Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2021 56 I f you've ever done service or installations for your company, the odds are pretty good that you've got a box full of tools for the job. But gear gets heavy, so over time you weed out the tools you seldom use and carry only the ones you use the most. Eventually, you might even forget you ever had the tools you're no longer using. As a BrandSource member for about fifteen years, I'll be the first to admit I didn't use all the tools the group made available to me. I could have probably carried the handful of BrandSource tools I did use in a fanny pack, and I'd be willing to bet many other members could say the same. The entire BrandSource team are working behind the scenes every day to add value to our group membership. They've amassed an astounding lineup of 225 brand partners (!) who sell an enormous variety of products, from entry-level to luxury. But it doesn't end there – BrandSource has partnered with a wide variety of complementary companies to offer discounts and special opportunities for all manner of services that independent dealers likely use every day. All told, BrandSource dealers average an additional $30,000 in member benefits, which is the highest return on investment (ROI) among all buying groups. Among those benefits, every member should know about the Big Four: • AVB Marketing: State-of-the-art digital marketing programs and website services, delivered through a dedicated, member-owned marketing department • BrandSource Financial: Wholesale financing, offering generous dealer rewards based on volume • BrandSource Credit Card: Offering discounted rates on extended- term consumer financing • Expert Warehouse: Offering members access to a wide range of consumer electronics But did you know that BrandSource also has dozens of additional programs available to help members sell more merchandise, and make more money while doing so? Member programs and participating partners include: • Extended Warranty Options from Allstate, Associated Service Corp., Centricity, New Leaf and Warrantech • Secondary Consumer Credit Options from Acima, American First Finance, Katapult, Progressive Leasing, Tempoe and Westcreek • Discounted Repair Parts & Installation Supplies from 1st Source Servall, Dey Distributing, DuPage Industries, Marcone Supply and Reliable Parts • Credit Card Processing Options from Heartland and Vista Business Services • Add-On Products & Profit Centers including Green Tech (air and water purification), Joneca (garbage disposals), Lennox (HVAC), Palazzani (faucets), Phoenix AMD (detergent) and SmartFIT (water filters) • Point-of-Sale Systems by ePASS, SmartTouch, Storis, TylerNet, Windward Software and Whirlwind What's more, BrandSource has a whole truckload of other programs designed to solve problems, save money and make business owners' lives less complicated, including: • Employee Training Programs by AVB University, Fred's Appliance Academy, The Furniture Training Company and Master Samurai Tech • Service Organizations, including the Professional Servicers Association (PSA) and United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) • Point-of-Purchase Products from SES-imagotag and Pro Ad Flags • Insurance Services by Clay & Land Insurance and GAIN Health Insurance • Storage Solutions from Mobile Mini • Freight Solutions from Freight Club and Uber Freight And finally, let's not forget BrandSource's exclusive networking programs: • Young Professionals • Women In Business • BrandSource Service Dealers • Furniture Technology Source As exhaustive as the list is, I've probably missed a few, just because there are so many programs. Truth be told, I came across at least a dozen that I'd never heard of until I began my research for this article, and I bet many members could say the same. I think it's time for our members to start using all the tools in the BrandSource toolbox, and for unaffiliated dealers to consider joining. So please take a few minutes to review the list – you might find programs that would save you money or help make your life less complicated. Rich Lindblom is a longtime BrandSource member and Maytag Leadership Council officer. He recently sold his business, Advanced Maytag Home Appliance Center in Schaumburg, Ill., after more than four decades in indepen- dent retail. You can reach Rich at egvrich@gmail.com. Rich Lindblom Business Services RO ARE YOU USING ALL THE TOOLS IN THE BRANDSOURCE TOOLBOX?

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