by Ben Dwyer Nationwide Marketing Group (not to be confused with the Nationwide insurance company) touts itself America’s largest buying and marketing organization. Its 3,500 members operate over 11,000 storefronts across the US and have $15 billion in combined annual sales. Nationwide is so large that it has seven regional divisions. Each of them is led by a retail industry veteran. Nationwide is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
This review is part of our directory of buying groups/group purchasing organizations.
Buying Group Name: Nationwide Marketing Group
Industry/Specialty (if applicable): Appliances, furniture, electronics, custom installations
Number of members: 3,500+
Website: http://www.nationwidegroup.org/
How does this group work?
Surprisingly, there isn’t very much information on the group’s website about how it works. An interview with a customer service representative didn’t provide much information, either. The representative explained that Nationwide provides discounts to its members for buying certain vendors’ merchandise, which is a basic component of group purchasing organizations in general and not anything specific to this group.
Focus and Services
Nationwide’s focus is to help its members thrive. In order to accomplish that, the group offers a number of programs, including discounts on merchandise, financing, promotional services, and educational opportunities.
Members can take advantage of video or web-based product training programs for no additional fee. Trainings can also include testing and certification and are available online or on DVD for individual or group trainings.
Additional benefits include the option to use the group’s web services assistance (including a selection of ecommerce sites and dealer locators.) Members can also implement Nationwide’s electronic signage program, which offers the ability to play high definition commercials on an in-store display.
How does Nationwide’s purchasing process work?
Nationwide’s customer service representative explained that the purchasing process depends on what kind of membership the retailer has. In any case, members can make purchases directly through a distributor or a vendor. Sometimes, the discount is directly through that vendor.
Nationwide also recommends businesses attend PrimeTime!, a buying show for independent dealers. The show happens twice a year and offers deep discounts and deals that are not available at other times.
How does the buying group choose vendors?
According to Nationwide’s customer service representative, there isn’t a particular process to choose vendors. Instead, the buying group focuses on building relationships with leading vendors to provide discounts to its members. To that end, it has built relationships with dozens of vendors in a number of sectors, including household names like Whirlpool, Serta, LG, Stanley, Dell, and more. The group’s website includes a list of select vendors, but states that the list is not exhaustive, and members can contact the group for a full list.
How much does it cost to join?
Nationwide’s customer service representative said that membership costs are dependent on the type of membership program. Sometimes, there’s a membership fee as well as a requirement to buy a certain amount of merchandise on an annual basis.
Nationwide Buying Group Reviews
Unfortunately, there are no member testimonials on Nationwide’s website. The closest thing to a review of Nationwide is its Better Business Bureau profile. Nationwide doesn’t have a BBB rating, however, and as of autumn 2016, there have not been any complaints filed with the BBB in the past 3 years.
If you’re a member or a vendor for Nationwide, let us know about your experience in the comments! Would you recommend this group to other companies?
