How to Sail/Sell to Schools

Online retail sales ARE growing• Amazon is Expanding into new markets• Vendors/Dealers/Competitors are improving websites• Many Shopping Mall Stores are showrooms

• Invest the time to thoroughly think through what you are going to do.

• Make a list of all the reasons doing business with schools is important to you.

• Be less calculated and more visual.

• Can you solve a problem for your school?

• School budgets have been cut in half… and the IT departments are taking most of it.

• Tap into the School’s employee directory.

“The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams” -Og Mandino

Potential Niche Selling Opportunities

Be “In the Know”They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

•Know your customer’s culture

•Listen, Listen, Listen… and then talk!

•Apply a human touch

•If you stumble, say you’re sorry

Work Your CustomerThey know your company and have already shown a need for your products. You know them!

•Do your research. What are your competitors doing?

•If the product addresses their needs, give them a sample first.

•Keep it short and keep them focused.

• Capital Projects Director • Procurement• Curriculum & Instruction• School Performance Office • AV Equipment Department• Before & After School Care Program• Character Education• Department of State & Federal Programs• Early Childhood• Early Learning Programs• ESOL/Language Minority• Even Start• Grants Development• Head Start• Information Technology • Mathematics • Purchasing/Supply Services• Reading – English – Language Arts • Special Education• Talented & Gifted Department• Technology• Title 1• Visual Arts

Defining Moments• Laurie,• • Thank you for the opportunity to meet today to discuss how

your company can benefit Calvert County Public Schools staff and students. I appreciate your willingness to customize services to the needs of our school district.

• • Also, thank you for the goodies from Panera.• • I look forward to receiving more information about the

Educate & Celebrate website. It will be a boon for us if/when the site reflects actual CCPS pricing. I will happy to share information about the site and services your company provides with our financial secretaries.

• • Thanks again and go Steelers!• Kevin• • Kevin Michael• Director of Procurement and Resource Management• Calvert County Public Schools• 410-535-7503 (office)• 410-535-7496 (fax)• michaelk@calvertnet.k12.md.us

U.S. Communities School Supply Contract

Powered by Independent Stationers

Independent Stationers

• Established in 1977 in Indianapolis, IN• Dealer owned cooperative

– Dealer Members own Independent Stationers – Answer to Main Street not Wall Street

• Currently have over 370 dealers – over 500 servicing locations – over 1,900 sales representatives

• Sales in excess of over $2.3 Billion• Relationships with major wholesalers• Over 98% + line fill rates

Who is U.S. Communities?

• The leading national cooperative purchasing program for non-federal tax supported agencies including– K-12 School Districts and Higher Education– State and Local Public Agencies – Non-Profits

• Founded by 5 national sponsors

Why Agencies Choose U.S. Communities?

• Competitively solicited contract by a lead public agency

• No cost to agencies to participate• Best overall government pricing• Optional and non-exclusive contracts• No minimum spending requirements

Over 65,000 agencies that are registered with U.S. Communities today

U.S. Communities School supply contract

Overview of School Supply Contract

Benefits of the Contract

The Power of Local

Products

• Most comprehensive and extensive school supply product offering anywhere– The products schools need by the manufacturers

they have come to trust– Over 23,000 items on contract– Access to over 350 manufacturers

• FREE shipping on all products • Products are delivered in days and not weeks

School Supply Products

• Flashcards• Reading/Language

Arts• Math • Social Studies • Arts and Crafts• General Office

Supplies

• Classroom & Essential Products

• Bulletin Boards• Classroom

Decorations• Teacher

Aids/Resources• Games and Puzzles

Pricing

• Fixed contract pricing - the price they see online is the price you pay – No surprises so it makes budgeting and auditing

easier

Programs That Stretch Budgets Further

Office Supply Contract

• Independent Stationers also is the sole awardee for the U.S. Communities Office Supply Contract– Lead Agency: County of Los Angeles– In 4th year of contract

• Over 23,000 office supply products on contract – General office supplies, breakroom, jan/san,

furniture, technology, paper, and tone (OEM and Reman)

– Volume and eCommerce rebates available

What’s in it for me…

• Win more new business• Win additional business

in existing accounts• Solidify your

relationships • Avoid going out to bid

I am interested, now what?

Visit Independent Stationers at our booth in Hall F at the IS Pavilion

Contact Tom Ashburn at ashburn@independentstationers.coop