This review is part of our directory of buying groups/group purchasing organizations.  Buying Group Name: The Veterinary Cooperative Industry/Specialty (if applicable): Veterinary Medicine Number of members: 1,000+ independent clinics Website: https://www.theveterinarycooperative.coop/ How does this group work? You can continue using your current suppliers, or you can use the ones TVC has identified. TVC doesn’t distribute…

The Veterinary Cooperative (TVC) touts itself as America’s largest veterinary industry purchasing cooperative. It’s located in Evanston, IL, although it’s actually incorporated in Minnesota. Founded by four veterinarians in 2012, the goal of the cooperative is to ensure independent veterinary practices and hospitals remain profitable by gaining a great deal of purchasing power and marketing prowess. In addition to its purchasing activities, the Veterinary Cooperative offers revenue-enhancing programs, profit-maximizing programs, and an online best practice knowledge exchange.

This review is part of our directory of buying groups/group purchasing organizations.  Buying Group Name: NATM Buying Corporation Industry/Specialty: Appliances/electronics Number of members: 11 Website: http://natmcorp.com/ NATM was founded in 1970, but offers very few details about the group on its website. Strangely, there’s no information to be found on what NATM stands for, and…

NATM Buying Corporation is a group purchasing organization based in Irving, TX but operating across the United States. It has 11 regional members that sell appliances and electronics. Despite its relatively small membership, it’s a nationally recognized group and all of its members are leading retailers in their verticals. This may have to do with the requirements to join, which include a stipulation that a member business must do at least $50 million in sales per year.

This review is part of our directory of buying groups/group purchasing organizations.  Buying Group Name: The Alliance Industry/Specialty: Medical/Optical Number of members: 2,600+ Website: https://www.thealliancebg.com/ How does this group work? When you join the Alliance, you’ll have access to custom pricing through partner vendors, and can take advantage of the Alliance’s customer service. Notably, the Alliance…

The Alliance is a buying group located in Illinois and catering to the medical field, specifically optometry and eye care. The primary focus is on lowering purchasing costs, though other advice and assistance is also available, including professional marketing programs, social media management, and website development services. Its website includes links to the Vision Council and American Optometric Association, though it’s not clear if those are partners of the Alliance or just listed as resources. The group also lists upcoming events relevant to optometrists and those in the medical field.

As a small business owner, money is always at the front of your mind. Reducing expenses and smart financial management are essential to success. There are dozens of ways to shrink expenses, from minimizing your credit card processing fees to automating common tasks. One option you might want to consider is joining a buyers’ group…

You may have heard of group purchasing organizations (GPOs) or buying groups, but what are they and how exactly can they help your business? A buying group is an organization made up of small businesses that band together so they can negotiate as a larger group with vendors to receive better pricing and terms on goods and services.