8/24/2022 - By Jason Frank

Last year during EOP, the theme seemed to be price increases, price increases, price increases. The fact that prices were going up seemed to be the only thing consistent during those times. Oh, and you wanted it delivered next week as you would normally expect? That was also a problem.

COVID-19 created one of the greatest supply chain crises in our history, and over the last 3 years, Harrell's worked to figure out the puzzle of trying to secure supply while also maintaining superior turf conditions as we always have. Additionally, turf managers were challenged with adjusting inputs based on an increase in play when their dollars only went about half as far as they used to.

Now, things seem to be returning to business as usual for the most part, and EOP is a game of getting the products you'll need for the year (without overordering) at the best possible prices and then figuring out how you'll store your supply. At Harrell's, our team works hard to make EOP season seamless for you by organizing vendor programs, creating calculators, developing programs, and making science-based, balanced-approach recommendations that will help you succeed.

Read on for 4 tips to think about now as you plan your approach to EOP.

1. Lock in Your Supply

Early Order Program (EOP) periods are right around the corner, with most starting in October. During this time, turf managers have the best opportunity to stock their supply for the year.

By strategizing EOP orders, golf course superintendents can secure available inputs now and lock in what they will need for the next growing season, which eliminates shortages and the need to order over and over again throughout the season.

While locking in supply means that you won’t run out of the products you need to maintain superior turf conditions, it also means that you’ll be able to take advantage of volume pricing.

2. Avoid Price Hikes

On the agronomic input side of the turf industry, we saw unprecedented raw material price increases last year. In 2021, the average price of fertilizer raw materials almost doubled. Fuel was up and trucking labor was sparse.

In the agrochemical space, we usually receive one price increase per year on average.

Last year, we received at least two increases from each of our top agrochemical partners (Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, FMC, Nufarm), with some partners indicating that more pricing increases would come down the line.

While we aren't experiencing increases of that magnitude this year, price increases will always play some role. During EOP, turf managers can secure current pricing at the time of the order. This perk is especially significant when the market is shifting, but it is always a consideration.

Additionally, by purchasing during EOP, customers can access rebates and bonuses. By doing a bit of planning for the future, you can rest easy with your budget protected from potential price hikes that may come down the pipeline.

3. Receive Extended Terms

Now that you’re convinced that pre-EOP planning will help lock in supply and maximize your budget, you may be starting to consider how you will plan to pay for a large-volume order.

When budgets are tight, placing a large order may seem cost-prohibitive. However, during EOP season, you can order now and pay later. Harrell’s customers receive terms to pay for EOP orders typically 8-9 months from the time of order.

4. Solve the Storage Situation

Finally, when planning to secure your supply of the products you'll need for the year, you may be concerned with a lack of storage space. However, this isn’t a concern for Harrell’s customers. With 30 locations across the United States, Harrell’s can warehouse products ordered during EOP until they’re needed and then deliver them on demand.

Buy an annual quantity for your property and let Harrell’s warehouse it for you. This way, you can take advantage of the benefits of bulk buying power without having to worry about where you will keep the products.*

*Requires signed acknowledgment of Harrell’s Bill and Hold Agreement

Bonus Tip: Plan Out Your Order (Or Let Your Harrell’s Rep Do the Legwork)

Taking a systematic approach to EOP helps alleviate stress and squeeze the most out of your order. Here’s how we recommend approaching your EOP order this year:

·         Reference your sprayer logs and summarize all inputs throughout the year by product.

·         Organize these products by vendor. If you are a Harrell’s customer, we will do this for you.

·         Take a current inventory of what you have in your chemical room.

·         Subtract what is needed for the following year.

·         Schedule a meeting with your Harrell’s rep to find the best ways to maximize savings during EOP.

We spend countless hours finding the best ways for our customers to save. Having everything above put together will help you improve the process, maximize your savings, and get the most bang for your buck. We pride ourselves on creating tools and analyzing all the programs so we can assist as much or as little as you want, always maximizing the savings for your benefit. Let us help you this year!

Contact your Harrell’s rep to start strategizing your EOP.