Insight
AUGUST 2013 //
from the CEO
As a highly valued Ruralco supplier, we are proud you can join us in being a founding supplier in this exciting venture.
history of commitment to its shareholders, delivering the best deals and products to help maximise shareholder profitability.
While initially rolled out in the Central South Island region, Ruralco intends to reach 20,000 farmers and their families around the country, and brings some exciting opportunities with it to suppliers affiliated to the Ruralco Card.
The union of these two strong, committed co-operatives brings some significant benefits for suppliers joining the Ruralco Card Network.
Ruralco is a joint venture between two of New Zealand’s leading agri-business co-operatives, Ravensdown and ATS. Both have the interests of their farmer shareholders and the rural communities that serve them at heart and Ruralco is a direct reflection of that interest. The Ruralco venture represents an effective way of combining the strengths of the two co-operatives, without either having to endure messy, extensive mergers and reorganisations – it is a smart solution to grow the strengths of both co-operatives. ATS brings extensive card management skills to the venture, thanks to its long serving ATS Card that was valued by farmer shareholders and affiliated suppliers alike throughout the Canterbury region. Ravensdown, as a leading Agri-nutrient farmer co-operative brings an extensive national database of farmers eligible to apply for a Ruralco Card. It too has a long
PO Box 433 Ashburton 7740
The Ruralco Card has been developed with the knowledge and experience built from the original ATS Card—it comes with farmer shareholder approval for its simple “one account per month”, regardless of purchase outlet, eliminating extra paperwork and making book keeping simple.
Ravensdown’s extensive shareholder database opens up many more farmers to a supplier’s business. A national reach offers opportunities for greater sales beyond a supplier’s immediate retail area, and more cost efficient national campaigns to that market.
Ruralco’s competitive administration fee covers any purchase risk by card holding farmer members, guaranteeing payment to suppliers. There are no credit checks and account clearances necessary for suppliers to conduct, that is all taken care of by the Ruralco team.
In addition, ATS’s extensive card management experience means suppliers will have access to valuable market sales data on purchasing behaviour and trends, all supported by a team of experienced Ruralco Account Managers.
With such extensive benefits directed to our valued suppliers, and backed by the positive feedback we are already receiving, we believe Ruralco will bring the returns back to those who matter the most—our rural communities, our farmers and our valued suppliers.
Based on the information the Ruralco Card gathers, and coupled with Ruralco staff experience, card suppliers will be able to develop comprehensive, effective marketing campaigns that draw greater business.
We look forward to sharing that journey with you.
With Ruralco affiliation, suppliers have a dedicated account service manager for support and ideas, full sales breakdowns on card holder transactions every month, and the opportunity to advertise via various Ruralco communication channels.
Painting the town red
IN THIS ISSUE
RURALCO NZ LTD
Together the two co-operatives have developed a smart, efficient charge card system benefiting both co-operatives, their shareholders, and the suppliers accepting the card.
There are also real benefits to a supplier’s business “behind the counter” including discounted fuel options both in bulk and at the pump.
Tel 0800 787 256 Fax 03 307 6721
ruralco@ruralco.co.nz ruralco.co.nz
Neal Shaw Group CEO To learn more about Ruralco, please visit our website: www.ruralco.co.nz
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