Resources for Purchasing Organizations

Group purchasing organizations are a collaboration of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support, networking and solutions in the retail industry. Members can work in any part of the industry, from production and inventory managers to the chief operating officer.

Group purchasing organizations link you to workshops and seminars which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas about processes, systems, methods and implementation of merchandise planning and allocation. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine tuned. Consider:

1. Use purchasing organizations to grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Consider different group purchasing membership levels.

3. Benefit from purchasing associations by taking advantage of educational and networking opportunities.

Join purchasing associations to grow as a professional

Purchasing councils range from international groups to statewide or local organizations. They are a group of professionals just like you, with one goal in mind: to advance the purchasing industry.

Pay annual dues to belong to purchasing councils

Purchasing groups' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining a purchasing association

When you join purchasing groups, you get access to magazines, business reports, a career center, groups and forums. Statistics show that professionals who belong to an association make more money than non-members, because of their access to resources and career development tools. Not only do you make bigger profits, but you develop more self confidence.

• Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to a purchasing association, so that your employees can benefit as well.