Blackfern launches new Black Book

Andrew Weston, Josh Dombroski, and David MacKenzie at Waitara’s Brixton Motors. “The Black Book is an enjoyable read and it’s great to see lots of suppliers and helpful information,” says Brixton’s Amanda Dombroski

THE BLACKFERN CO-OPERATIVE IS LAUNCHING ITS SECOND BLACKFERN BLACK BOOK. DIRECTOR ROGER CASTLETON TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY TO SURVEY THE BUYING GROUP LANDSCAPE

There’s a new team on the block offering a fresh take on New Zealand’s automotive supply industry. When I say I’m talking about the Blackfern Co-operative some of you will say that’s not new! In one sense you’d be right — the co-operative was created in late 2014 but it is now breaking fresh ground on a number of fronts.

Yes, there are alternative buying groups out there that do some great stuff but some target signing up as many supplier companies as possible. That is great for their revenue, but cooperative buying groups work best when they enable all stakeholders in the co-operative relationship to sustain and add value. When a group becomes very large it begins to lose its advantage and appeal except for ‘convenience only’. It appears to those of us who have been in the industry for 20 years or more that the landscape is ‘flattening out’ again to the point where everyone is yet again trading in the same market with little point of difference — except that there’s a third party now in the trading relationship.

It’s clear many people, especially suppliers, are once again looking for an alternative to the status quo. That’s where Blackfern is offering something new. Joining a co-operatively principled local alternative is one of the most effective ways to challenge the current status quo.

However, aside from the opportunity to support a band of New Zealand businesses loyal to each other, this alternative has to have business benefits. Now that Blackfern has gone through the first phase of establishing the business the team is working on a range of added value platform initiatives that will add value beyond the key advantage of early payment through one easy account.

These include access to business information and technology, and also access to vehicle data platforms the latter is to be launched within the next eight weeks — watch this space.

Also Blackfern has created an online parts finder provision which will make it easier for members to locate and purchase the right part, quickly from their smartphone and without the “rigmarole” of logging in everytime. This service is free to both the member and supplier.

Of course, there are many other advantages to being a Blackfern member which include access to easy terms on equipment purchases; an easy-touse discounted Bunnings PowerPass card; tailored workshop insurance option for workshops through Farmer Mutual Group (FMG); useful and robust workshop templates; and a provision for members to credit check potential customer risk. There are

Foundation Blackfern member Les Doherty of Doherty Autos, Martinborough, finds the pictures in the Black Book a handy quick reference

AS Group based in Paraparaumu is a Blackfern supplier of auto electrical parts. AS Group’s Blair Rosson says the Black Book is an easy-to-use and cost efficient way of bringing in new business

Bill and Karen Martyn at Piston Cranky in Christchurch check out the many suppliers and their products already in the group on a regular basis but they are keen to see more suppliers joining the co-operative. “There’s definitely a Kiwi flavour, and we like that”

Jeremy Rose and Garry Hall from Christchurch’s Cranford Street Garage with Blackfern area manager Christine Lambie. Jeremy says the Black Book provides a quick and easy means to check out suppliers “Pictures tell a thousand words,” he says Clive Rogers from Miro Auto Services in Upper Hutt loves the convenience and ease of use of the Black Book. He keeps a copy beside his computer and uses it regularly to find the supplies needed. “It’s fast and efficient,” says Clive.

even more useful suppliers and services pending and the Co-op looks forward to announcing these in the very near future. Be sure to keep your eyes open for these new services.

One of the key differences for members is the Blackfern Co-operative Black Book, a hard copy and quick reference guide for Blackfern members. Populating their member number on the back page makes it easy to contact Blackfern suppliers with a quick reference.

Business owners who don’t sit at a computer all day appreciate something as handy and quick and effective as a fast-to-flip-through book. The first edition came out in late 2020 and this new version has leapt from 24 to now 32 pages which demonstrates the growing support for the Kiwi co-operative.

As a member, by supporting Blackfern and its suppliers you are keeping profits within New Zealand.

During these Covid times this focus should not be underestimated. In addition, you earn (in most cases) the best rewards in the industry directly into a reward point account. These reward points never expire.

A member can use these reward points through a number of options including Kilwell Sports, Swazi Apparel, or just to credit their monthly account, and there are more options for redeeming reward points in the near pipeline. Either way members won’t be disadvantaged by price or service from a Blackfern supplier. Many suppliers have now produced special discounts just for the 1200+ Blackfern workshop members throughout New Zealand.

We at Blackfern are looking to expand our supplier network across a number of categories. If you want to enjoy a guaranteed early payment through one easy account, beneficial marketing that is focussed on your business growth, client retention and not just someone “clipping the ticket” eroding your profits, come join the movement. Please give me a call 027 2522 533.

The second edition of the Blackfern Co-operative Black Book will be inserted in next month’s issue of Auto Channel.