If you're of a certain age and grew up in America, you probably remember hearing the sound of clinking glass outside your house early in the morning as the milkman made his rounds.
While most Americans head off to the supermarket or other stores to get their milk these days, milkmen have not totally vanished from the landscape. A case in point is Jim Pastor who with 14 others makes stops at 4,800 homes in Southern California, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Mr. Pastor and company deliver milkman staples, including milk, eggs, cheese, butter and bread. But in keeping with the times, consumers can also get soy milk, smoothies, pies, quiche, coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice and artisan baked goods from Picket Lane Bakery in Orange County. Also available are seasonal fruits and vegetables from another local supplier, Tanaka Farms.
"In this day and age, you have to have variety to stay in business," he told the Times.
Success of the venture, which comes at a premium price, is intrinsically tied to goods being locally sourced.
"I like the idea that we are supporting a local business, and a local dairy," said Joanne Irish of Long Beach, a longtime customer of Mr. Parish. "We love milk, and I just got tired of schlepping milk around."
Ms. Irish told the Times of another benefit. "I know this sounds crazy but we actually did a blind taste test with supermarket milk and the fresh milk. You can really taste a difference."
Customers such as Ms. Irish can receive deliveries up to twice a week or as infrequently as every other week by going online and signing up at www.wowdelivery.com. Payment is made by credit card or check and there is no additional fee for delivery. The company provides customers with an order form if they are looking to purchase something not on the standard list.
Discussion Questions: Is there a significant niche market for milkmen today? Do you see milkman services such as that offered by Jim Pastor getting most of their business from consumers of online grocery sites or others who go to the convenience store or supermarket to pick up milk and eggs?