Confidentiality means we do not want our quotes or product information shared with our competitors. It does not mean you cannot shop around.

Confidentiality means that when my sales people give you chemical recommendations, industry literature or advice, you do not share that information with our competitors. The information we provide our customers is so good, several of our competitors have copied it and given it to
their customers.

Violating confidentiality and colluding are unfair business practices that many farmers (not all) have abused for decades. The end result has been the demise of independent fertilizer, chemical, equipment and seed dealers. The funny thing is the worst offenders are the first to complain about the lack of competition in agricultural markets.

Those of you who think we somehow give better deals to big retail customers are confused. We do have a wholesale price sheet for licensed dealers who custom apply, have a store front, and exceed $100,000 per year in purchases from Wickman Chemical. Our deepest “retail” discounts go to our best customers. Those customers share a common thread. They are fair, loyal, and honest people who pay their bills on time.

My advice to those of you who spend every waking moment on the phone or the internet trying to shave a penny off your input cost: Get your rear end moving and go to work. Hard work has made me more money than anything else I have ever done.

Last, if you have questions, call us and ask to speak with one of our salespeople. If you are still not satisfied, ask for Erich Wickman. I may not be able to respond to you immediately, but will call you back as time allows.

By Tonya Waters Dec 8, 2015