This review is part of our directory of buying groups/group purchasing organizations.
Buying Group Name: MEGA Group USA
Industry/Specialty (if applicable): Appliances, Furniture, Mattresses, Consumer Electronics
Number of members: 1,700
Website: http://www.megagroupusa.com/
Based in Tennessee, the group has 1,700 members with 3,200 storefronts across the US.
How does the group work?
MEGA works with members on different programs such as business services in addition to offering exclusive product lines and discounts on merchandise. Members can take advantage of group buying discounts, circular programs, social media assistance, marketing and advertising programs (including custom commercials for TV), volume rebates, and more. Programs and services are designed to increase both sales and efficiency of the store. MEGA also offers educational and consulting services to members, and can assist with tasks like planning an annual advertising budget or setting up a website.
MEGA Group USA also has suggested vendors for services like credit card processing, but does not require members to use their suggested processor. Some members have indicated that Mega promotes a company by the name of Payroc. If you need help understanding your options for credit card processing, feel free to contact CardFellow, the independent experts in processing.
What is its focus?
MEGA’s focus is on making its members more competitive and prosperous. To that end, MEGA offers such services as enhanced purchasing power through deals with vendors, special financing rates, business insurance, and national conventions that offer knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
How does it work in terms of the purchasing process?
The MEGA website doesn’t include any information about how members purchase from vendors, or if there is a consolidated group purchasing option. A customer service rep was not able to provide more information when we called to request details.
How does the buying group choose vendors?
This was another question the customer service representative didn’t have the answers to in a phone interview, and there isn’t information about it on the website, either. While MEGA mentions relationships with vendors and discounts from manufacturers, there’s no information available about how they were selected.
However, the group’s website does list vendors by category. The lists include plenty of household brands, including Frigidaire, Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, Broyhill, Serta, Tempurpedic, Simmons, Canon, Sony, Fuji, and more.
Along with the lists of vendors in the mattress and electronics categories, MEGA claims that the brands included account for almost half of the business in those categories.
How much does it cost to join?
There is a one-time application fee in addition to a monthly membership fee. Actual fees are subject to change, but you can contact the group directly for information on the current membership fees.
MEGA Buying Group Reviews
Member testimonials are scattered throughout MEGA’s website. Members praise the group for providing resources they wouldn’t normally have access to (such as discounts and special financing offers) and the high quality of the annual national conventions.
The MEGA reviews on the group’s site are the only readily available ones online. If you’re a member (or have been in the past) you can leave your own MEGA buying group review in the comments section, below. Be sure to tell other businesses what you liked or didn’t like, and whether you’d suggest membership.
See also: Introduction to Buying Groups and Group Purchasing Organizations.
