Belonging to a buying group is definitely a major benefit if you’re a Technology Design firm – whether you’re a brick-and-mortar retailer, e-retail or custom in the business selling consumer-electronics.
It’s like a giant fraternity. Where else would you have the opportunity, at least twice a year, to join a bunch of your peers, hang out, learn from each other, attend great conferences and discuss your current challenges? I believe this is a huge benefit, especially since you’re not competing with any other member and, of course, most importantly you get to hang out and party with your professional family.
Not all buying groups are the same so I suggest that you look into all the benefits and see which one fits best for your business. But basically, whether you are with Nationwide, ProSource, BrandSource, HTSA, Azione or NATM, they basically all offer a similar template. They offer buying power so you can make the margin you need in order to remain competitive. They offer excellent conferences with amazing content and the ability to step away from your business for a few days. Additionally, they all offer marketing options including website design, e-newsletter and content creation, and other ways to reach out to potential clients. It’s like having your own marketing department at a fraction of what you would pay if you went to get a design firm or an ad agency or a video producer to help create these important assets.
Buying groups are good for the soul. And good for your business.