Mutual Benefits of Early Order and Rebate Programs

Early order and rebate programs are not historical ones that the pest management industry has seen in action. But the benefits that come along with participating on some scale can be mutually beneficial between pest management professionals (PMPs), manufacturers and distributors.

Allan Dufoe, key account manager in pest managementwith Envu, said such early order programs (EOP) give companies a chance to take advantage of newer products to try at discounted prices, extend and further their solutions portfolio and provide an opportunity to try new technologies.

“PMPs should look at their potential product use for the first half of year, and consider consumption up to that point,” Dufoe said. “That really extends the highest level of value for EOP. Save that cash and then you can bank the capital and reinvest in your business.”

Additional savings are possible for PMPs if a price increase happens. “If PMPs can take advantage of EOPs in the fourth quarter of 2025, that could be an additional savings,” Dufoe said. “Hopefully, PMPs are price-increasing their customers, and if they’re still paying 2025 pricing, now it’s even more savings.”

While it’s important for PMPs to consider their revenue stream and take advantage of these programs for business growth, building the relationship between the distributor and supplieris paramount, Dufoe said.

“Distributors should be PMPs’ business partners,” he said. “Distributor reps would be smart to say to the PMP, ‘You bought X products January to June, let’s figure out a buying plan and max out your benefits.’ Helping them with the business is a great way for distributors to add value to the relationship.”

Best EOP Practices.

If you are a pest management professional interested in using EOP for your pest control portfolio, Dufoe shared the following best practices:

Look at the terms the supplier may be offering: Consider the chemistry volume during that period. PMPs should anticipate increased business in the following year.

Where are PMPs looking to expand: Look at areas you want to grow and take advantage of cost of use. Maybe as a PMP you want to grow in the mosquito control market, and you want to expand 25b product clients. Really think about where your opportunities for strategic growth are in 2026.

Anticipate weather patterns and impacts to business: EOP is more than a business investment strategy. It’s about being ready for early season pest pressures brought on by wet or warmer than normal winters. EOP ensures products are on your business’ shelves and are ready when you need them the most.