Independent buyers join a "group"
At BuyQ our group is participating charter and private schools - today over 4,000+
How group purchasing works
Total purchasing power is leveraged
The purchasing capabilities of the full group (all participating schools) are pooled
Pricing & benefits are negotiated
Through national, competitive, and EDGAR-compliant RFPs, BuyQ sources pricing and benefits from suppliers based on the total purchasing potential of participating schools
Schools purchasing from supplier using GPO contract
Once a contract has been awarded, your school still purchases directly from the supplier (just at a discount!). Learn more about accessing your benefits here.
Helping you maximize your spend
When schools save money, students win. That’s why BuyQ is working to drive down operating costs for charter and private schools across the country. We do this through group purchasing that pools together the collective "buying power" of our school participants.
Why purchase through our contracts?
Our suppliers know charter & private schools
Our vendors work with charter and private schools every day and can help you make smart decisions within your budget. We are very rigorous in our RFP selection process and highly value vendors who truly know schools like yours!
You save money on regular purchases!
By leveraging the combined purchasing power of 4,000+ schools, we’ve negotiated discounts of up to 85% off retail and other benefits (i.e. free next-day shipping and extended payment terms) that you just won’t get buying on your own.
You save time and resources
BuyQ’s vendors are selected through an open, competitive RFP process and are vetted by a national committee of charter and private school representatives to save you administrative time and resources. Only go out to bid when you have to for specialty items and let us do the rest on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
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What is a Group Purchasing Organization?
A group purchasing organization (GPO) is an organization designed to enable groups of independent customers, like charter schools, to combine their purchasing power to negotiate discounts with vendors. GPO members have access to these deals and can purchase the same way they always have, only at a lower cost.
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Does it cost money to participate in BuyQ’s group purchasing contracts?
There is no cost to participate. Our services are completely free to our school participants. We keep the lights on by receiving a small portion of the sales that take place through our contracts from the vendors.
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What does it take to become a BuyQ participant?
To become a BuyQ participant simply sign up on our website. All charter and private schools are eligible.
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What are the benefits of being a BuyQ participant?
Purchasing through a BuyQ contract has many benefits. First, you’ll enjoy significant discounts on the products and services needed to run your school, as well as other benefits specifically designed for charter and private schools, like free shipping, extra discounts for new schools, volume-based discounts, and extended payment terms. Because BuyQ fully vets our vendors and negotiates the contracts on your behalf through an open and competitive RFP process, you also save time and can feel confident you are spending your dollars wisely. Finally, as a BuyQ purchaser, you can rely on BuyQ as your buying advocate. If you find that you need assistance resolving an issue with a BuyQ vendor, we will be available to assist you and advocate on your behalf.
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Do I have to purchase exclusively through BuyQ contracts in order to use the program?
No. Participation in BuyQ’s group purchasing contracts is completely voluntary and you are not required to use BuyQ contracts exclusively in order to access them.
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Do I have to engage with each individual BuyQ supplier to receive their offered discounts and benefits?
Yes. You must engage directly with each supplier and affiliate to their unique BuyQ contract to access your discounts and other benefits. The registration and affiliation process varies by vendor but is generally quick and easy. Visit Browse Suppliers to learn how to affiliate to each contract. In some cases, you can do so through the suppliers website. Or, you may need to email / call the BuyQ supplier contact who we will help you engage with.
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Can more than one person from my school be registered as a BuyQ participant?
Yes. Multiple representatives from your school can register as a BuyQ participant.