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Elevate by Principal
Solutions Group purchasing

Group purchasing

Smiling business owner standing behind the counter of her retail shop.

Lower your costs and grow your business.

Join our free Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) and achieve discounted group rates for services and expenses you already use to run your business.

Get started today

Why use a GPO?

A GPO offers unparalleled purchasing power, connecting businesses with exclusive discounts and streamlined procurement solutions.

Cost efficiency

Access exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services, driving significant cost savings for your business.

Tailored solutions

Benefit from procurement strategies designed to deliver improved efficiency.

Vendor diversity

Gain access to a diverse network of trusted suppliers who offer a wide selection of quality products.

Expert support

Receive dedicated support from our team who guide you through every step of the process to help maximize your savings.

Savings across multiple categories from brands you trust.

We’re able to extend these discounts to you through our agreement with OMNIA Partners, Inc.

Brands currently available through OMNIA Partners and Premier, Inc. as of March 2024. This is not an all-inclusive list but provided to show some brands currently offering discounts through the GPO.

A person walking with a rolling suitcase.

Designed for business owners like you.

Tailored to the unique needs of small and midsized businesses, discounts cover multiple categories.

  • Manufacturing materials
  • Freight & logistics
  • IT & telecom
  • Facilities
  • Travel
  • And much more
A business owner and employee prepare several packages for shipment.
“Through the group purchasing organization, I’ll potentially save $15,000 in just one spend category. It’s a meaningful amount that can be reinvested back into our business for future growth.”
Van Clarkson, President of Fairchild Equipment

How it works

By simply signing up for a free Elevate by Principal account, you get instant access to discounts from Amazon Business, Lowe’s Pro, and Hertz. For additional savings, you can connect your accounting software and we’ll identify vendors in your accounts payable that align with discounts available in the GPO. When there’s a direct match, we can set you up to receive a lower group rate or look for discounts with competitors of your current vendor.

Samples of potential savings up to 39% available from the GPO.

A sample of average savings potential, OMNIA, 2023.

Sign up and save money today

Sign up today and receive discounts from Amazon Business, Lowe’s Pro, and Hertz. Get savings on membership fees, products, and more.

Connect to your software

With your accounting data, we can see which vendors you pay and where we can save you money. We can also use your data to uncover Elevated Insights.

Discuss your options

Sometimes, we can save you money if you switch a vendor to a competitor. Our concierge team can talk you through your options and next steps.

Start saving today

Frequently asked questions

How a group purchasing organization (GPO) works

Elevate by Principal partners with a GPO that negotiates with suppliers to provide discounted rates that business owners typically can’t obtain on an individual business basis. Business owners benefit from lower costs on goods and services, as well as less time spent trying to negotiate rates.

Is there a cost to join the GPO and/or is there an annual membership fee?

No, there are no costs or joining fees.

Will I be obligated or “locked into” a contract once I get started with the GPO?

There are no requirements for business owners to purchase from specific suppliers. However, you may need to sign an agreement with certain suppliers to receive discounts.

Does Elevate by Principal make money from the GPO?

Yes. When a business owner saves money, Elevate by Principal receives a small percentage of what the business spends with that supplier.

Discounts and savings

How much could my business potentially save with a GPO?

Savings vary from business to business depending on a variety of factors. It’s possible to save up to 20% on some business expenses.

Is the discount a set percentage per company?

In most cases, there isn’t a flat discounted rate. Discounts/savings will depend on the supplier, the quantities purchased, and existing negotiated rates. Your concierge can help you determine the categories and suppliers where you might save the most.

Are there purchase minimums I need to reach to qualify? What if I don’t meet a minimum for a given category?

A few suppliers have minimum spend thresholds. If you do not meet a particular supplier spend threshold, we can look at other suppliers that might offer similar products or services.

What changes would need to happen to my existing spending (if any) to realize savings?

This will depend on the supplier. Some have escalating/tiered discounts and other pricing structures. Your concierge can help you make this determination.

Are there any other offers or benefits a business owner might get through the GPO?

Yes. For example, suppliers could offer special shipping terms, payment terms could be extended, fees could be waived, and more.

Eligible suppliers and categories

What if my current vendors aren’t offered through the GPO?

You have options. For most categories of spend, there are multiple suppliers. If alternatives are available, we can show you how your current supplier compares with other suppliers that offer the same products and/or services at potentially lower costs. Then you can decide if you want to take advantage of those savings by changing providers—no pressure.

Will I still be able to purchase from my existing suppliers if I join the GPO?

You always have a choice. We’ll start by looking at opportunities to utilize existing suppliers if they are part of the GPO. If your existing suppliers don’t currently participate, there may be an opportunity to save on the same or similar products or services by switching to a GPO supplier. You’re always free to purchase from your existing suppliers, GPO suppliers, or a mix of both.

Connecting with suppliers, onboarding, and ordering

Will I have specific contacts at each company I want to work with, and will I contact them directly to find discounts?

Your concierge will take the lead to understand where there may be savings opportunities for you. This can take place through conversations, or you can simply share your annual spend (accounts payable) details. Once we have identified a savings opportunity, there may be steps to activate the savings with the suppliers. We work hard to make the process as easy as possible.

If I choose to provide my accounts payable/expense data, how will it be used?

You may make hundreds or even thousands of purchases throughout the year across a variety of categories. With visibility to the big picture, we can help you discover potential savings through GPO contracts as well as other opportunities, such as technology updates, supplier consolidation, or streamlined procurement processes.

How do you handle data/privacy concerns?

When you trust us with your personal information, we take that seriously. Our file transfer system uses secure protocols and encryption to safeguard your data, and we adhere to strict privacy principles. For more information about how we protect and secure your information, please see our privacy policy.

How will I place orders utilizing the GPO? How much time and administrative work is involved?

In most cases, you will place orders the same way you do today. We’ll work with you to get the discount applied to your orders with limited to no administrative work on your end.

What’s the onboarding process to start utilizing the GPO and how quickly can I start saving?

Once you’ve registered to participate, we’ll ask you to provide your top non-personnel spends through conversation, or you can simply share your annual spend (accounts payable) details. Then your concierge will research available savings opportunities and walk you through the results. As soon as we get the discount in place, you can begin saving on future purchases.

Ashley Maher-Widen an Elevate by Principal concierge team member.

Lean on our team.

Sometimes it can feel lonely being responsible for a growing business. Our team is here to answer questions, offer insights, and make connections. Schedule a free conversation today.

Ashley Maher-Widen, CEPA®

Elevate by Principal concierge team member

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