Maximize Early Order Programs

One of the best ways a golf course superintendent can build a better budget is to maximize the available EOP options. Most vendors offer significant discounts for participation and there is also the added benefit of deferring payments until May/June of the upcoming year while the products are delivered in September/October of the current year.

If you have kept solid chemical-use records you can usually predict with more than 90 percent accuracy next year’s needs and with EOP discounts you could save 5% to 10% on the cost of base program products.

Here are a few suggestions to make this strategy work for you.
• Compare all available EOP options to ensure you are getting the best deal
• Support the vendors who are supporting the superintendent profession in your area, nothing says “Thank You for sponsoring education and other events” like using their products and through EOP a vendor can create longer range more accurate budgets and perhaps invest more into the profession. It is a win-win.
• Realize that you are committing to the use of the products/programs and being rewarded with savings and deferred payments so budget for the scheduled payments accordingly, one big battle per season is better than 365 smaller ones when it comes to budgets.
• If you have the space and/or spill containment consider buying larger containers of high rate heavy use products to increase the savings
• Be careful when buying bundles of EOP products not to be stuck with products you do not want in your program
• Track the results of the program and send updates to the financial stakeholders. This is a good way to show your skills and negotiate next year’s program!
• To save time do some online research then sit down with EOP representatives to confirm the value of the deal and get a little personal commitment to you and your program as an added bonus.

EOP programs can be a great way to build a better budget but they are time sensitive so be aware of posted deadlines. Many vendors offer tracking programs and apps to help you justify your choices so if you have not already explored the opportunities within a well negotiated EOP invest a little time and you may save a lot of money.