How Can Dues Still Be $60 Per Year?

NEBC was founded on the principle of making buying groups affordable for even the smallest of stores. Volunteers have operated NEBC since its founding, with most activities coordinated by Holyoke Community College Bookstore. The executive board will continue to make decisions based on our founding principle to keep membership affordable to all institutional operations.

How Effective Can NEBC Be Without Paid Staff?

NEBC has been effective over the years because members have been committed to making it work. Vendors have found working with NEBC both fair and profitable. NEBC has been effective enough to see store membership rise from 13 to more than 400, and vendor participation grow from 6 to more than 60 accepted vendors. NEBC has been able to help stores save thousands of dollars on merchandise costs, while providing opportunities to enhance sales through greater product diversity and lower inventory levels. NEBC has programs for such things as notebooks, binders, backpacks, sportswear, shopping bags, calculators, computer products, planners, and a variety of other products carried in college and prep school stores.

How Does Your Store Order and Keep Track of Approved Vendors?

Each February, NEBC publishes an approved vendor and product catalog, which in most cases is valid from March 1 until the end of February in the subsequent year. To order, you simply use your catalog and state NEBC terms and prices on the purchase order. This can be done direct with the company or through your vendor representative. All products are shipped directly to your store, and your store is billed directly by the vendor.

What Does Your Store Have to Order?

NEBC encourages each store to give our approved vendors the first opportunity in terms of your purchases, but there is no minimum that you are required to purchase in order to maintain your membership status. However, NEBC has been successful because most stores do use the catalog as a guide for purchases, and continue to support our vendor partners.

Is There a Trade Show to Attend in Order to Get the Best Deals?

No! NEBC believes that you have enough trade show opportunities with both your regional association meetings and CAMEX. Therefore, we encourage you to attend those shows. NEBC pricing has consistently been better than most show specials, but we encourage you to shop and compare .

Are There Any Meeting Requirements?

No! However, an organization operated by volunteers does need as much involvement from its members as is possible. NEBC has one major meeting in mid-February each year. This is both the annual meeting to conduct the business of NEBC, and the vendor proposal review meeting. The meeting is usually held in Manchester NH , and runs from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. NEBC welcomes store participation at this important meeting, and underwrites all rooms and meals for the first 40 stores that sign up to attend the meeting. Invitations go out in November – so keep this highly rewarding and interesting weekend open as you prepare your fall schedule .

More Questions?

Please feel free to contact NEBC president Mary Ellen Martin at 207-778-7325
or martinme@maine.edu