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It’s not just about the buying! IJO began in 1971 as a buying group, but it’s now much more than that. IJO’s sole purpose is to help its retail members work smarter to increase sales and, more importantly, increase profits. IJO members all have exclusive territory so no one competes, and the open sharing of ideas contributes to their success.
IJO members buy and deal directly with all suppliers – there is no central billing. IJO also offers countless programs to help members compete in their marketplace and set themselves apart from their competition. It’s one thing to buy well, it’s another to get that merchandise out the door!
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The more IJO members buy through the group, the more they get back. It’s not in the form of one big check like some other groups, but in various forms throughout the course of the year. Discounts (averaging 5-7%) come right off invoices, and then each member gets between 1-3% back in the form of a check at each semi-annual conference. Travel rewards (every other conference) provide two airline tickets, four hotel nights and a check for $500-$3,000, based on purchases. The VIP Program adds further value. Total 'rebates' given back to IJO members currently range from approximately $2,500 to $31,000 annually, with the average being more than $4,000.
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Average distance between members is 12-15 miles, but more often 15-20 miles. IJO takes into consideration population, number of competitors and media when determining a member’s "territory". But IJO works closely with you to ensure fairness. Members are found closer together in densely populated areas.
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All IJO asks is that guests come with an open mind. IJO obviously is very confident that you will like what you see when you attend, which is why they go to the expense of getting you there. However, if the result of attending is that you or IJO feels it’s not a 'good fit', you part company with no hard feelings. This also applies to retailers who join prior to a conference – IJO gives a guarantee that if you’re not 100% satisfied your membership dues will be refunded.
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No – this is untrue. IJO suppliers are not allowed to charge you more because of your membership, and they’re all contractually bound to abide by this provision. If a supplier is reported to IJO for raising prices because of IJO membership, the matter will be dealt with immediately. Such action is grounds for termination of their contract.
IJO makes a small commission on all purchases made through its group of suppliers, and this is what funds the many programs IJO provides to its retail members. In addition to the benefits and programs which help IJO members work smarter and increase their sales and profits, an enormous portion of the commission goes back to the members in the form of checks, airline tickets and hotel rooms at IJO conferences.
The amount of commission IJO receives is less than the commission the sales reps receive, but IJO 'reinvests' more than half of those funds to make a difference in the lives of its retail members. (How much of the sale’s rep’s commission do you get back?) With some companies it’s a fact that a sales rep will have a reduced commission if a retailer joins IJO; however, the vast majority of referrals of prospective members to IJO come from IJO suppliers’ sales reps. Most of them understand that the better you do, the better their company will do.
IJO members, despite the amount they’re doing in annual sales, get a volume discount by buying through the IJO group. The suppliers on the other hand, get increased volume by selling to 850 credit-worthy retailers, most of whom attend both IJO conferences every year. It’s a win-win for all.
If you have further questions please call Penny Palmer at 800-624-9252
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