Management: Should We Join A Buying Group?

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With economic concerns mounting, jan/san distributors are wondering how it will impact them and what steps they should take to minimize the blow.

Some are considering joining a jan/san buying group. Buying groups can often purchase in bulk quantities at better pricing, helping independent distributors stay competitive.

However, this is not the key reason Jon Questell, founder of New System Janitorial & Maintenance Supplies, Saint Louis, Mo., joined Pro-Link, a leading jan/san buying group.

"I'd say the biggest benefit is the knowledge we gain from the distributor-members," says Questell. "Pro-Link members help each other, share business problems and how they handled them. This has helped us tremendously."

The second big benefit is also education-related, especially when it comes to important topics like Green cleaning.

According to Questell, Pro-Link has developed a comprehensive program for Green Cleaning, supplying its members with education and support materials so they can better understand green cleaning and help customers green their facilities.

"We've been a Pro-Link member for five years," he says. "I'd recommend membership to any distributor-no matter what the economy."