Customer Service

[amelasky]

I had to chime in and give my thanks! So many times I have been in need of a tiny bit of help or encouragement or even needed something clarified. When that happens, my daughter is quick to remind me to ask my friends on the MFW Message board! I love it when she does that. I reminds me that I am not in this alone. After meeting so many MFW staff members at Vision Weekend and then having so many virtual "friends" on here, it sure feels like I am surrounded by support.

Thanks to every one who takes the time to help us and lift us up when needed.

[cbollin]

Is MFW a secure web site to order from? I'm sure it is, but I don't see the little padlock symbol thingy, usually in the upper corner, to show it's secure. I've always heard never order from a web site that doesn't have that symbol. Any thoughts?

yes..
https://www.mfwbooks.com/wps/portal/c/about-us/policy


I thought my husband would enjoy the fun of looking a bit.. (He's in the field in this.)

In our current version of our browser, we don't see the padlock the way we used to. However, we do have the option to click on the security info and we were able to see that yes it is encrypted on the pages where you order and are logged into your customer account to place an order.

Our browser, it's up the top bar, there's an icon between the "back button" and the space for url. That icon is a blue circle with yellow letters that are MFW. We clicked on that icon.. That's the security info. The padlock was definitely there (on that click point with more information) while I was logged in to my account on the main website.

so it might be the case that different browser show different things in current version. The parts without any where at all to order or be logged in -- not encrypted. and that's normal and ok. The parts where you order... yes... padlock is there.

I'm not smart enough to understand the rest of what my dh said...... but I was able to point and click and see the thingy... that's about my brain level on this stuff. I could see the https instead of just http and then click....

I'm going back to something else that my brain understands...

but if you're concerned, phone in the order and tell them about the problem..

-crystal

[mom2six]

Crystal,
Thank you for that quick lesson, that was interesting My brain doesn't quite go there either , but I'm a little more knowledgable now
And I thank your DH for looking into it!

[HeyChelle]

Big applause for MFW. I was just at convention this weekend and I must tell you that the MFW booth was the most organized, aesthetic, and easiest to navigate. Everything was laid out so well and easy to find and look through.

I was showing around some new-to-homeschooling families (close friends) and y'all just made it so easy for them to love MFW. Of course, I showed them other options, too, and tried not to be biased.

[Cyndi (AZ)]

I definitely can be accused of being online too much. Although, when Reid was younger, I mostly posted during lunch or after school (or I'm a night owl, so late at night). Now, Reid's pretty independent. And I'm home most of the time, 3 days a week I'm running a home dialysis machine with scattered waiting times, so the board's a blessing to me, too.

I miss volunteering outside of the home but am not a reliable contributor any more, so I'm happy to feel like I'm contributing somewhere, but on my own schedule. Thank you for noticing our hearts.

basically, I"m in the same boat. I can't leave the house to have any meaningful contribution to be "a family of eternal purpose" or godly generations... so at least I can help someone with a math problem once in a while....

I can't contribute much outside of my home right now because of all my littles. I have an online support thing I do and I do see it as my way of ministering and giving back. It allows me to be someone other than mom for a few minutes (or hours). I enjoy it and I'm glad I can support others even if it's behind a computer screen. I think you ladies should consider this the same way.

I pray for you and your families.

"You were my strength when I was weak (I don't think I can do this anymore - Yes, you can.)
You were my voice when I couldn't speak (I can't do this - try saying it like this)
You were my eyes when I couldn't see (I just don't get it! - here, I'll post a pic for you)
You saw the best there was in me (I'm such a loser! - No, you're a mom and it's ok.)
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach (We'll never get back on schedule! - then revise your schedule)
You gave me faith 'cause you believed (I seriously can't do this!!! - Yes, you can.)
I'm everything I am (as a homeschooling mom)
Because you loved me" (and spent hours of your own time to help me)

[dhudson]

You guys (and gals) ROCK!! I ordered my curricula on Friday (2 boxes full) and got it today, Wednesday. I was really hoping to get it before our convention this weekend so I could look through it to see what else I could pick up to go with it ( like great Book Basket Books) and it came in enough time to make lists!

Thank you for all you do on our behalf. I appreciate your speed and professionalism.

[courthart246]

I have to agree. MFW has one of the best customer services that I have ever done business with. I truly appreciate being able to rely upon them to answer any questions I have promptly and to ship my order quickly as well.

[Mommy22alyns]

I agree, I called MFW about a backordered book and they were very friendly and even let me add one thing!

[hoosiermama]

Hello! I just wanted to post a quick thank you to all of you mothers and moderators who have made the archives of this message board so user-friendly. I felt so encouraged by reading your responses to one another, and I became more aware of MFW offerings because of the forum.

It was this forum that encouraged me to go ahead and purchase the preschool curriculum package, so I did! And we love it!

I'm looking forward to learning more from you all as the years progress.

My son is 3.5 and my daughter is 1.5. We're doing the preschool pack (ages 3-5) for my son, and some of the toys from the younger preschool pack for my daughter (mostly to keep her included) this year. Next school year, we might do more of the same and add on some other activities but I just want to keep it light and fun. As my son observed about his sister, "Look; she's learning to learn!" We'll keep on encouraging that around here

When my son is 5 (turning 6 mid-year) we'll do the MFW kindergarten. It looks like such an awesome package and I'm looking forward to it!

That's all. Just wanted to share and thank those of you who post here. Have a lovely day!

[MelissaB]

Hi, welcome along!

I remember how excited I was when I first came to the MFW board. It really is a blessing. (!)

Thank you from our family, too, for all you guys at MFW are doing to keep this a positive, encouraging place for us moms to think and plan together, and raise our families with a focus on the Lord.

Melissa B.

[Mcmama9]

I agree! I'm new to the board, and even though I've homeschooled for nearly 17 years, I'm still learning and find it comforting to come and talk to people that have different strengths than me!

Blessings to all who take the time to post, read, pray, and reply

Amy

[jasntas]

I agree and feel that this message board is a very valuable part of MFW. I found MFW before my ds was in K but didn't know about the message board. I ended up talking myself out of using MFW. I sent my ds to pub school for 2 years after a rough K year. When I decided to bring him home again I knew I wanted to go with MFW no matter what. I then found this message board and all the extra support it provides. I have never looked back or wanted to switch, not only because of the great programs provided by MFW but also because of the wonderful group of ladies, and occasional men, who help brainstorm and share their experiences. I am very thankful to the MFW staff for providing a place for us to share and encourage one another.

[psalm126mama]

This message board was a deciding factor in choosing MFW. I wanted a curriculum with a forum like this, where I could learn from others and ask questions. It makes me feel like I'm not alone in this homeschooling journey, and therefore more likely to stick with it and succeed.

[IdahoGrown]

for all the information/helps on the site for highschool.

I printed out the pages and they are VERY useful in my planning!

So thank you, MFW, for providing this.

[Julie in MN]

Yes, compared to my experience doing high school "alone" with my older dd, MFW's helps have been such a blessing to me, as well. Including a couple of phone calls on days when all seemed impossible -- priceless

[asheslawson]

Nice stuff to hear - as I approach high school in the next 3 years - I already have gotten a bit nervous!! Some in my co-op have been doing online schools or something & they recommend it - but I really love being more involved in their education & I love the content of MFW so I'm glad to hear they have things to help us!!!

[Gerka528]

I ordered Adventures last Wednesday night and it was waiting at the post office Monday morning in Japan! I can't believe how quickly it arrived! My kiddos loved looking through all of the new books and are so excited to begin! Thank you so much MFW for such amazing customer service!

[lovehomeschooling]

I ordered on Saturday and it will be here Friday! I wasn't expecting it for another week since the first grade just started shipping last week!

[Julie in MN]

I agree, it's really amazing! My order said it went out on the 15th, when 1st grade started being shipped, and that was Friday. The box was delivered on Tuesday! I never think it will matter when it arrives, but it really is fun when it's here right away and there is something new to look through

Julie

[albanyaloe]

That's lovely! Both my last orders were super fast too- international shipping to Africa. I am so impressed with MFW

Lindy

[MelissaM]

Agreed! I ordered Exp1850 last Tuesday, and didn't figure it would be here till at least today, with Easter and everything. It arrived on Friday! So fun! (But now I have to restrain myself from pulling out every single book, since we still have 10 weeks of RtR left to do.

[Julie in MN]

Just curious... if you are interested in ordering a package from MFW, but already own a few items, will they allow you to substitute those items out for some of their other products (of equal or lesser value)? Thanks!

No, I remember asking that way back when I was at the Vision weekend (way back in 2006 I was buying I believe the RTR package, but as I liked to say, "You have the same good taste in books as I do, so I have a lot of these already."

The thing is, the staff does a big box packing event to put whole packages together, so those are easy to pop in the mail as a unit. Putting together a personally-designed box is different, whether it totals the same or not.

However, the good news is that MFW individual prices are lower now, not all that different than the package deal any more. I think if you price it out, you might be pleased to see it's still a competitive price.

HTH,
Julie
P.S. Here's a FAQ from the website (I found it by doing a FAQ search for "packages"):

Can I make changes to the packages?
My Father's World complete packages are discounted. When the package is changed or broken up that discount is no longer available. One of the reasons we can discount complete packages is because items are pre-ordered and then pre-packaged in our warehouse. You may order single items from the packages and pay a per item price. If you choose to purchase individual items, make sure your savings is greater than the discount on the package price. It is often less expensive to purchase the package and have a few duplicate books than to order individually. If you do end up having duplicate books they can make great gifts or be resold.

[Joyhomeschool]

I have had the same problem too. Usually I had a book here or two or three there and when I priced I actually saved just buying the whole she-bang vs individually buying what we didnt have. Also the page numbers tended to be a tad different. So I agree, do a price list and see where you are. I just used my second copies so that I could have one to share with one child and two would have the other to share while i read or we "popcorn" read.

[Amy C.]

Usually I had a book here or two or three there and when I priced I actually saved just buying the whole she-bang vs individually buying what we didnt have.

I have had the same situation and came to the same conclusion as Vicki. We also just used the two copies to have more books to share among children, but also I have been able to let others borrow books. Just recently I had the opportunity to let a family at church who was looking for a Biblical way to have "The Talk" with their child borrow "The Wonderful Way Babies Are Made". I felt blessed to be able to offer this book to the mother, and I wasn't so stressed out about not getting it back since I have another copy. I was able to tell her to keep it as long as she needed it. Just another way of looking at it. You may not know who God has in your path to be able to bless.

Amy C.

[Julie in MN]

I just learned that My Father's World will not be represented at the MassHope convention in April. This makes me very sad. I participated as a volunteer last year and was overwhelmed at the response of the attendees. My Father's World is a such a big part of the homeschool world! We had the biggest setup there, and the busiest!

I will miss the group this year, and the opportunity to "see and touch" the curriculum for next year

Aw, I'm sure MFW will be missed greatly!

I think it's been a matter of reconsidering how best to take care of staff families, who are mostly homeschool families who have either been on the road for months or been separated for months every year while one parent is on the road, something like March to August. I've gotten to know a few staff families who have also tried to juggle conventions when, well, life happens - a medical issue, a child with special needs, aging parents.

I'm sure there are also cost considerations in how best to help families and yet keep curriculum costs down, since so few homeschoolers actually attend conventions. Even in our state where the convention draws a lot of folks, the last statistics I read, from way back when I started out, were something like 3,000 MN homeschoolers attend convention, 10,000 not at convention. Since then, the number at convention has stayed pretty steady, but the number of total homeschoolers in MN is increasing. Other states have far fewer attend conventions.

Just some of the things that go into these decisions. I get missing them, though. If you can ever attend a Vision Weekend, those are great.
Julie