Customer workshops prove successful; additional sessions scheduled

By Kerry Watson, Director of Communications

Providing customers the ability to do business online and on their time has been the premise behind a series of educational workshops that kicked off this past March. Craig Roebke, trainer for MKC, has been conducting the workshops, and is impressed with the outcome.

"We knew some of our customers were using only the basics of our online systems, and we knew we had some customers who had yet to try the systems," stated Roebke. "The training sessions are working. We’ve gained new users and existing members have become more efficient with the tools available to them."

According to Roebke, the workshops cover a number of tools and features available on the sites. Participants learn how to determine the amount of grain available for sale, view open contracts and how to utilize the offer contract system. In addition, they learn how to access detailed information including purchase history on products, invoices, and how to schedule payments online.

Roebke noted some customers avoided paying their bills online because they thought it would automatically become a monthly occurrence. "This feature actually gives customers the flexibility to schedule the payment when they want it to occur," said Roebke. "They can use the online bill payment system one month and not use it again for a couple of months if they choose. The customer controls their payment."

A number of workshops are scheduled to take place at MKC locations over the next several months. Information about the workshops and schedule is available through any MKC location.


 

Customer workshops scheduled for online business system

By Kerry Watson, Communications Specialist

A series of workshops that will assist producers in learning more about features available through MKC's and TMA's online customer systems will kick off on March 13 in Lindsborg. Craig Roebke, Trainer for MKC, will conduct the workshops. "We know we have a number of customers who are using only the basics on these systems, and we know there are some customers who just haven't tried the online system at all," states Roebke.  "Our goal is to show our customers how the online systems can save them time and help them become more efficient."

 

The workshops will cover a number of tools available on the sites. Participants will learn how to access detailed information including purchase history on products.  Participants will also learn how to sort data listed on invoices and how to schedule payments online.  “One misconception about paying bills online is that it will automatically occur each month,” stated Roebke.  “This feature actually gives customers the flexibility to schedule the payment when they want it to occur. They can use the online bill payment system one month and then not use it again for a couple of months if they choose.”

In addition, participants will learn how to use the online grain system to determine the amount of grain available for sale as well as view any open contracts. Participants will also learn how to review grain sold and capture proof of yield information including splits.  

Another great feature that saves the producer time is the offer contract system.  “Producers can go online any time of the day and make an offer for their grain,” states Roebke.  “The offer is good for 30 days and can be cancelled at any time during that time period.”  Roebke added that a trip to the bank can also be eliminated if the producer is enrolled in the direct deposit program.

The premise behind the online customer systems is to allow producers to do business online and on their time.   “If a producer fully understands how to use the online systems, he may very well no longer have to stop what he’s doing just to make a trip to the coop,” commented Roebke.

Producers should contact their MKC location for information about workshops scheduled in their area.