Lasermonks

A community of Cistercian monks in Wisconsin, USA, have set up their own online firm selling inkjet print cartridges. Their e-commerce venture is aimed at supporting their monastery and raising money for charity. Lasermonks.com was set up by monks at the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Springfield, in 2001. The abbey had been struggling to support itself through its more traditional business of selling religious and prayer books. The idea came to Fr Bernard McCoy after he noticed the "ridiculously high prices" of cartridges on the internet. Since the business began in 2000, demand has gone through the roof. The monks offer customers the option to try before you buy, with no obligation to send money immediately. A message on their site reads: "Yes, we really ARE monks! We really DO pray and help others. Hundreds of years ago, monks survived by baking bread, making wine, or copying manuscripts. We survive by selling Ink and Toner Supplies online, at HUGE discounts.....and YOU benefit!" The monks give all their profits to good causes. Charities they have supported include including a convent in Hungary and computer training for poor people in the Vietnamese town of Hue. To visit the site click on: www.lasermonks.com