by Ben Dwyer ProSource a member-owned amalgam of two buying groups: Pro Group and HES. Pro Group was founded in 1985 and HES was founded in 1994.
This review is part of our directory of buying groups/group purchasing organizations.
Buying Group Name: ProSource
Industry/Specialty (if applicable): Consumer electronics/home entertainment
Number of members: 500+
Website: http://www.prosourceinfo.com/
In 2008, the two groups formed a strategic alliance, and by the end of 2010, they officially merged to form ProSource. As of 2016, ProSource does over $4.5 billion in sales.
ProSource is a non-profit cooperative buying group based in Fort Worth, Texas.
How does this group work?
ProSource operates in committees, which each committee working on strategic initiatives to benefit members. Committees are comprised of member volunteers. As of autumn 2016, the group has Audio, Custom Integration, Internet of Things, and Expert Warehouse committees.
As with most group purchasing organizations, you can receive discounts for qualifying purchases. As a Prosource member, you’re eligible for group volume rebates or individual dealer rebates. You’ll also qualify for extended payment terms and reduced freight levels, meaning you don’t have to order as much merchandise. A “brand-agnostic” freight program allows you to mix brands, take advantage of fast track returns, and more.
What is its focus?
ProSource’s focus is to help its members remain successful and prosperous in a competitive market. It meets this goal by offering volume buying benefits, educational programs, marketing services, and dedicated field support. The group offers events, meetings, and information sessions for members to network and share best practices. Additionally, members can choose to take advantage of group pricing on a variety of marketing and print services, including display ads, in-store signage, direct mailings, website design, video production, SEO and search engine management, social media, and more.
How does it work in terms of the purchasing process?
ProSource’s website doesn’t provide any information about how the purchasing process works. Members can talk to their district field managers about making purchases, and the district field manager provides that information.
How does the buying group choose vendors?
ProSource is open to choosing new vendors – there’s a contact form on its website for that purpose. The group selects vendors based upon the current mix of vendors, members’ needs for products based on their requests, the technology the vendors offer, their approach to the market, and their ability to support dealers.
Current vendors include Bose, Sony, LG, Yamaha, Audioquest, and more. A list of vendors is available on the group’s website.
How much does it cost to join?
The website doesn’t offer any information about how much it costs to join ProSource, if anything at all. You can contact ProSource for more information about the membership costs, or fill out the interest form online.
ProSource Buying Group Reviews
There are video testimonials from members as well as vendors on ProSource’s website. Members praise ProSource for saving them money, providing dedicated support, and for the quality of other benefits such as education and marketing.
If you’re a member of ProSource, let us know what you think! Is membership worth it? Why or why not? Leave a comment below.
