Glass Industry Association News 

August 7, 2000 

Program designed to bring members discounts & rebates.

    The AmeriGlass Group-Buying Program is designed to bring its members discounts and rebates on the wide range of services and products that glass shops use on a daily basis. It’s anticipated that participants will receive savings of up to 40 percent off list price on items purchased through AmeriGlass. In addition, some vendors may offer rebates of 5 to 8 percent on their products on a semi-annual basis.

    "Currently, we’re in negotiations with 25 vendors who offer everything from glass, accessories, and tools to cleaners and towels," said Tim Smale, chief executive officer of the IGA. "We’re even in discussions with a provider of property and casualty insurance."

    AmeriGlass was established in response to a recent survey of IGA members, in which 85 percent of them requested that the association develop a group-buying program. AmeriGlass takes its cue from the success of group-buying programs for independent businesses in other industries, such as pharmacies, hardware stores, and auto parts, Mr. Smale said.

    "With nearly 10,000 independent glass shops operating nationwide, there’s a tremendous opportunity to create economies of scale by banding independents together for a group-buying program," he said. "The establishment of AmeriGlass is a key step forward for the IGA in its mission of developing ways for independents to succeed in today’s business environment."

    AmeriGlass also offers excellent opportunities for vendors, Mr. Smale said.

    "This program provides vendors with a very efficient way to market to the thousands of independent glass shops across North America and to develop long-term relationships with them."

    With interest in the AmeriGlass Group-Buying Program running so high, the IGA is now working on developing other programs to benefit members.

    "We’re exploring ways for independent shops to direct bill insurance companies," said Mr. Smale. "We’re also looking at programs for a national warranty, safety and quality training, installation certification, and marketing. Judging from the enthusiastic response to AmeriGlass, the sky’s the limit in terms of leveraging the power of the independents as one cohesive body."

    To date, 142 businesses representing 274 locations have enrolled as AmeriGlass members. Enrollment in AmeriGlass is open to all IGA members. Businesses may join the IGA, whose dues start at $295 per year, and then register in AmeriGlass, which has a one-time flat joining fee that covers all company locations, without a separate fee for each shop. The regular AmeriGlass joining fee is $395; however, currently, a limited number of Charter Memberships are available for $295.

    To register or for more information, call the Independent Glass Association at (909) 659-5972 or e-mail the association.

    The Independent Glass Association, headquartered in Idyllwild, California, represents nearly 1600 independent locations throughout North America.

    The Ameriglass Program was announced in February (see previous Glasslinks story).

    The IGA has established a separate website www.ameriglass.org where details can be found. The IGA website is located at www.iga.org. 

source: IGA Press Release