What are the Advantages of Joining a Buying Group, and Can it Help Your Business?

Being a member of a Buying Group not only brings buying power, but there are other benefits as well.

Feed
The main commodity of the group is the supply of compounds, blends and straights. We can offer members the flexibility of being supplied through our costbook system or with a fixed price contract. 

All our compounds are manufactured to a high specification, and we independently test monthly to check that they meet our standards.  We have a vast range of diets to suit you and your milk buyers’ requirements, i.e., soya free, palm free.

An added benefit of being a member, if you purchase feed through the group, we offer free silage analysis and nutritional advice. We can also supply feed supplements.

Milk Powder
We supply a number of different milk powders depending on your requirements. We offer advice on which is the best powder for your system and what to look for in a milk powder.  We actively follow the market to ensure you are buying at the right time.  Our suppliers offer a back-up service if you would like a farm visit.

Seed
We have been working with our primary seed supplier for the past seven years. They supply competitively priced Grass & Herbal Ley Seed, Environmental and Cover Crop Mixes, Maize Seed and Bespoke Mixes.  All their mixes are listed on the Recommended Seed List. 

Fuel
As a group we are purchasing large volumes of fuel, therefore able to secure competitive prices for group members.

Fertiliser
We work closely with our suppliers so we can see what is happening in the market and when, giving regular updates as to market trends.

Being in the group brings many other advantages with discounts on CIS Johnes Testing, Ear Tags, Kiwikit/Datamars products, Dairy Chemicals, Silage Sheets, Fencing & Handling equipment and much more.  All offering discounts compared with buying on your own.

Shopping Around
Whenever we are asked to quote for products, where possible we obtain between three and five prices to ensure we are achieving the best possible price.  However, we don’t just look at the cheapest, there are several other things to consider when choosing which product offers best value for money:

Quality – We compare products on a level playing field.  As an example, we check the ME of all our feeds; when comparing prices, we check the cost per MJ of energy. 

Quantity – i.e when comparing IBC prices, we check we are being priced for the same volume and if necessary, work out the cost per litre.

Concentration Rates – i.e milk powder mix rates of powder to water vary considerably, therefore we work out the price to mix 1 litre of replacer.

Haulage – we check whether haulage/delivery is included in the price or if this in addition to the price quoted.

Delivery Timescale – we check delivery lead times, there’s no point ordering the cheapest if it is going to delivered after you have run out!

Follow The Market – we actively follow the market; in a volatile market buying in bulk can cost you in the long run if we are in a falling market. There is no point storing a depreciating commodity. 

Shop Around - just because a supplier was the cheapest the last time we priced; does not necessarily mean they will be the next time.

We make savings by buying in bulk, paying on time, looking around for the cheapest deal for you so saving you time and doing the hard work for you.  We send one consolidated monthly invoice with a breakdown of all the products and services supplied through the month.

If you don’t want to be a member, we also have DBL Direct, where you can use us like any other merchant, but we will still look to find the best deal for you.

If you would like to discuss the benefits of joining a Buying Group please contact our Sales Manager Louise Cox on 07943 684215 or e-mail louise@dblbuyinggroup.co.uk.