Buying Groups-What needs do you have?

[ADO]

Hello,

First let me say that I am a new to the OptiBoard. The knowledge base the members have here is amazing. I wish I had found this years ago. I also need to let you know that I am the General Manager for ADO Buying Group. I have read through the threads on buying groups and have found many useful tidbits. I know that some of you are fans of buying groups and others are not. My question is what needs do you have that buying groups currently don't fulfill? Vendors are welcome to comment as well.

Thanks in advance.

[cocoisland58]

The only need I have is the lowest possible price and that is not always the case with a buying group.

[ADO]

The only need I have is the lowest possible price and that is not always the case with a buying group.

You are correct that it is not always a lower price through buying groups, but some buying groups have built in flexibility with their pricing. For instance...if a frame company wants to honor a special price and dated billing many buying groups can't honor that. Some can.

Thanks for your comment! With 14 years spent managing OD/MD practices I believe there are a lot of needs out there besides price. Price is definately number one or two on the list. What I would really like to hear about are the needs farther down that list.

[Jubilee]

Price is definitely a consideration...

How many vendors participate in your group?

How easy is it to decipher the statement? Returns/credits, discounted and non... lab billing?

How do you take your share? Is there a fixed $, a percentage, etc? I know some groups that charge a 4% fee.. others who might do less, but take a percentage of your buygin group savings.. IE vendor offers to buying group a 20% discount..but enrolee actually receives a 17%...

Prompt Pay Discounts?

Money and convience are a big factor for me. Can I get the products I want, for the price I want, through the buying group? Can I get those products in a timely manner(contacts)? I like the idea of consolidated billing, but I don't want it to cost me big bucks to do it.

Cassandra

[ADO]

Price is definitely a consideration...

How many vendors participate in your group?

How easy is it to decipher the statement? Returns/credits, discounted and non... lab billing?

How do you take your share? Is there a fixed $, a percentage, etc? I know some groups that charge a 4% fee.. others who might do less, but take a percentage of your buygin group savings.. IE vendor offers to buying group a 20% discount..but enrolee actually receives a 17%...

Prompt Pay Discounts?

Money and convience are a big factor for me. Can I get the products I want, for the price I want, through the buying group? Can I get those products in a timely manner(contacts)? I like the idea of consolidated billing, but I don't want it to cost me big bucks to do it.

Cassandra

Cassandra,

These are all good questions to ask before making a decision on using a buying group. Do you have a continuing need in your practice that you have not found an answer for? Something that a buying group with a national reach may be able to help with?

If you would like specific answers to the questions that you asked please contact me at jsellers@walman.com. Being new to the board I am not sure I should speek specifically to ADO on here.

Vendors, I am looking for responses from you as well.

Thanks

Jobe