questions answered and to learn about easy ways to improve their systems," said Ryan Monroe, chief financial officer at Aqua- Flo. "We saw an immediate increase in sales of smart watering products."
Demonstrate Smart watering schedules
Only a small percentage of existing irri- gation systems have the latest technology in self-adjusting controls that manage the sys- tem dynamically based on weather or soil moisture conditions. Typical systems rely on timer-based controls that are seldom reset in order to compensate for changing weather. A good way to illustrate the need for reg- ularly adjusting the controller schedule is a complimentary recommended settings sheet that lists run times based on the time of year. This sheet, which includes the contractor's logo and contact information, is printed on cardstock and can be hung near the control timer. For those who are hands-on with their systems, the reference sheet becomes a monthly resource that helps users adjust their timer to achieve greater efficiency. For the customers who want hands-off conven-
ience of a truly automatic system, the con- tractor can use the reference sheet to explain how a self-adjusting Smart controller will make the water-saving adjustments automat- ically and more frequently. A simple piece of paper can lead to more satisfied customers and additional sales.
Offer Smart system check-ups Smart contractors are offering their exist- ing customers complimentary Smart Irriga- tion Month check-ups during their regular site visits. These evaluations allow the tech- nician to assign a pass/fail score to the system for appropriate water-saving tech- nologies and adjustments. For example, the technician might check whether the system has a rain sensor, if the run times on the controller are being adjusted routinely based on weather conditions, and if the sprinkler heads are providing uniform coverage. The observations are recorded onto a
form that includes a space for the techni- cian to write a prescription for resolving the issues revealed by the pass/fail scores. The form allows the technician and the client to have a step-by-step discussion on
what needs to be done to make the irriga- tion system more water efficient, and leads to immediate commitments to purchase new products and services.
Smart resources to help you get started on your plan The Irrigation Association has compiled
an extensive resource center to help pro- fessionals promote Smart Irrigation Month. Download newsletter articles, logos, invoice stuffers, news release tem- plates and dozens of other promotional materials at www.smartirrigationmonth.org Four new videos featuring firms who
have successfully used Smart Irrigation Month as part of their customer education and marketing efforts have been posted to YouTube on the Smart Irrigation Month channel, www.YouTube.com/SmartIrrigation Month. Join them in growing your sales, promoting efficient water practices, prod- ucts and services, and increasing customer satisfaction in July.
Industries.
LI Troy Leezy is marketing manager at Hunter
www.landscapeirrigation.com
Landscape and Irrigation 19
