"Our mission statement is simple; Keeping members competitive with quality products, keeping members advised of industry developments, encouraging ethical and prudent business practices, and maintaining strength through unity and numbers"
Dennis Shields, TRIB Executive Director

Left to right; Dennis Shields (TRIB Executive Director), Karl Wicker (TRIB Member Services Coordinator), Yvette Sutton of Rent USA (TRIB Member), and Terry Beville (TRIB Treasurer) of Buddy's Home Furnishings at the 2004 APRO buying show in Tampa, FL.

The Rental Industry Buying Group (TRIB), will begin it's annual vendor review in November. "We exist to get better programs for our members," said Dennis Shields (who's who), TRIB Executive Director. Shields explained that, every year, all current and prospective vendors are reviewed to insure TRIB members are getting best prices. "To qualify as a TRIB vendor, you must offer our members significantly better prices than they can get on their own," said Shields.

TRIB is the largest RTO specific buying group in the United States. It was formed in 1983 by a group of independent dealers to negotiate better pricing with suppliers in order to compete with large chains. According to Shields, TRIB has been a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers ever since. "Our buying power is such that vendors can be assured they will have the volume to offset discounts, and our members pay less for inventory. Everybody wins," he said. Members buy a combined $125 million from TRIB vendors annually.

In addition to discounts, some companies offer annual rebates if buying goals are met. For example GE and O'Rourke Distributing offer up to a 4% rebate annually.

Craig Moon (left) demonstrates a Craftsman tool chest during the recent Midwest RTO Expo in Columbus, Ohio

TRIB members are often the first to see new product introductions. Craig Moon, National Account Manager for Sears Contract Sales, an approved TRIB vendor, recently introduced Tool Chests to members. "When I came on board with Sears in 2003, I felt it was imperative to our success in the RTO industry to become an approved TRIB vendor," said Moon. "TRIB members represent a large portion of our RTO customer base. We reward that by offering members a 'first look' and the opportunity to expand their product offering."

"Our mission statement is simple," said Shields, "Keeping members competitive with quality products, Keeping members advised of industry developments, Encouraging ethical and prudent business practices, and Maintaining strength through unity and numbers." TRIB has been very successful at luring independent dealers since 1983. The group represents 124 companies operating over 1,700 rent to own locations.

TRIB members are exceptionally loyal. Most will not even consider buying outside the group. "When a vendor calls, the first question I ask is; Are you a TRIB approved vendor?" said Ernie Lewallen, owner of UHR Rents and TRIB Board Member serving as Chairman of the electronics committee. This loyalty is what keeps vendors knocking at the door.

"Dozens of vendors apply every year," said Shields. "If we already have an approved vendor in a category, they become the standard. If another supplier can offer the same quality and service at a lower price, the Product Committee reviews the prospective vendor and makes the call." TRIB product committee members:  Furniture & Accessories, Appliance & Jewelry, Electronics, and Speciality.

It's not just about inventory. "TRIB negotiates pricing on everything a rent to own dealer buys," Shields said. "Everything from appliances to envelopes. If it's needed to run a rental purchase company, we negotiate a better price than a dealer can get on their own."