A move by Hoppers Crossing landscaping business, Reel Grass, to import high-quality synthetic grass is paying real dividends.
Run by Dennis Smith and wife Lydia, Reel Grass offers some of the best synthetic grasses in the world.
“We started 12 years ago as a landscaping company and bought grass from other suppliers as a part of our service,” Dennis says.
“A few years ago, we decided to import our own grass and from there we started a retail business. Since that time, sales have skyrocketed.”
Dennis says the keys to this success were, and continue to be, product knowledge, having the best available products and ensuring superb customer experiences.
“We always have a lot of stock,” he says. “I find that when someone comes in on a weekend to do a job, they want to get it done that weekend.
“Some of our competitors will have to order it in as they don’t want the outlay, but we always have stock on-hand to make the experience easy and straightforward.”
Dennis says that with the growth of his business, managing stock became an issue.
“As we had so many units, across 12 different lines, keeping track of inventory became a real need,” he says.
That’s when Dennis and Lydia invested in MYOB accounting software.
“From that point in time, MYOB became invaluable as it is cloud-based and very user-friendly,” he says. “My wife – and also my accounts manager – Lydia, is able to work in real-time with our accountant from two separate locations.
“They can adjust figures together. It saves time. It is perfect for stock and accounting purposes.”
Dennis explains that with the help of MYOB, it is very easy to see what is in stock and what is not.
“We can now re-order easily,” he says. “Without MYOB, we would be in a lot of trouble.”
Dennis says a successful business requires research, trusting relationships, great products and fantastic customer service.
“We purchase our grasses from what is now the largest manufacturer of synthetic grass in the world,” he says.
“I started with them when they were much smaller, but stuck with them through thick and thin and they with us.
“Now we are one of only seven suppliers of their product in Australia and have a fantastic working relationship because of the trust that has been built over time.”
By investing in this strategic relationship, Reel Grass sees returns in enhanced buying power – and that means a greater service offering for its customers.
“We can help a do-it-yourselfer buy and install from start to finish.”
Dennis says it’s this level of tangible customer service that sits at the core of Reel Grass’ success.
“At the end of the day, we keep our business simple to make sure we sustain the level of service we pride ourselves in.”
Reel Grass, 130 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing. Inquiries: 1300 306 389 or visit reelgrass.com.au
