“I understand why we get a bad rap,” says Gary Garnand of Garnand Marketing, L.L.C., a produce broker located in Twin Falls, Idaho, “there are too many brokers who’ve given us a bad name–they gouge their customers on prices and don’t help them build their business.” But Garnand says that’s never been his philosophy stating, “I’ve always felt that it’s our job to help make our customers money. If they make money, so do we. So we focus on developing programs to increase their bottom line.”
With hundreds of produce shippers and distributors in the U.S., choosing a broker to work with can be difficult. Picking a broker who has strong, long-term relationships with national sources can guarantee customers a consistent supply of the highest quality produce at the best prices. Finding a broker like Garnand Marketing with long term connections that have stood the test of time provides your business stability as relationships can break down when product is tight. Gary points to his nearly 46 years in the produce business and the multitude of relationships that he’s fostered, some right from the start.
Along with important shipper relationships, a highly effective produce broker involves a combination of product knowledge, strategy, planning efficiency, and promotion. A broker who’s constantly looking at crops and market trends to make sure their customers are always ahead of the curve is hard to replace. And Garnand’s extras such as on-site inspection for quality control and direct affiliations with logistics providers are icing on the cake.
But arguably one of the most beneficial reasons to work with a broker is their ability to provide pricing stability. Brokers, like Garnand Marketing, help you scale your sales costs incrementally with single or multiple season pricing or high/low pricing with lids and floors built in. Exploring contract options with your broker will offer a variety of options to suit your projected usages.
Finally, Gary Garnand points out, “Produce brokers get a bum-wrap as being more expensive, but a good broker isn’t there to be a middleman, he’s there to help you build your business.”
For more about what a good broker can do for you contact Garnand Marketing, L.L.C. at garnmkt@garnand.com.
I was talking to a friend the other day about her interest in learning more about produce transport. It was cool to read that a broker is capable of providing pricing stability. This will be something that my friend would love to know.
I am a newly freight agent and been doing a lot of research and training trying to figure this all out. I agree that these selfish brokers have given all whom is trying to survive in this business a bad reputation. But as I have been a nurse for 10 years, every profession has those that put that put a sore taste in your mouth, but it comes with any professions territory, I think. I agree with your comment about building long lasting relationships with all those affected across the board it what we are after. I have never been all about the money but doing what it takes to better serve the customer.
Thanks for the great articles you put out!
I am a newly freight agent and been doing a lot of research and training trying to figure this all out. I agree that these selfish brokers have given all whom is trying to survive in this business a bad reputation. But as I have been a nurse for 10 years, every profession has those that put that put a sore taste in your mouth, but it comes with any professions territory, I think. I agree with your comment about building long lasting relationships with all those affected across the board it what we are after. I have never been all about the money but doing what it takes to better serve the customer.
A business broker is a professional who can work in the best interest of the seller. I don’t think there is anything good or bad, rather it is about being aware of the things that are essential for maximizing the selling price. A broker always attempts to sell from his own inventory. He usually takes his commission for a successful closure. He plays a crucial role from contract to closing and acts as a buffer during demanding moments in the sale. That’s why it is recommended to hire a business broker, when selling a business.