Over the last decade, the pond industry has seen many changes in direction. Fewer ponds are being put in the ground, with many homeowners opting instead for pond-free waterfalls or fountains. In more recent years, there has been a growing trend toward formal wall fountains, or water walls. Pond supply manufacturers have had to race […]
Read MoreOur world — and our industry — has changed drastically over the last month. COVID-19 fills the news every day with misery and death, while governments around the world are restricting the movements of their citizens. Here in the United States, the freedoms we hail as the very foundation of our nation are being curtailed. […]
Read More>> This is a sidebar article to the article, “Tips for Avoiding Online & Phone-Order Scams.” ONLINE: 1. The billing address is different from the shipping address. Most fraudulent orders request a different shipping address, so this type of order deserves a little closer look. 2. The phone number is invalid or does not match […]
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I was studying our 2020 business plan when the call came in. The man on the phone said he wanted a skimmer, and I took his order. That’s when things began to feel … a little wrong. The man’s accent was Eastern European, but his name was Drake. The skimmer was not unusual, but I’d […]
Read MoreThis phrase was, no doubt, born on a long forgotten playground generations ago. It humorously calls into question the veracity of a child whose exaggerations have exceeded the acceptable norm. A classic example from my childhood is a fellow by the name of Marty. His brother was something else. According to Marty, his super-sibling was […]
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The presentation went as planned. You arrived a few minutes early and even picked up the morning paper from the lawn, handing it to the prospect on your way in the door. The potential customers were eager to see you, and after commenting on their lovely home and indulging in a few minutes of pleasantries, […]
Read MoreToday’s pond customer will often look to his installer for landscaping and surrounding decorations to complement his new water feature. In the past, many installers have allowed these valuable supplemental sales to pass them by. Some of those who have made the foray into this business have limited themselves to providing plants, gazing globes, ceramic/resin […]
Read MoreMAP, yes it can lead to a heated debate. John Olson tries to give a broad, yet in-depth overview of this hot topic. What is MAP? It is Minimum Advertised Pricing. MAP is not MSRP, short for Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price. Is MAP pricing the best practice for the current retail arena? John explains the Pros/Cons of each so you can decide what’s best for your store.
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External pond pumps will be the pump of choice for many of your upcoming pond projects. They can be ideal for tall waterfalls, pulling from bottom drains, formal fountains, and places a submersible pump is not practical or attractive, or to save your customer on utility bills. Pump designs and applications vary, so read about when to use a flooded suction or a self-priming pump, and the importance of figuring dynamic head in your plans. The advantages and best use of external pumps are covered in this comprehensive article.
Read MoreTo have a successful water feature – large or small – you must use the right pump to get top results! Increasingly, manufacturers are producing pumps specifically for our pond industry, and submersible pumps have changed quite a bit over the past few years. Get an in-depth look at the differences between today’s magnetic drive, direct drive and the newer hybrid magnetic asynchronous drive pumps available for your projects and customers. You have more choices now than ever before.
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