Selling Your Pest Control Department

[CNP Coordinator - Susy Pow]

I was recently browsing the Grower Talks website and came across an article on the pest control department of your retail nursery.  Although the article comes from an American perspective I think many of its comments resound for the Australian nursery too.  I've attached to this forum post a PDF of the article so please have a read and if you have any thoughts or something to share, be sure to hit reply 

"Solutions. Expertise. That’s why customers are attracted to your garden center, especially if you stock quality products, have superb display maintenance and hire knowledgeable staff. This is where gardeners go for answers to pest control questions and, eight times out of ten, purchase a product based on the advice of your expert staff.

And there’s probably no product category or department where your expertise is needed and appreciated more than pest control. Build a reliable pest control department, and the customers will come."

[Bob Wynyard CNP]

Hi Susy
That's a useful article and yes it is applicable to Aus.
The idea is to make it into more of a diagnostic consultation room with a pleasant environment.
It's then simply a friendly visit, rather than a trip to the chemical cupboard.
Even in a small showroom it may be possible to dedicate a corner to this area.
It's certainly worthwhile pursuing.
Regards, Bob