The Sunday Mail
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
“Never regret anything that made you smile” — Mark Twain
AS the first rays of sun touch the dew-kissed fields, the earth awakens to the promise of a new farming season.
There was an air of anticipation of some rains that swept across the country this week.
As the wet season draws closer, farmers and businesses alike gear up for a period of intense activity.
It presents an opportunity to sow seeds of a different kind — strong customer relationships.
This article explores how businesses providing agricultural inputs and services can enhance their customer service to help farmers, not just reap a bountiful harvest but also a rich experience.
Let us explore strategies that can turn this upcoming farming season into a season of exceptional customer service.
Here are some strategies to achieve this:
1) Education and Training
One of the most effective ways to assist farmers is by providing education and training on best practices for the upcoming season. This could include workshops, webinars or informational brochures. By equipping farmers with the knowledge they need, businesses can help ensure a successful farming season. Farmer education programmes in new technologies, science, business management and other fields that affect agricultural operations help increase farmers’ knowledge base. This will, in turn, help the same farmers to adopt practices that are profitable, environmentally sound and contribute to quality of life. By providing comprehensive education, businesses can help farmers incorporate the latest scientific advances and technology tools into their daily operations, leading to increased efficiency, less harm to the environment, reduced food contamination, reduction of the need for water and chemicals for crops and better profits.
2) Early Bird Discounts
To encourage farmers to prepare well in advance of the season, businesses can offer early discounts. This not only incentivises early preparation, but also allows businesses to better manage their inventory and supply chain. This strategy is highly beneficial for businesses and customers alike. For instance, businesses get increased exposure and engagement, as well as improved cash flow. This encourages customers to make purchases in advance. Early-bird offers are especially beneficial to farmers, because they provide financial relief for many farmers who operate on tight margins. On the other hand, not only do businesses improve their operational efficiency, but also enhance the customer experience.
3) Customised Advice
Every farm is unique, with different soil conditions, crop choices and farming practices. Businesses can provide personalised advice based on the specific needs and conditions of each farmer. This could involve soil testing and recommendations for specific types of seeds or fertilisers. By offering customised advice, businesses can help farmers make the most of their resources and improve their yields. Most farmers are increasingly interacting and buying online. They need higher quality and more personalised interactions to keep them doing so.
Top agriculture companies engage early and sustain engagement across the buying journey through digital and physical channels.
4) Robust Supply Chain Management
The farming season is a critical time for farmers, and having access to necessary inputs when they need them is crucial. Businesses must ensure a robust supply chain so that farmers can get what they need when they need it. This involves careful planning, reliable suppliers and efficient logistics. This strategy can help in cost reduction through inventory improvement, adapting to customer requirements, stabilising relationships with distributors and vendors, and improving profits. An effective management of the supply chain ensures proper control over all channels so that agricultural distributors can maintain an adequate balance between supply and demand. The supply chain must be able to adapt to external factors, such as meteorological conditions, inputs, farmer capabilities and pricing volatilities arising from global imbalance in supply and demand.
5) Financial Services
Farming requires a significant upfront investment, and the financial burden can be challenging for many farmers. If possible, businesses should consider offering flexible payment terms or financing options. This can help farmers manage their finances and ensure they have the necessary inputs for the season. Offering things like grants, subsidies or low interest loans can help farmers invest in their farms and increase productivity. By offering financial services, businesses can help farmers manage the financial aspects of farming, leading to increased efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction.
Finally, the soil of a farm is its foundation; its bedrock of growth.
Similarly, customer service is the fertile ground on which businesses plant the seeds of success.
Both require nurturing, attention and care.
Just as a farmer tends to his fields, so must a business tend to its customers, cultivating relationships that will provide a bountiful harvest.
*Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing enthusiast with a strong passion for customer experience. For comments, suggestions and trainings, she can be reached at [email protected] or at +263 712 979 461, 0719 978 335
