Straight from Tommy O

When in Doubt (or not), Call Me!

In recent years, I have been writing my blog focusing on topics and solutions for our members, specifically for those individuals who participate on the sales desk and are dealing with the occasional day-to-day challenges of the produce industry.

Tom Oliveri Nov 21 2016 in Collections and PACA Support

When considering a consignment agreement for your produce, what constitutes a detailed account of sale to verify the net return?

In my October 12th Blog, “What formula for an adjustment should you consider”, I detailed how an account of sale from the receiver can be the best available evidence of the value of your produce at destination. This Blog is dedicated to what criteria makes-up a detailed account of sale and I will share a “mocked-up” accounting that you should always expect when you are being forwarded net proceeds.

Tom Oliveri Oct 25 2016 in Collections and PACA Support

What Formula For An Adjustment Should You Consider?

I personally would never grant or offer an adjustment to a buyer; then again I most likely would have few to no customers! You, however, want to retain customers; therefore, there will obviously be times when you will need to consider offering your customer an adjustment or allowance on a shipment of produce. One of those times is when your product arrives at contract destination, is inspected and fails to meet contract specifications i.e. "Good Arrival Guidelines" or “Good Delivery".

Tom Oliveri Oct 11 2016 in Collections and PACA Support

Keeping Pace, by Bill Zentner

I am pleased to have as guest blogger in this edition of Straight from TommyO by Mr. Bill Zentner of Blue Book Services, Inc. - “The Blue Book,” opining on a topic that is dear to my heart, assessing credit risk. The Blue Book for over 115 years has provided financial facts to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry and has recently launched an additional assessment tool (AR Reports) which can identify emerging trends to potential and current customers regarding credit.

Tom Oliveri Sep 12 2016 in Collections and PACA Support

Straight from Tommy O: Are you PACA Trust Protected when invoicing by EDI?

As a shipper, some of your customers might require Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) invoicing and reconciliations of settlements as it relates to your customer making payment on sales contracts. When invoicing via EDI, it is critical that you have the PACA Trust language on your transmission if you wish to be PACA Trust protected.

Tom Oliveri Aug 29 2016 in Collections and PACA Support

I Did Not Agree To That, Or Did I?

In last month’s blog, "Shipper’s Confirmation of Sale, Part 2", I wrote about the importance of confirmations of sale, especially when you have special terms to the sale that you normally do not utilize. Confirmations of sale memorialize the agreement or terms between you as the shipper and the buyer. By the same token, the buyer sometimes may also issue a confirmation of purchase outlining its understanding of the terms of sale and purchase.

Tom Oliveri Aug 16 2016 in Collections and PACA Support

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Produce Price Index

Think farmers are making most of the money from your grocery bill? Think again. Use the Produce Price Index (PPI) to find out the difference between how much you spend on fruits and vegetables and how much actually goes back to the farmer.

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