Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike traditional buying groups, which are often outdated and don't prioritise members' needs, IBG operates as a Virtual Support Office (VSO). We are member-led, meaning we take your feedback seriously and build our model around you. Our approach goes beyond just group purchasing, offering comprehensive support in areas such as marketing, business consulting, and operational efficiency. We're committed to evolving with our members' needs to provide relevant, valuable services that drive your business growth.

To join IBG, please visit here. There, you'll find detailed information about our membership process and an application form. Our team will review your application and contact you to discuss how we can best support your business needs.

Yes, there is a low-cost monthly membership fee. This fee enables us to provide high-quality, consistent support to all our members. We strive to keep our fees affordable to ensure a strong return on investment for all our members.

In some instances, yes, we do receive commissions from our benefit partners. Many of our partnerships are established purely for the benefit of our members, with no financial gain for IBG.

Most product suppliers provide us with a small fee that enables us to provide our credit facility, systems, and product support. Our priority is always to secure the best possible deals and services for our members, regardless of any potential commission.

We'd love to hear from you! While we have expertise in specific industries, we're always open to expanding our support to new sectors. Please reach out to us. We'll be happy to discuss your business needs and explore how we might be able to support you.

IBG works with a diverse range of small to medium-sized businesses. We have particular expertise in sectors such as appliances, technology, toys, gifts, hospitality, and retail. However, our services can be adapted to support businesses in various industries.

As a Virtual Support Office, we offer a comprehensive range of services including but not limited to:

• Business consultancy
• Marketing support
• Visual merchandising
• Procurement and supply chain optimisation
• Access to premium brands
• Financial and legal support through our partners
• Operational efficiency improvements
• Networking opportunities with other members

The timeline for seeing results can vary depending on your specific business needs and the services you utilise. Some members see immediate benefits from access to better pricing or new product lines. Others may experience gradual improvements in efficiency and profitability over several months. We work closely with each member to set realistic expectations and track progress.

We are committed to staying at the forefront of industry developments. This includes ongoing research, attending industry conferences, maintaining close relationships with suppliers and partners, and most importantly, listening to our members. Your feedback and experiences are invaluable in helping us understand emerging trends and adapt our services accordingly.

We operate very transparently, and want to ensure that IBG is the right fit for your business. While there is no minimum contract period, notice periods do apply.

We greatly value member feedback and suggestions. You can provide feedback through your designated IBG representative, via our member portal, or during our regular member surveys and meetings. We actively encourage members to share their ideas for new services or improvements to existing ones.