NROP: How donuts made this guy a better salesperson than You.

A friend of mine traveled to Japan a few months ago, and so I asked them to bring over some candy that is not internationally available. Such a treat! I think they went again recently. Fingers crossed that they remember to bring me some goodies.

In today’s day and age, with Amazon and other online shopping websites, obtaining a foreign item is not that difficult. However, back in the day, it was not easy. People would send each other packages filled with things that were only available at the place of the sender’s residence.

As a kid, whenever I got a package from abroad, it would feel like Christmas. I would take the goodies to school and share with kids who had no idea what it was. Everything seemed to be a hit, though. It must have been the excitement of the unknown, combined with the desire for the unavailable. As an adult, whenever I get a package (happens VERY sporadically), I am brought back to my childhood. Unpacking the parcel gives me so much joy, and whatever I receive, I savor it.

The package exchanges have definitely died down in recent years due to most things being at your fingertips and international shipping. However, there is still one thing that you cannot really order if you do not live locally – perishable food.

Sunday morning, I had a dream about going to a restaurant and ordering a dish that is not available everywhere. That restaurant is only available in a handful of states. When I moved last year, I was certain I was saying “Goodbye” to some of my favorite food. Imagine my shock when I found out that they have a restaurant near where I currently live. How amazing is that? They provide me with a taste of “home.”

However, after I woke up, I decided against it because I figured I would be traveling back to my (ex)home state soon enough and could eat it there. Funnily enough, during the day, without knowing about my dream, my partner asked me if I would like to grab some food from the restaurant of which I dreamed. I guess faith decided for me. We went and enjoyed a nice lunch.

Sometimes you do not have to go out of your way. Sometimes the food comes to YOU.

The article I read over the weekend is about a person bringing food to the people who are otherwise unable to obtain it. A college student from Minnesota regularly traveled to Iowa for Krispy Kreme donuts. I researched Krispy Kreme locations in Iowa and found out that the drive from the Twin Cities in Minnesota to Des Moines, Iowa, is approximately 3.5h one way. What the boy would do is drive to the donut place, load his care up with up to 100 boxes, and then drive back to his home state. Each box contained 12 donuts. No, it was not all for him. He would sell it to people who otherwise would have no access to Krispy Kreme.

I have tried Krispy Kreme numerous times, but have always been loyal to Dunkin Donuts. However, I know of many people who are total opposites and claim that Krispy Kreme is the absolute best. However much you love donuts, chances are you will not spend 7h in a car driving to/ from a donut place. This kid did all the work for you.

While a box of a dozen donuts at Krispy Kreme goes for around $10-$12 (depending on the kind), the college entrepreneur would sell them for $17-$20. That sounds like quite a profit but think about the mileage he is putting on his car, the gas, and the time he wastes while driving. He made this donut trip 19 times. Unfortunately, he never made his 20th. A local news page TwinCities.com has recently written a story about the “Donut Guy,” which led to a phone call from Krispy Kreme to the college entrepreneur, telling him to shut down his operations.

The reason which the representative of Krispy Kreme quoted was liability. Yes, I have been to business school, and I am aware of all the reasons why the guy reselling the donuts might not be a good idea for the company. However, the story upsets me a little. The college student was only supplying what was being demanded. He displayed traits of a fantastic entrepreneur, and I hope that leads him towards a bright future. Yes, he might have been making money off other people, but it is not like they were not aware of it. Sometimes you are willing to pay extra for a bit of luxury.

The story made me wonder if maybe Krispy Kreme is thinking about opening a location in Minnesota. It just might prove profitable for them. If they are not, they just shot down a person who was delivering a little bit of sweetness to people’s lives. I bet the guy must be sad about losing his income, but the customers must be upset as well. They craved Krispy Kreme, and they received it. Now, it was taken away. It would have probably hurt less if they never had the donuts, to begin with.

How do you feel about things being taken away from you?

Is there a food you like so much that you have it shipped from out of town/ country? If so, what is it?

What would you do to have your favorite food in your town?

Have you ever sent or received a package from abroad?

What do you think of this guy’s entrepreneurial spirit?

Is Krispy Kreme right to shut him down?

Do you even like Krispy Kreme?

Stay golden,

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