FAQ

What are the costs associated with becoming a Universal Purchasing Association Member?

Universal Purchasing Association has two Membership plans from which to choose. Almost all Members will benefit most from our $500 per year plan. However, we do offer an alternative plan for Members doing a very high volume of industrial uniforms. Note that there are no additional costs associated with Universal Purchasing Association Membership.

Can I still order directly from my current suppliers after I join Universal Purchasing Association?

Yes, you continue to order directly from your suppliers with your current account numbers. Universal Purchasing Association simply ensures you receive the appropriate Member discounts.

How much money will I save?

The amount of money you will save through the Universal Purchasing Association program depends on which plan you join and how much you spend with Universal Purchasing Association program suppliers. We will be happy to calculate projected savings based on your individual situation.

Where can I find a list of suppliers in the Universal Purchasing Association program?

Here is a list of Universal Purchasing Association's program suppliers.

How will you keep me informed if prices change on items? Universal Purchasing Association is constantly in touch with our Members via newsletters, email, mail, and phone. Whenever a Universal Purchasing Association supplier changes their prices, you will be informed through a pricing alert in our monthly newsletter or via email.

Are there any rules associated with Universal Purchasing Association Membership?

Yes, Universal Purchasing Association Members must pay Universal Purchasing Association program suppliers according to terms, typically net 30. Members who do not comply risk being asked to leave Universal Purchasing Association, thereby losing all Universal Purchasing Association supplier discounts. For this reason, Universal Purchasing Association checks credit references before accepting all new Members.

What Makes Universal Purchasing Association different from other group purchasing organizations?

Universal Purchasing Association differentiates itself through these features:

  1. Multiple Membership plans to meet the varied needs of the uniform rental, direct sale, and promotional product companies, with fees starting as low as $500.
  2. Widest variety of top-quality suppliers in the uniform and textile rental, uniform sales, and promotional product industries.
  3. Support staff of 8 full-time employees

What additional benefits does Universal Purchasing Association provide?

Universal Purchasing Association suppliers offer a myriad of additional savings in the form of Universal Purchasing Association exclusive specials, freight offers, special embroidery pricing, and more. You will also benefit from the extensive support provided by your Member Service Representative in product sourcing and problem resolution, along with opportunities to network with other companies in your industry and learn from their successes.

What support can I expect from Universal Purchasing Association?

You can expect exceptional support from Universal Purchasing Association, with 8 full-time staff Members available to assist you and a Member Services Representative who will be your key contact for program questions, product sourcing assistance, and account management.

Universal Purchasing Association Online is just a click away, offering you instant access to our supplier database, Member database, limited-time supplier specials, classified ads, and much more!

Moreover, our print newsletter, The Link, and online newsletter, The WebLink, are devoted to keeping you informed of the latest news at Universal Purchasing Association. Other forms of communication include Member surveys, phone conversations, and the use of fax and e-mail to notify you of time-sensitive supplier specials.

What is Universal Purchasing Association's organizational structure and its advantage?

Unlike other group purchasing organizations, Universal Purchasing Association is legally structured as a limited partnership. Decisions to add new suppliers, remove old suppliers and make positive changes can be made quickly by Universal Purchasing Association staff without having to wait for the annual Membership meeting. Our approach is about being responsive to Member needs and adapting easily to market changes. Universal Purchasing Association regularly solicits and receives input from Members. Joining Universal Purchasing Association means you gain the status of group Member and access to every program available.

Why is Universal Purchasing Association the group purchasing organization of choice for those whose uniform business includes promotional products?

Universal Purchasing Association has the infrastructure to support your promotional products efforts through its relationship with the industries' top promotional products suppliers as well as the Advertising Specialties Institute (ASI). Members are assured access to premium quality products at the lowest prices. Moreover, newcomers and those exploring the industry can receive special training on how to design a profitable program.