It's easier to do business accompanied than alone, don't you think?

More if you have the support of a network of companies in the same sector that offers you preferential conditions in your purchases, which translate into a purchasing power that in turn boosts the sales of other associates. This model of cooperation is known as a group purchasing organization (GPO) or simply purchasing group.

It is a consortium in which you as an integrator, manufacturer or distributor have the facility to boost that chain of sale, especially if you are a small or medium-sized company (SME).

If you are an SME, you will have encountered certain barriers when going out to the market to buy and access an advantageous price, in relation to that of large companies in principle with greater purchasing power. But what if you could access those same products or services at a fixed preferential value? It would be a great saving that would allow you a greater investment. This is just one of the advantages of belonging to a buying group.

What are the benefits of being part of a buying group?

You've probably heard the term "miles" or "points." They are benefits granted by airlines or banks for the frequent use of certain products or services, either a credit card or a flight. Well, in the case of a purchase group, these correspond to volume incentive refunds (VIR). This allows you as an integrator or distributor to focus your sales efforts and see your market share grow.

But there's more.

By belonging to this network you have countless privileges that in the end you will find reflected in your income statement:

• Access to manufacturers with a consolidated incentive and rebate program.
• Permanent business training through training and certifications.
• Relationships with integrators from different geographical locations.
• Achieving potential customers more efficiently and effectively.

All these points represent greater business opportunities in which profitability and trust become a common axis.

What buying groups are there?

Today, PSA is the world's largest consortium of system integrators, made up of audio/video and security integrators in North America. In May 2017, it was joined by USAV, an association of players in the same audio and video industry that went from just seven integrators and three manufacturing partners in 2001 to serving more than 88% of the top 50 metropolitan areas in the U.S.

As for PSA, combined its members have more than 400 branches, employ more than 7,500 industry professionals and are responsible for more than US$4.5 billion annually in professional safety, fire and audio-visual installations.

What do you promise your partners?

Support them to become and maintain their position as leading providers of technology solutions in the markets they serve.

Well, both brands have signed an agreement to promote the first purchasing group in Latin America: ConsorcioTec™. Unlike the existing ones, this consortium has been created specifically for the region's low-voltage solution integrators.

There are integrators and independent contractors with a focus on electronic security, building automation, home automation and systems integration from Mexico to the south of the continent.

What are the basic requirements to take part?

• Be a legally established integrator or contractor with approximate sales of US $1,000,000 per year.
• Commit to purchasing significant volume through ConsorcioTec's™ preferred suppliers.
• Participate in the annual meetings of ConsorcioTec™.

Do you want to know in detail what this particular shopping group offers you? Access here.

Do not forget that you have the support of a team with decades of experience in sales and marketing of the industry, which offers you free consultations to achieve the objectives you propose with the creativity and quality you deserve.

Do not hesitate to take the first step.