Thousands of taxidermists across the country have discovered a time-saving and money-saving way to get their taxidermy supplies. Instead of paying the expense and relying on shipping companies or the Post Office, these savvy taxidermists drive to one of the regional McKenzie Distribution Centers to pick up their orders in person. Ask any taxidermist who does this on a regular basis and they will tell you that their trip to McKenzie to pick up supplies is one of the smartest things they do.

Unfortunately, up until now, picking up supplies during regular business hours was an issue for the large number of taxidermists who also had second jobs which prevented them from getting away easily in the middle of the day. Recognizing this problem, McKenzie has decided to stay open late on Wednesday evenings at all five of their regional distribution centers—and their Van Dyke’s facility in South Dakota—for pickup of supplies until 7:30 p.m. This will allow customers who live as much as two hours away to drive to the warehouse, even if they leave home after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

If you have never visited a McKenzie Distribution Center, you are in for a real treat. You will be awed by the size and scope of the huge operation which is fully stocked with thousands upon thousands of mannikins, supplies, and habitat bases. In addition to the obvious benefits—saving on shipping costs, convenience, purchasing large items (like mannikins, habitat, and bases) uncut and intact without any danger of shipping damage—there are other advantages that may not seem as apparent.

You can actually see the products in person to make sure you are getting exactly what you wanted. Many of the new finished habitat products that McKenzie has developed have to be seen up close and personal to be fully appreciated. A flat photo in a catalog or on a website will not do these products justice. When people see them for the first time in person, they are always impressed with the quality and artistry which is only visible in a 3-D view. At any of the McKenzie distribution centers, you can ask to look at any product that you are interested in. A staff member will go and pull the product off the shelf and unpack it for you so you can see exactly what you are getting.

There are other benefits as well. Reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times alone can save taxidermists in the two things that are most precious to them: time and money. You can operate on a tighter schedule with smaller inventory knowing you can receive supplies within the next day or two. You can also save money and time by consolidating your vendor orders, making one call to order everything you need instead of several calls with multiple companies.

You can order products from the McKenzie catalog, the WASCO catalog, and the VanDyke’s catalog all together, and you can combine these orders to achieve greater quantity discounts. For the specialty items that are not stocked at all regional distribution centers (like some fiberglass fish blanks or mannikins with special order rod requirements), you can place your order ahead of time and your items will be delivered free of charge to your regional warehouse.

Last September, McKenzie hosted an open house at their newest regional distribution center in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. I was fortunate to be a part of the festivities as well as ten other visiting McKenzie representatives plus the local warehouse staff. It was a great opportunity to get a chance to meet all the taxidermists who came in from the surrounding states. The video below provides a good overview of the day’s activities.

McKenzie is always investing back into the industry with new facilities, new products, and inventory. Their dedication to customer service is not just slogans—it is deeply ingrained in everything that they do. The entire McKenzie staff makes it their mission to do almost anything to please their customers. By constantly striving to increase the level of service, expand the innovation of new products and technology, and improve the ultimate benefit to taxidermists, they are leading the taxidermy profession into the twenty-first century.

They are truly a company that cares about taxidermists and they prove it by continuing to invest in this industry like no other before. The amazing logistics involved in operating six giant warehouse inventories all linked to a single operation boggles the mind. This huge investment is propelling our industry forward at a speed that has never been attempted. This is the first time in history that almost all American taxidermists are now within a one-day drive of a fully stocked treasure trove of taxidermy supplies and equipment.

Call McKenzie before noon and your order will be shipped the same day, OR be packed and ready for you to pickup at your closest Regional Distribution Center. Visit the McKenzie website for more information, or call 1-800-279-7985 to speak to a friendly customer-service representative.