The top three top tips to small business buyers’ groups are:
- Find local and national small business alliances.
- Join co-operatives (co-ops).
- Become a member of industry-specific associations.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Explore small business alliances
Local alliances are a great way for members to support each other with advice, cross-marketing promotions and through the formation of joint purchasing groups.I recommend: Not sure where to find a local small biz alliance? Start with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) to search for an Independent Business Alliance (IBA) in your area.
Form a purchasing alliance
Form an alliance with local small businesses that have similar purchasing needs. A bigger order might allow you more selection or the interest of other vendors, as well. Consider doing the same thing with service providers – sharing secretarial, maintenance, advertising and other services.I recommend: Start your own with the step-by-step Start an IBA plan.
Join a national cooperative
Check out marketing and buying cooperatives. Do any appeal to your business needs? Some require a low membership sign-up fee, and have other restrictions, so read the fine print before you commit to anything.I recommend: Visit the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) for information. Go to Resource Links for childcare, university, purchasing and additional co-ops. Check out National Cooperative Bank Co-op 100 for a list of America's top 100 cooperatives.
Join a local food co-op
Buying through co-ops can mean lower prices, higher-quality product, fresher produce, meats, and dairy items. The bonus? You're supporting local farmers.I recommend: Check out Local Harvest for local co-ops offering more than just food – many sell Christmas trees, furniture, organics and handmade artisan products.
Turn to associations that offer member discounts
Many local and national organizations offer member discounts – comparable with corporate discounts – on such high-ticket items as health insurance, rental cars, and educational opportunities.I recommend: Go to AMIBA and scroll down to "Trade Associations Doing Notable Work" for a long list of association links. Membership in NFIB or NASE can net your business discounts on a variety of products and services.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Contract: It doesn't have to be formal, but put your agreements with other businesses (and vendors) in writing to cover everyone.
- Emphasize Local Buying: Local alliance members should post signage and encourage consumers to buy locally.
- Speaking of Local: Check out your local Chamber of Commerce, which offers many free business resources and tools.
- Help in Unexpected Places: Not all of the "big guys" are enemies – in fact, some, such as American Express, IBM, and Airborne Express, offer special savings to small businesses.
the Small Business Consulting page at Business.com
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