Customer Story

Forward’s Customer Service Wins Over Herbal Apothecary Owner

April 14, 2021

We spoke with Amanda Furbee, owner of Portland, Oregon’s The Herb Shoppe. She shares why she started working with Forward Financing, and why the customer service has made her a repeat customer.

Tell us about your business. How did it come about?

I wanted to open a community-based wellness center and partnered with the founder of The Herb Shoppe in 2013. We provide herbal medicine using organic or wildcrafted herbs, powders, and spices. We also offer classes so that customers can learn to make their own herbal medicines. Exceeding customer expectations and providing great service is our top priority.

 

What have been some of your biggest challenges as a small business owner?

We had to overcome a business separation and push through being a small business with steady sales to a larger business, while maintaining growth on a small budget.

 

Why were you looking for capital?

We make over 400 products for our herbal apothecary and we needed money to expand the product line. We recently started offering custom blends for perfumes, body oils, lotions, and spritzers.

 

How did COVID-19 impact your business?

We had to close our shop from March through July, so even though we have an online business, it caused our sales to drop significantly. Forward was able to pause our payments until we were able to get back on track.

 

Why did you pick Forward Financing?

The customer service has been great! The process has always been very fast and easy. The team members I’ve worked with have been very polite and helpful.

 

What do you love about being a small business owner?

Everything! I love that it’s my baby and I have the capacity to give to the community, take care of myself and employees. I get to live my dream!

 

Interested in learning more about how Forward Financing can help your business? Learn more about how it works, or submit your application today. Questions? Give us a call at 888-244-9099.