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SHORT HISTORYIn 1990 wholesaler-distributors from across the country joined forces and founded the Wholesale Marketing Alliance (WMA). WMA Wholesalers specialize in the distribution of school, office, and related products for dealers/retailers to use as stock for resale. We are strategically located across the United States for better service and easier access. |
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OBJECTIVESThe primary objectives of WMA are to: |
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| • | Develop and implement value-added marketing strategies to better serve our mutual interest (retailers, members and manufacturers). | |||
| • | Enhance marketing value and group buying power advantages. | |||
| • | Provide a mechanism to offer our dealers/retailers opportunities not readily available otherwise. | |||
| • | Benefit manufacturers by effectively providing quick national product exposure. | |||
| • | Provide a national distribution network presence. | |||
PRODUCT CATEGORIESMerchandise is offered in the categories of office, collegiate, educational, stationery, engineering, drafting, computer accessories, art supplies, and related products. These categories include: |
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| Writing Instruments & Accessories Calendars, Organizers, & Reference Books Presentation & Visual Products Desk Accessories & Lighting Forms & Accounting Supplies Business Cases & Travel Accessories Computer & Typewriter Supplies, etc. Electronics, Calculators, Telephones, etc. Apartment Living & Dorm Supplies |
Paper, Labels, & Accessories Binders & Accessories General Business Supplies Filing Products & Organizers Art & Craft Supplies Drafting & Engineering Supplies Teacher Aids Specialty Items Warehouse Supplies |
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WMA ADVANTAGEWMA members remain independent and uniquely responsive to a dynamic marketplace. |
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| • | National product support through five partnering wholesalers with innovative promotions directed toward repeat sales for our dealer/retailer partners. | |||
| • | In-store service by an experienced wholesale sales staff of over 100 nationwide. | |||
| • | Immediate support and market introduction of new products and displays. | |||
| • | National marketing catalogs and promotions with regional distribution and sales support. | |||
| • | Centralized feedback to the manufacturer regarding product, dealer, and pricing issues. | |||
| DEALER/RETAILER BENEFITS | ||||
| • | You purchase product packaged the way you need it… bulk, carded or in displays. | |||
| • | You can purchase in broken case lots. | |||
| • | Your orders are shipped, freight pre-paid, with low minimum orders. | |||
| • | Order turn-around time is quick and most orders are shipped the same day. | |||
| • | Your unique needs are met by a salesperson knowledgeable in the products you sell. | |||
| PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE CATALOGS (Mcat & Ycat) We produce two annual marketing “promotional” catalogs to introduce new products and to enhance on-going product visibility in the marketplace. |
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| • | Our School and Office Merchandise Catalog (Mcat) is distributed annually in March, with a focus on Back-To-School promotions. Retailers use the Mcat for a full year and special promotional pricing is offered through the regular BTS season. | |||
| • | Our annual School and Office Merchandise Catalog II (Ycat) arrives in September with a focus on BTS 2nd Term, Year-End (Holiday), and Tax Season promotions. Retailers use the Ycat for six months (September until March) with special promotional pricing through the noted seasons. | |||
| The Mcat and the Ycat are professional four-color pieces that feature displays of carded and bulk products. To qualify, participating manufacturers need to be doing business with a minimum of two of our members. If a manufacturer is not currently doing business with at least two WMA members, they can request a proposal packet from WMA. A WMA committee will review the proposal for consideration. | ||||
PROMOTIONAL PARTICIPATIONManufacturers seeking to participate in WMA promotional catalogs should request participation packets and plan to submit their proposals by the following dates: |
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| • | Mcat: Invitations go out in August; manufacturing submissions must be received by September 20. (Emphasis is on regular BTS) | |||
| • | Ycat: Invitations go out in April; manufacturing submissions must be received by May 15. (BTS 2nd Term, Holiday, & Tax Season) | |||
| M/Ycat Participation Invitations, documents, and forms are sent out via E-Mail. Manufacturer proposals are submitted to WMA via E-Mail on or before the above deadlines. | ||||
| Face-to-Face (FTF) Invitation - Holding an FTF meeting with a member of our Buying Committee (Bcom) is not required. However, we offer a standing FTF invitation to our manufacturing partners if anyone would like to meet FTF with a member of Bcom before submitting their proposal. FTF meetings must be scheduled in advance and must occur between September 1st and October 5th for Mcat and between May 1st and June 5th for Ycat. Members of Bcom are listed under our Organization menu option. | ||||
ANNUAL ILLUSTRATED PRODUCT CATALOG (Ecat)WMA produces a customized annual Illustrated Product Catalog (Ecat) for each WMA member. Ecats are designed in four-color. Ecat production is based solely on those Sku’s each WMA member requests. Each WMA member controls entry into their Ecat based on the number of products to be featured, product sales, and manufacturer catalog allowances. Billing for Ecat production comes directly from the individual WMA members, NOT from WMA Headquarters. |
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| • | Ecat: Invitations normally go out between December and February. | |||
| • | Manufacturing submissions are due back within three weeks. | |||
| • | Manufacturers can request additions updates. Please contact us. | |||
SHOPPING CARTS (storefronts)As an added benefit, with Sku revisions (additions/deletions/updates) obtained from theabove M/Y/Ecat procedures, WMA uploads Sku data and images to the shopping carts (storefronts) of most of the WMA members. |
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| WMA Members |
Wholesale Marketing Alliance, Inc. (WMA) |
