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Flooring factsheet Buying Groups
Why join?
Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains. More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing. While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers. The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...
Key benefits
Increase margins
•Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers.
Access professional services
•Business and financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business. Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups offering marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts.
Pick the right one
How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…
•Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently • Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member of the committee
•Get a list of members and call up two or three for a
‘real-world’ view
•Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next nearest member of each buying group • Ensure you understand the financial arrangements, any fees that would relate to your membership, how the bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a consultation to estimate your potential savings
•Review all the extra benefits and services to see what you would actually use • Check out the product ranges offered including the own-label options and the UK/European mix • Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your flexibility to run your business the way you want
Increase sales
•Best of both worlds’ proposition • Wider ranges and exclusive products • POS, displays and merchandising support Your customers will like the proposition that you are independent but with the buying power of a group – this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ with personal service and competitive pricing. Most groups will also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support with pointof-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer.
Network with other independents
•Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers • Regular meetings and supplier presentations • Regional workshops • Helpline A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.
Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 richard@acgcarpets.com
www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com
www.flooringone.co.uk Peter Karra Tel: 0121 683 1426 peter.karra@flooringone.co.uk
www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Rob Harding Tel: 01432 852000 Fax: 01432 852005 rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk
Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: Jill Coward Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk
AW interiors monthly jobad 210x146mm.indd 2
Store Manager – Flooring – £40,000 - £50,000 per annum (OTE)
Basic salary £32,000 + commission based sales £40,000 - £50,000 OTE
Saint Flooring are a leading flooring contractor with offices across England supplying and installing directly to the new house build sector. This is a new venture for Saint as we move into the retail market into new retail premises that will be located in Greater Manchester/Sale M33
Ideally, we are seeking an all-round experienced Store Manager that has the enthusiasm to drive the business forward and the personality to succeed.
The Role
We are looking for a customer focused, highly motivated Store Manager who can build great rapport, establish needs and create a fast-paced turnaround for our surplus stock.
• Experienced in various types of flooring – Carpet/LVT/Vinyl/Laminate etc • Experienced in room measurements • A can-do attitude with the ability to run a team • Forward thinking with the ability to work on their own initiative • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Must be well presented, polite and have a positive approach • Quarterly bonus scheme or commission
In return we offer a great place to work in a forward-thinking business, bonus scheme, competitive rates of pay, pension, 28 days holiday allowance (including Bank Holidays). The company always recognises opportunity for progression.
This role is full time (40 hours per week) that involves weekend working.
22/04/2021 12:28:53
Territory Manager Mid South West
Earnings Potential £50k+ Responsible for the following postcodes GL, BS, BA, TA
Abingdon Flooring is one of the leading carpet manufacturers in the UK with some of the most recognisable brands in the industry, supplying quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade in the UK. We are currently enjoying an unprecedented level of growth and therefore are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can help develop the full potential of this established area. The ideal candidate will be tenacious, organised and professional with a willingness to develop and will have knowledge of the trade from retail or territory sales experience, however we do encourage applicants from other industries who are keen to get a foothold in this fantastic trade. An above average salary, car, phone and unlimited commission package is available together with the benefits you would expect from a blue-chip company. This role is for a flooring industry insider who knows these regions and the potential that can be realised as well as somebody who wishes to develop a fantastic long-term career within our team. Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience to: Laura Cole- HR Assistant, Abingdon Flooring, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Est, Newport, NP11 3XG. Or email to laura.cole@abingdonflooring.co.uk Closing Date of 28th May 2021
SALES REPRESENTATIVE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Cormar Carpets is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of tufted carpets, supplying stylish, quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade throughout the UK & Ireland. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual with the ability to realise the full potential of this established territory. Knowledge of the carpet trade is not essential, however previous sales experience is required as applicants must be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record. The ideal candidate would live on territory, although not essential. As a consequence, we will accept applications from those who live in close proximity to the territory shown. An above average salary and benefits package is available for the successful applicants, including basic salary plus commission on sales, company car and pension scheme. Previous applicants may apply.
Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience for the attention of Carla Grant, HR Manager, Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury BL8 4HR. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 12th May
Cormar Carpets is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of tufted carpets, supplying stylish, quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade throughout the UK & Ireland. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual with the ability to realise the full potential of this established territory. Knowledge of the carpet trade is not essential, however previous sales experience is required as applicants must be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record. The ideal candidate would live on territory, although not essential. As a consequence, we will accept applications from those who live in close proximity to the territory shown. An above average salary and benefits package is available for the successful applicants, including basic salary plus commission on sales, company car and pension scheme. Previous applicants may apply.
Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience for the attention of Carla Grant, HR Manager, Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury BL8 4HR. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 12th May
Sales/Estimator Required
Due to retirement we require an experienced Sales/Estimator, for our Family Flooring retail store Country Flooring in Chelmsford, Essex.
The candidate will need to have some experience in selling flooring, and estimating, preferably carpet and LVT, we also sell wood flooring but training can be given. There will be a Company Van and salary depending on experience between £30,000 and £35,000. Hours worked are 9am -5pm for a five day week but must include Saturdays. Please send CV to info@countryflooring.co.uk or call 01245 250074 for more information. Web site: www.countryflooring.co.uk
ESTIMATOR/SALESPERSON
We have a great opportunity for an experienced estimator to join our family run business of over 50 years with one of the best reputations in the industry.
The ideal candidate will be a friendly, enthusiastic people’s person with relevant experience in the measuring, quantifying and pricing of all types of flooring including carpet, vinyl, laminate, engineered wood and LVT products with a good knowledge of sub-floor preparation requirements. We are offering full time employment including Saturday’s with 1-2 days working in the showroom as part of our sales team. The successful candidate will obtain a good salary along with a company vehicle (fuel included) and a company phone, with 20 days paid annual leave. Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience to: Ben Clarke, Clarkes Carpets, 311-315 Hornchurch Road, Romford, Essex, RM12 4TQ or via email to: sales@clarkesflooring.co.uk
