Pulling Up Roots - Autumn at the Pear Tree Pen Company

Almost six years ago, the Pear Tree Pen Company sprouted out of my love of fountain pens and grew to become a relatively successful online purveyor of writing instruments, inks and accessories. During that time, we’ve become a leader and an innovator, not only in the use of social media to communicate with like-minded individuals, but also in the sale and development of new products like the original ink sampler.

While my business grew, the demands of my full-time “day job” multiplied, as did the size of my family. For a while, I was able to juggle these competing priorities and still maintain a small semblance of what passed for a life. In the interim, my children grew, (my oldest child just hit the big 1-0) and the responsibilities of my primary occupation have increased dramatically. So I recently decided it was time to re-examine my priorities. And when I did, I realized that being an online retailer no longer fits into my vision of what I want my life to be. So I have decided to retire from the pen business and close the virtual doors of the Pear Tree Pen Company.

Effective immediately, I am working to liquidate the entire inventory of the Pear Tree Pen Company. I have set up a special section of the PTP Co. website, called "Special Deals". From that page, I am offering substantial savings on different items. The deal, essentially, is this: Receive 1/3 off when you purchase 3 or more items in that section. Right now, I’ve added nearly the entire inventory of fountain pen inks to the section, and more items will be added soon. No coupon code is necessary to get your savings; the discount will be applied when you check out.

This sale will go on only until October 1, 2011. After that, the website will no longer accept orders, so if there’s something you want, this is the time to get it. And if you want something that is in stock but not on the Special Deals page, let me know. I’ll probably make you a deal. I want to put as much stuff in your hands (and get it off my shelves) as I can.

Whatever doesn’t sell between now and October 1 will be available at some upcoming pen shows, including the Michigan Pen Show on October 14 and 15 in Troy, Michigan, and the Ohio Pen Show in Columbus, Ohio on November 3-6.

I have enjoyed being a member of the pen community over the years and will continue to buy, trade and use fountain pens – but it’s time to get back to my roots and do it as a hobby, rather than as a vocation.

Thank you to all who have patronized and supported the Pear Tree Pen Company in one way or another over the past 6 years. It has been an honor to serve you.

And thanks for stopping by.