Alliances
TriMega is committed to providing our members with the maximum amount of benefits possible. We accomplish this by forming strategic alliances that strengthen our negotiating position, purchasing power and ultimately our members' return on their investments. Today, TriMega boasts strategic alliances with BPGI, INTEC Inc., and NOPA.
As a member of BPGI (Business Products Group International, an international consortium of buying groups), TriMega's members enjoy the program and cost benefits of being backed by $14B worth of global purchasing power.
What is BPGI?
Business Products Group International is a limited liability corporation that was formed to band independent office products dealers - via their respective buying groups, under one umbrella. This collaboration has created an opportunity for the independent dealers to effectively compete against the power channel segment of our industry. The negotiated programs bring parity with our competitors to a much greater degree than ever before.
The strength of BPGI is reflected in its signature line - "Global Purchasing Power" - which defines the mission and guiding principle of the organization. BPGI, headquartered in Washington D.C., is the world's largest consortium of buying groups consisting solely of independent office products dealers.
BPGI consists of 21 buying groups in 13 countries worldwide:
BPGI represents some powerful numbers -
Over $12 billion dollars (U.S.) in combined total revenues
And over 4,100 independent office product dealers from around the world.
What do these numbers really mean?
They represent the opportunity for the buying groups to leverage their strengths with the supplier community for enhanced programs for the independent dealer. It should be noted that in each and every case, the BPGI programs reflect enhancements to pre-BPGI buying group programs. To date, BPGI has approved programs with over 30 suppliers that are readily available to all of our TriMega dealer/members. These programs represent opportunities for all of our members. Most of the value to these programs is attached to the dealers that purchase direct from these suppliers, but some of these suppliers pay rebate on wholesale purchases as well.
These programs don't just benefit TriMega, but rather all of the BPGI members. We maximize our global leverage by reaching a consensus among our members as to the best combination of suppliers. We also create win-win situations for our suppliers through the delivery of growth and profitable sales. TriMega's support of these BPGI suppliers will result in stronger purchasing results and programs so, consequently, members play a significant role in ensuring the long term health of their dealership, TriMega and BPGI.
What does BPGI negotiate with the suppliers?
BPGI's mission is to maximize buying competitiveness of office products for its constituent groups on behalf of their dealer members. This is achieved by negotiating the following program elements on either a global, continental or national level:
- Payment Terms
- Freight Terms
- Volume Rebates
- Growth Incentives
- Wholesaler Rebates
- Catalog Allowance
- Marketing Allowance
- Local Co-op Allowance
- Conversion Allowance
- Central Management Allowance
- Pricing Programs
Our efforts are geared to get the best all-round program for all of the BPGI members.
What do the suppliers receive in return for acknowledging BPGI buying groups?
BPGI assures the BPGI approved suppliers that it enforces compliance of the Catalog Category Definition in all of the participating member produced marketing material. This includes member-produced catalogs and flyers. BPGI also offers its suppliers access to a broader and more diverse customer base and focuses global support of the manufacturers branded products.
TriTEC
TriMega formed a partnership with INTEC, Inc, an Indianapolis, IN based buying group of independent IT resellers. "TriTec" was developed through this strategic partner, and through TriTec, TriMega members gain purchasing power in the technology arena.
TriMega is also proud of our relationship with, NOPA (National Office Products Alliance). NOPA is a dealer organization that is in Washington, standing up for the independent dealer's rights as a businessperson. NOPA has dedicated professionals on Capitol Hill actively working to represent your interests and prevent costly unfair legislation and regulations. NOPA works on high-quality, relevant programs and services that will add genuine value to member dealerships. NOPA is dedicated to providing independent office products dealers with resources that deliver results.
TriMega Purchasing Association
847-699-3330 | www.trimega.org
5600 N. River Road, Suite 700| Rosemont, IL 60018
