9/12/2022 - By Samantha Bamaca

Early Order Program (EOP) season is here, and Harrell’s EOP includes all the programs from the top chemical vendors, including the Syngenta EOP, Envu EOP, BASF EOP, Nufarm EOP, Corteva EOP and others.

These days, it is almost essential for golf course superintendents and lawn care operators to participate in Early Order Programs (EOP). Supply chain challenges and price increases mean that if you don’t secure your supply of products early, you may be subject to higher costs and difficulty accessing the products you need to maintain superior turf conditions.

While placing an early order may seem simple to an outsider, EOP requires a strategic and detailed approach by the golf course superintendent or lawn care operator. The process includes looking at last year’s order, assessing this year’s budget, forecasting product needs, researching new product options, knowing your pests, predicting the weather, and on and on...

 The task can be daunting. 

Navigating EOP Vendor Programs

On top of the challenges related to planning, golf course superintendents and lawn care operators also must navigate distributor EOP programs, to ensure they’re maximizing their savings and not over-ordering simply to secure the deal. A shrewd customer will assess the rebates against inventory needs, storage shortages and predictions about the future, to put together an early order that prioritizes agronomic needs while staying on or below budget.

While it may not sound simple, we believe that in today’s world, EOP is necessary.

Lock in Pricing During EOP

Through vendor Early Order Programs, customers gain access to savings through special pricing and rebates. Over the past couple of years, we have seen unprecedented price increases across the agrochemical landscape. Locking in pricing through EOP safeguards your budget against unexpected price hikes and provides savings that impact your bottom line for the better. 

Secure Supply During EOP

Additionally, planning and placing a large order during EOP means you’ll sidestep some of the supply chain struggles impacting industries worldwide. Securing your supply of the agronomic industry’s most trusted products from vendors like Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, Nufarm, and more is imperative if you plan to maintain pristine playing conditions and perfect lawns.

How is Harrell’s EOP Different?

While everyone in the business may offer EOP, Harrell’s Early Order Program is different in a few big ways.

Harrell’s has been in business for over 81 years. We have worked through the ups and downs of the market and our industry and have prevailed by holding tight to our core values by providing only exceptional products and customer service. This is no different during EOP.

Harrell’s EOP season is one of the times our team really shines. We work tirelessly all year to prepare ourselves to serve you well during EOP.

“The main reason I choose to do EOP with Harrell’s over other EOP providers is my relationship with the people at Harrell’s. They model the same values that I value in my business, which are based on faith and family.

The resources they provide me with are unparalleled compared to anywhere else I’ve done business, including soil samples being analyzed and meeting me at jobs to help me with solutions to problems I may be having on accounts. Many Harrell’s employees have become great friends of mine in and out of the industry. So, if I’m choosing to spend my hard-earned money I’d rather give it to friends.”

– Brian, Brian’s Pest Control 

Harrell’s EOP Takes a Systematic Approach

Instead of simply leaving leaflets on your desk and calling it a day, our Harrell’s reps work to understand your agronomic needs and business operations. Then, we assess your current inventory and needs for the upcoming year. Leveraging this information, we create an EOP plan for your upcoming season that will serve you well.

Harrell’s EOP Bill & Hold Services

We understand the logistical challenges associated with placing and receiving a large order. Our accounting department works hand in hand with our warehouses and sales reps to bill your order and hold it until you’re ready to receive your items. You can log in to your myHarrell's account to request your products currently being held, or simply reach out to your rep, and we’ll deliver on demand.

Harrell’s EOP Extended Terms

In addition to billing and holding your items, Harrell’s EOP comes with extended terms for payment. Extended terms means that you’ll get what you need and pay for it as your budget allows, in line with our conditions. Your Harrell’s rep will coordinate with our accounting department to set up extended payment terms on the products you need for the upcoming season.

While you may be hesitant about EOP, Harrell’s is geared up and ready to serve you. We’ll do the legwork so you don’t have to! View the distributor programs on our website and reach out to your Harrell’s rep to guide you successfully through the season.