How is SoilKit different than a local extension office?

Quite often when we pitch SoilKit to garden centers, farm co-ops and landscapers, we encounter the question, “why should we sell SoilKit when the county extension office does soil testing at a cheaper price?” In fact, SoilKit offers a number of benefits compared to the traditional testing done by state university extension offices, as seen below:

• The turnaround time from mailing the sample to obtaining results online from SoilKit is 7-10 days, while the extension office may take over a month. The homeowner may be past the time of need if testing takes this long. SoilKit also offers personal service and advice on test results after the sale by simply calling 877-SOILKIT or emailing [e-mail]. Then, the local dealer or landscaper can use SoilKit’s results, resources and agricultural experiences to make instant experts of their associates.

• Test results from the extension office are generic and difficult for the homeowner to understand. SoilKit’s recommendations are customized by location and brand to the fertilizer products local dealers carry, so that fulfillment of nutrient needs are quick and easy for the homeowner.

• Recommending SoilKit can boost the profitability of dealers including garden centers, farm co-ops and landscape supply stores. Post-sale, SoilKit test results are shared with local dealers, fostering ongoing client relationships where SoilKit customers return to stores up to four times per season. Add-ons like watering equipment, spreaders, sprayers and gloves can also be recommended by store associates, resulting in an increased number of transactions. We have dealer testimonials that say fertilizer sales alone have increased 150% by selling the right product for the right application, at the right time, using SoilKit. If the dealer sends the customer to the extension office, he loses this opportunity for shared information and sale of the test. Additionally, the homeowner will be directed to purchase the exact amount of fertilizer (which is often underestimated due to poor estimates of treatment area).

• SoilKit customers can use our satellite imagery to determine the exact square footage of the area they want to treat. This function provides for accurate fertility recommendations by SoilKit as opposed to the user’s guesswork on square footage reported to the extension office.

It’s important to choose four areas that best represent your lawn, from the front, side, and backyard.

SoilKit uses its abilities and resources to provide a seamless, valuable soil testing process. Although the extension office can offer similar services, SoilKit’s benefits are unmatched. SoilKit is the quickest and easiest path to a healthy lawn.