More New Association and Industry Shipping Programs
05/09/2013 — Scott Frederick
Major associations and trade groups continue to work with PartnerShip to create valuable shipping programs for their members or stakeholders. As more groups race for relevance, they realize that shipping services are a valuable benefit that most of their participating members, merchants, or businesses both want and need.
Already this year, PartnerShip has either launched - or is in the process of launching - new programs for members of the following diverse industry groups:
- 1,500 businesses that are a part of the recreation and leisure-time food and beverage industry;
- 10,000 business that support all facets of funeral services;
- 500 manufacturers located in the Northeast Ohio;
- 1,800 corporate and 7,000 branch locations that participate in the national furniture retailing industry;
- 2,500 participants in the oil and natural gas industry;
- 790 companies that support the retail facilities management industry; and
- 2,200 suppliers to the collegiate retail industry.
Over 110 associations and/or industry groups now have a shipping program through PartnerShip, with many more in the planning stages. The feedback we generally receive from the groups we work with is how impressed they are with the PartnerShip process for building, implementing, marketing and managing our shipping programs. Since we have nearly 25 years of experience of doing just that, it shouldn't be too surprising that we have really perfected the process. Generally, most of our programs including the following components:
Research and Development
We conduct a thorough survey and analysis of the shipping characteristics and requirements of the members or businesses participating in the association or industry group.
Customized Program Design
Based on our research and knowledge of the transportation industry, we create a program specifically designed for the intended users of the program. The shipping services will generally cover everything from small packages, to big LTL freight shipments, as well as exhibit shipments for trade shows. The discount structures vary based on shipping characteristics and potential, but the discounts will typically be greater than what the member businesses could negotiate on their own. PartnerShip also brings expertise to inbound shipping management, and we'll often build commonly used vendor lists as part of our program design.
Implementation
Once a program has been developed, we work with our association or industry group clients to introduce the service to their members, merchants or businesses. The timing, sequence of the roll-out, and communications channels used are all part of the collaborative process.
Marketing Support
PartnerShip provides a full range of marketing support to communicate the program's benefits, including email promotions, customized websites, online and print advertising, and more.
Dedicated Program Manager
A dedicated Program Manager who will oversee each of our programs, work with our clients to develop a marketing plan, and will be there to assist with any program-related questions.
Dedicated Account Representatives
Beginning with the implementation phase and continuing throughout the life of the program, PartnerShip devotes dedicated Account Representative and sales professionals who provide timely and knowledgeable customer support.
Monitoring and Reporting
Clients can track participation in the program monthly using our full reports, allowing them to closely follow the success of the program.
Non-Dues Revenue
The more the program is used, the more non-dues revenue that will be generated for the association or trade group to invest in educational programs, member services, and special events.
Recruiting & Retention
Ultimately, a PartnerShip shipping program provides our clients with a valuable recruiting and retention tool, keeping their association or trade group relevant and important for the participating members or businesses.
If you want to learn more about how PartnerShip can help you build a program for your association, trade group or industry segment - click the icon shown to the right to get started.