▼ Summary
– The US government advises disaster preparedness, with over half of Americans reporting some level of readiness, fueling a prepping industry projected to reach nearly $300 billion.
– Two major competitors, 4Patriots and My Patriot Supply, offer similar products like generators and survival food, with the latter significantly expanding its warehouse space post-pandemic.
– The rivalry between these firms is intense, with My Patriot Supply labeling competitors as “fake patriots” and considering 4Patriots its “archnemesis.”
– Both companies have faced consumer complaints, with allegations against 4Patriots including faulty products, insect-infested orders, and food that caused illness, leading to past recalls.
– 4Patriots defends its record, stating it prioritizes quality and safety and has shipped millions of products, while disputing that return rates equate to product failure.
The prepping industry is experiencing explosive growth, fueled by official government advice and a rising public focus on emergency readiness. A recent Federal Emergency Management Agency survey found that over half of all Americans now consider themselves prepared for a disaster. This surge in demand has propelled the market toward a projected value of nearly $300 billion by the end of the decade. Within this booming sector, two companies with strikingly similar names, 4Patriots and My Patriot Supply, are locked in a fierce competition for dominance. Both sell a core lineup of survival gear like power generators, dehydrated meals, and water filters. While precise financial details are private, the scale of operations is clear. My Patriot Supply, for instance, has expanded from a rented portion of a warehouse to operating its own massive 428,000-square-foot facility.
The rivalry between these firms is intensely personal, with each vying to be seen as the authentic choice for prepared citizens. An official from My Patriot Supply has labeled 4Patriots its “archnemesis,” and the company has released videos accusing competitors of being “fake patriots.” This battle for the hearts and wallets of preppers unfolds against a backdrop of persistent customer complaints. Consumers have reported issues with 4Patriots products, alleging faulty water filters, defective generators, and problematic food supplies. Specific complaints include orders infested with insects and severe illness allegedly caused by a meal kit. In response to one such complaint, a company representative expressed regret for the customer’s experience. The company also conducted a voluntary recall of several thousand generators in 2016 due to fire risks, and some customers continue to report electrical problems with the units. Independent testing by Consumer Reports gave one of 4Patriots’ solar generators a low score of 46 out of 100.
These recalls and negative reviews present a stark contrast to the marketing message of unwavering reliability during a crisis that both companies promote. A spokesperson for 4Patriots emphasized the company’s commitment to quality and safety, noting it has shipped millions of products in recent years. The official declined to share specific return or refund data, arguing that such figures do not accurately reflect product failure or overall customer satisfaction.
(Source: Wired)
