSStudent08 (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We will be lucky if they don't jack their rates up just like everything else in this country. Diane, Mark, I hope it is smooth sailing for you from here on out. If you guys have to, I support a raise in cost. Can't wait to have ya' back this fall.
Posted by TheVikingman (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It has been said on here before but let me echo it, if you leave your possessions unattended and they disappear the fault lies with yourself. If I leave my car out on the street with the engine running I can garuntee it will disappear. If my house is unlocked everynight and EVERYBODY knows it, I will be robbed. That is the way of the world and has been LONG before these veggie stands were opened. The comments posted at the stands sounds so biblical however this is the first year they were there. So if I understand what they are saying, once the profit margin shrunk enough THEN it was worth insulting customers. I agree it is wrong that things are taken but if you leave yourself exposed to it you do NOT deserve anybody's sympathy.
Posted by whostruth (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I beleive reality just set in, what happened to
" lead me not into temtation"- food for thought.
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
metasonics- take a chill pill, and make sure you clearly read the signs on the side of the road, 30mph's does not mean 20mph. sometimes you'll need to check your blinker and make sure its 'self defeated.'
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
brighteyes, was there a relevant point you are trying to make?
I don't condone use of these "chill pills", and I don't see how speed limits or turn signals have anything to do with the Boens produce stand?
you stalker freak!
Posted by Sumwun (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 2:35 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FFHSStudent08 , I am not calling you or anyone bad!
I think it's terrible you feel you deserve to be targeted because of the actions of others.
but this is what happens in an environment where those responsible don't take responsibility.
You should be commended for getting straight A's and your insurance should be more reasonable for it and sure, the Boens should have been able to leave their produce unattended.
What "should" be isn't reality.
I don't need you to be ashamed for me, and I don't feel you should feel ashamed for anything you yourself haven't done!
Posted by Lilly (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love those stands but I thought it was kind of strange to have an honor system. I did pay for my veggies and a believe others that had the means did also. But I agree with an individual that said that these are hard times and maybe there are needy families out there that are just trying to survive and feed there families. I feel that it is best that they do have people working the stands because it is just good business. I do feel terrible for you it is just like someone coming up to you and mugging you. I hope all goes well after this change because we love your service. But maybe the signs should go it does make everyone feel that you are accussing them also and not just the individual that did the deed.
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 4:37 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
its sad to see the honor system failed, obviously core values are lacked in the world, and it really hits home when its your own community.
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
vikingman- no one is insulting the consumers who pay. it is the thieves who steal that are being verbally reprimanded.
Posted by TheVikingman (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My point isn't who exactly is being insulted, my point is that the insult/accusations didn't start until their profit margin dropped enough. If I understand correctly they had losses every year. Heck, last year they tried to combat the problem with fake security cameras. Apparently that didn't work. Regardless, that is their choice to post that on their stands.
My main point is that to expect anybody to feel bad because somebody is getting something they leave out on the side of the road stolen is ridiculous. Stealing is wrong obviously but we all have a personal responsability to protect ourselves and our possessions from such theft. If you take neccessary, logical precautions and are still a victim of theft THEN you will have my sympathy.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 8:31 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"no one is insulting the consumers who pay." - brighteyes
then explain to me why paying customers are feeling insulted?
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
metasonics- don't feel insulted if you're not guilty. do i need to spell it out for you? and the daily journal removed my comment, but leaves up 'you stalker freak' at the tail end of metasonics post. that makes sense..
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah sure spell it out for me!
what was the goal of pointing out you've been following me on my motorcycle? and then saying you were going to shut my mouth? if I called you a stalker again?
Posted by Vegetable_advocate (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This post has been incredibly entertaining to scroll through and view! The people who have posted positive messages towards the Boen's were true customers and people who actually understand the work this family puts into the business. I believe the point to this article was simply to outline the fact that the stands are now changing hours and also to thanks the customers that were honest! This was not meant to reprimand people (especially loyal customers) only to the share changes being made with the public they are serving. Fergus has many honest and caring people within the community which is WHY this system was working for so many years. I believe the stands being put out by "highways" and "gas stations" were to offer MORE spaces (making them more accessible) to people in various parts of town. It also allowed costs to stay low due to less employees being needed to police the stands. Another point, if a certain person was concerned with obtaining the "correct change" to purchase produce with, you can always walk into the gas station located next to the stand to get change, just a helpful suggestion! The vegetables are being sold at a very fair price, its locally grown produce you can't beat that! To the lovely man who's comments made my night about rims and such, please do us all a favor and find a job! To the other obsessive blogger (you know who you are!) thanks for your well educated marketing input and criticism, I feel you need to use your talents of therapy elsewhere and find a hobby! So again thanks to those of you offering your tremendous support and great feedback, bluebird gardens is a wonderful asset to the community! Keep up the great work mom and dad :)
Posted by chakk_zaos (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
everybody knows it was Pelican people taking veggies by the pick-up load. no one will be selling any rims.
metasonics seems to like him some bling.
I hope bright eyes does shut mr metasonics mouth
Posted by Sumwun (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 5:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I work over 60 hours a week and can't afford 22" chrome "spinnas". I need to start my own veggie stand I guess. Get myself $10,000 worth of car accesories.
Posted by Vegetable_advocate (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh unemployed african I can totally tell by your well written posts that you are certainly a well educated and successful (obviously a independently wealthy) person! You speak so eloquently through your posts (a wanna be ganster... maybe you need to read your own ill written slang filled posts). Your posts did keep me mildly entertained simply because I was trying to decipher your thug wording. Keep your opinions to yourself and possibly consider some schooling with all your "wealth" since your above working like the rest of us. Good luck to you! I guess negative posts come from "unemployed" people who don't have good work ethic or common sense, to bad. Mark and Diane put in countless hours doing intensive hands on work. I would love to see someone who can't even keep a job get out and work all day in the field. Luckily Fergus Falls is filled with hard working people who keep the community flourishing and have positive contributions to offer. Thanks :-)
Posted by JL (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
could some of the theft started occurring more after the insulting signs started to appear? Just a thought don't really want to get into it with anyone on here sounds like that is what it is turning into...
Posted by JL (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sounds like unemployed african and vegetable advocate have some history
Posted by edrule3 (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Too many people are turning this into a circus. But ya know, I still cannot fathom 46% of FF residents are thieves!?!?
Posted by Kloob (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some people have way too much time on their hands. This is good comedy.
Posted by werty (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The stealing could be the result of just a few individuals not 46% of Fergus Falls residents are theives. Lets stop correlating the two. Blaming the community is just plain silly and wrong. Having someone tend the stands gives someone a job and makes Bluebird more money by ensuring things are paid for...It seems like the stealing from Bluebird had been talked about for the past few years. I'm surprised it's taken this long for them to change the honor system model.
Posted by bucksteel (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A 46% shortage does not mean that 46% of customers are stealing. Think about it. If 10 customers stop by and 9 of them buy $6 worth of produce each, that is $54. Then customer number 10 steals $46 worth of produce. That would be 10% of customers that are thieves, probably more accurate than 46%. But that means goodbye profit margin, goodbye honor system.
Posted by chakk_zaos (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I told you, it was a couple people from Pelican filling a pick-up full of the Boens veggies without paying.
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