About Before the Chime

A name with a
sense of timing.

Our name is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem Punctuality: a reminder to prepare, take care, and be ready when the moment arrives.

The story behind the name.

In Punctuality, Carroll urges the reader to make good use of time, arrive prepared, and give each task its proper care. The poem’s image of a door opening as the clock chimes gave us the inspiration for Before the Chime.

For us, the name is a reminder that dependable work begins before a deadline: with preparation, attention to detail, and respect for other people’s time. Those are the habits we want to bring to every supplier relationship and purchasing decision.

Prepare thoughtfully.

Understand the products, ask useful questions, and do the groundwork before making a commitment.

Work with care.

Pay attention to the details that make sourcing, communication, and execution reliable.

Follow through.

Set clear expectations, communicate promptly, and respect the time of the people we work with.

Before the Chime LLC is building a focused wholesale and online retail business. This poem gives a personal meaning to the name and a simple standard for how we aim to work.

Explore our approach

The inspiration

Punctuality

By Lewis Carroll

Man naturally loves delay,And to procrastinate;Business put off from day to dayIs always done too late.

Let every hour be in its placeFirm fixed, nor loosely shift.And well enjoy the vacant space,As though a birthday gift.

And when the hour arrives, be there,Where’er that “there” may be;Uncleanly hands or ruffled hairLet no one ever see.

If dinner at “half-past” be placed,At “half-past” then be dressed.If at a “quarter-past” make hasteTo be down with the rest.

Better to be before your time.Than e’er to be behind;To ope the door while strikes the chime,That shows a punctual mind.

MoralLet punctuality and careSeize every flitting hour.So shalt thou cull a floweret fair.E’en from a fading flower.