Q&A
Q: I can't seem to get the form off of the Internet?
A: If you know you want to order but you don't want to mess with online forms, just give us a call at (318)495-5450. You can also write us and we will gladly mail you an order form. Our address can be seen on the main page or by clicking on 'click here' directly below.
To get the form you must make sure it is on your screen. Next, go to the 'File' menu which is at the top left of your screen. From there, select 'print' to print the order form. If you do not wish to print it you can save it to your Hard Drive by selecting 'Save as...' from the 'File' menu. To get the order form on your screen right now, Click Here
Q: I don't understand the pricing, how much do these things cost?
A: The cost of a cypress knee is measured by the height of the knee. By height we mean the distance from the base of the knee to the point at the top. To see an illustrated example of our pricing Click Here The important thing to remember is that no two knees are exactly alike, so just decide how tall you want your knees to be and give us a call!
Q: Are there knees with more than two points that I can order?
A: Yes, we usually have knees with three and sometimes even four points in stock. However these knees are extremely rare and we cannot guarantee their availability. For pricing on these knees please contact us by phone at (318) 495-5450.
Q: What is a cypress knee? Where does it come from? What makes it special?
A: Cypress knees are growths formed on top of roots around mature cypress trees. Knees were once abundant along the west coast, but with high demand for cypress lumber and more effecient logging equipment, each year brings a dramatic decrease in the number of cypress trees that are mature enough to produce knees. Once the tree is harvested for lumber, the knees surrounding the mother tree die immediately. We follow logging operations and attempt to save as many as possible of what is truly mother nature's finest sculptures. Knees, like snow flakes, are individual, unique, and never the same. We maintain an inventory of 10,000 to 20,000 knees at all times and have never seen two knees exactly alike. Collectors value this trait, knowing that regardless of the number of knees in their particular collection, they will never have two exactly the same.
Q: I (paint, carve, burn) for profit. Is there a market for finished knees?
A: Our customers tell us there is no limit to the market! They sell all they can produce.
Q: How do I market cypress knees?
A: If displayed where there is customer traffic, your finished cypress knee will sell itself. LOUSIANA CYPRESS PRODUCTS will work with you to develop a market in your area by providing information from other customers who do work similar to yours. We have marketing tips and "How to" tips for every medium and we will make these available to you at no cost. If you do "Quality" work and produce "Quantity", we will help with magazine ads as well as include photographs of your work in our mass mailings.
Q: What subjects do I choose for the type of work that I do?
A: Knees tell you what they want to be! When you look at an assortment of knees, you will see figures and shapes suggesting to you what that particular knee desires to become. Some of our full time artists who produce for market follow the seasons, but many do their particular type of work for Christmas whether it be painting, carving, or woodburning. We suggest you do what you enjoy as knees adapt to most any subject. Favorites in order of sales are: (1) Santas (2) All saints (3) Angels (4) Uncle Sam's (5) Bunnies (6) Witches (7) Kings (8) Wizards (9) Wood spirits and spirit faces (10) Gnomes (11) Leprechauns (12) Fishermen (13) Cats and Owls.
Q: Where can I aquire patterns or help to get me started?
A: When you place an order, tell us how you intend to use and request information on where and who to contact regarding your particular field. We have patterns for painting and will supply whatever information we can on other mediums.
Q: Do you guarantee you product?
A: We have rigid quality control standards and guarantee our knees to be clean, smooth and free from handling or packing blemishes. Should you receive merchandise that you feel is flawed we INSIST that you write or fax us immediately so that we can correct your issue as soon as possible. As a note, 60% of our sales come from REORDERS and 30% of our sales come from word-of-mouth advertising by happy customers. We want you to be pleased with our knees and we will do our best to see that you are.
Q: Are your prices retail or wholesale? Can I get quantity discounts?
A: We consider our prices to be wholesale with a (6) knee minimum order. We do give a 20% discount on prepaid orders of 100 knees or more up to 500 knees. We also pay freight and give a 30% discount on order of 501 or more knees.