“Through Office National we have access to a wide range of suppliers we wouldn’t necessarily be able to buy from on our own. It gives us leverage to buy from e.g. Mondi Paperlink directly and not via a third party that drives up the costs. We also have access to ON contacts at suppliers if there are issues to sort out. Negotiated discounts and rebates to keep stock costs to a minimum. We also get deals we would never have gotten on our own. Support in point-of-sale information (pricing, stock codes, etc.) to save time and money in setting up a very technical system. We can also leverage a knowledge base of owners who has used IQ before we have. The use of a professional design team to create marketing material, saving time and giving professional creative input to a branch in a rural area who doesn’t even have a professional graphic designer in town. The fact that Office National is already a recognisable brand helps us a lot. It often happens that someone who is new in our area contact us for stationery because they have dealt with another Office National in the past.
You get a foot in the door at many places independent places won’t because of this trusted brand. Office National gives us access to a coherent brand identity and a management team that takes great pride in preserving the integrity of the ON brand. A new supplier doesn’t know about EDK, but they know about Office National. The use of a website and online store without any effort from our side. Clients are amazed when we show them the website and catalogue. The exclusive use of ON branded products (strengthening brand identity) and selling exclusive products like the ON whiteboards, copy paper and pens. A management team that takes time to research products. You get a sense that someone is rooting for you. They want to help you succeed. They have new ideas and ways to take a stationery store into the digital age. You get a sense that you are not alone in this. You have access to other owners and an amazing management team who can give expert advice out of experience and who has the same drive to make a success out of your business. You get much more value than what you pay for in monthly fees.”
Hanrie, Member since September 2004
